Guest Spencers_Greyt Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 When I came home Tues. night, Spencer had re-split his toes & webbing again so I dropped him off Wed. morning to get more stitches. While he was anesthesized, I had them do x-rays along his spine, do a urinalysis (because there was blood in his urine) and trim his nails. So the update is that Spencer has an UTI (which might explain his incontinence). He has a couple of compressed discs just below his shoulders (which explains his wobbly back legs) and the vet didn't think he needed a MRI and didn't think he had a tumor. No cancer or Valley Fever in the bones either. So now Spencer's foot is all bandaged up which can come off on Sat. Then I need to walk him morning and night starting on Monday to build up the strength of his back legs. It will be good for both of us. Spencer is on antibiotics for the UTI and his stitched up foot. The vet is having me try an estrogen medication to help with the incontinence. He also said there are vet surgeons locally that do surgery for compressed discs but he said that they usually do it with totally paralyzed dogs as the surgery isn't always successful and can leave the dog paralyzed still. Plus since Spencer has more than one compressed disc it ups the odds. So I'm not going to pursue that route as I don't want him to become totally paralyzed! But it's available if he ever does. So now it's a wait and see I guess. I'm slowly weaning Spencer off the Pred which I hope helps the incontinence too. At least I know now what exactly is wrong with Spencer's spine and he isn't in any pain which is most important. So that's where Spencer and I are. My life is totally consumed by Spencer every minute of the day. I got up 4 times with him Tues. night because he was hot and restless and wanted to go outside to cool off. I had the A/C running to cool down the house and then I turn on a floor fan over him during the tonight. The things we do for our fur babies! Needless to say, I feel like I'm running on empty. It's hard being only one person to help and care for Spencer. I run home every day at lunch to let him outside too. I'm exhausted but feel better knowing what the problem is and working towards making Spencer better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patsy Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Glad to hear you finally have some answers! Quote Patsy and DH with the Humane Society specials, Linus & Jazz, in North Dakota Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 So glad you know where you stand now. You are doing a fantastic job of taking care of Spencer, although I realize it must be very tiring. Hang in there! Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Is he on any meds now for his back? I would think compressed discs are painful. The pred would have helped with inflammation. Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spencers_Greyt Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Is he on any meds now for his back? I would think compressed discs are painful. The pred would have helped with inflammation. No meds for his back besides the Pred. Spencer isn't in any pain. The vet said that eventually things go numb which is what he thinks is going on with Spencer and his wobbly back legs. I recognize pain signs in Spencer and he hasn't exhibited any as of right now. I have Tramadol in case he does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Poor guy, once the UTI is cleared up, he should feel better. I sure do appreciate what you mean about caring for them when you're alone. It's tough, no doubt about it! We've had some pretty warm days recently and I've had to run the swamp for Misty because the Cushings causes her to run hot. Give that boy a hug from us, and remember to take care of yourself Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Glad you have answers. Hoping Spencer will feel better after the UTI clears up. I understand how your life revolves around him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I am so happy that there is nothing sinister going on as far as a cancer. Kiss him for me...I am glad you have some answers. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I am so happy to hear that you have some answers at last and a course of action. Prayers and good thoughts for Spencer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rascalsmom Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I'm glad to hear you got some answers. It is hard when they don't feel good, and being the only one....I am so thankful to have my husband to help with Buddy. Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 It's so much better to know what the problems are, so congratulations for that! Hope you get some rest when the UTI clears up. Will acupuncture continue to help? Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spencers_Greyt Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 It's so much better to know what the problems are, so congratulations for that! Hope you get some rest when the UTI clears up. Will acupuncture continue to help? Hi Mary - at least we both have answers for our Spencers! I think acupuncture will probably help but now I'm looking into a chiropractor for Spencer because the acupuncture the last several times didn't give any improvement. Right now I'm trying really hard not to have to drive him anywhere as it stresses him out so badly. I can get the chiro to come to the house but I need to talk to her more about it over the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 There's a reason that Spencer is with you. Not sure if this is it, but isn't he the lucky one! Sounds like you and he will be much more comfortable (and rested!) with the situation once the UTI is cleared up and the Pred is out of his system. Prayers for Spencer and hugs for you! Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I wouldn't use estrogen for incontinence until the UTI is for sure gone! Also, chiropractic will help. Sending prayers. Usually in a male that has incontinence (not caused by a UTI) they are given progesterin shots. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spencers_Greyt Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I wouldn't use estrogen for incontinence until the UTI is for sure gone! Also, chiropractic will help. Sending prayers. Usually in a male that has incontinence (not caused by a UTI) they are given progesterin shots. The vet said that testosterone shots are available for the incontinence but he said they are quite costly and the estrogen does the trick for a lot less money. I asked him about waiting for the UTI clearing up and he said no although I was kind of wondering about that too. Spencer is going to continue to have incontinence until his UTI is cleared up and he's off Pred so I'm thinking the estrogen wouldn't really do anything right now..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Glad you got some answers so you at least know what you're dealing with. for you. I agree with Diane about the estrogen. I would let the antibiotics work and the pred clear out of his system and then see if he still has incontinence issues. ABs usually work pretty quickly for UTIs although I think it takes longer for pred to clear out of the system and I'm assuming you're gradually weaning him off. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Glad to hear he's not in any pain & that bad things have been ruled out. And I hope the abx & lack of pred clears up his incontinence. (Here is an article on it with some alternatives to DES.) to you & Spencer. I live alone too & I know how tiring & worrisome it can be. Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 You are right it's testosterone shots. As far as I know they are not that costly, are done every 3-4 months. Estrogen you have to really watch--can lower platelets. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spencers_Greyt Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Glad to hear he's not in any pain & that bad things have been ruled out. And I hope the abx & lack of pred clears up his incontinence. (Here is an article on it with some alternatives to DES.) to you & Spencer. I live alone too & I know how tiring & worrisome it can be. Excellent article! Thank you very much!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 It is good that you finally know what you are dealing with! I know Spencer gets acupuncture, you might ask your acupuncturist to give him a couple of needles in his "pee spot" Sugar had problems with incontinence when she had her back end problems, and the acupuncture vet did her "pee spot" (that was what she called it) and it really helped. Clearing up the UTI will be the biggest help, of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 So happy you have some answers, now to get the results you need. Continued prayers for Spencer. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MAXNAV Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 Can't a chiropractor help with the compressed discs? I don't know anything about this in dogs, but I go to the chiro, and my doctor has helped so much with my back. I would think that they could give some relief from the compression? Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 Sending prayers for Spencer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 You are a good grey mommy and Spencer knows it! Hugs to both of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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