Neck Injury--Ruby

[grey14me]

:hope

[Guest WarmheartedPups]

I have no advice....just prayers for Ruby.

 

It sounds like an awful experience.

[DesiRayMom]

Prayers for Ruby.....hope the steroids work their magic!

[Ullaluv]

Sending lots of prayers, Melissa. Let me know if there is anything I can do from this distance, OK?

 

I have to wonder if she ran into the door *because* she was unsteady on her feet.

 

 

Similar thought here. I have been wondering if she had a stroke or other neurological event that caused her to walk into the door, rather than running into the door and causing a neck injury. Some of what you describe sounds neurologic. Dogs certainly recover from strokes. I hope she responds to the treatment and to the love that you have for her. Sending tons of white light and prayers.

[rascalsmom]

I think she ran into the door because she wanted to go inside and eat. It was an hour before their dinner time, and Ruby ALWAYS knows when that is....I was reaching for the door, to let Rascal out, and Ruby thought the screen was open, and smashed into it. She couldn't've been 3 or 4 feet from it, truly.

[tbhounds]

My gang has run into the screen door numerous times-- while it's a pita to fix, I guess I have been lucky that the door has always pooped out of the runner.

[NancyB]

Sending many prayers for Ruby!

[Guest greytkidsmom]

Healing prayers for Ruby.

[Guest Che_mar_Cody]

Cody slipped a disc in his neck about 2 years ago. I went through the same route as you with MRI & surgery option. We waited to see how the Prednisone would work, was on it for 6 weeks and he did heal enough that we didn't need any of it. He's 30% paralyzed but still we didn't have to go that route and like you I was afraid as he was/is a senior hound.

 

Hardest part is keeping them still. We weren't allowed (still not) steps more then 2 or 3, no jumping, running, thrashing of the neck, etc. He still is limited on activities but I'm really surprised how he did bounce back. Keep your hopes up. Butler has a great vet for acupuncture. We take pain meds as needed as some days are really good and some aren't. He's also not allowed to wear collars anymore, so we went to a harness, but I keep him naked when he's in the house.

ps. I beach towel makes a great make shift lift to support them. Prayers for you & Ruby

[rascalsmom]

Thanks for the encouragement, Pam. Did Cody have acupuncture?

The weird thing is, they told me they don't think she's in pain. How could you have a neck injury like that and NOT be in pain??

[mychip1]

Prayers for recovery for Ruby.

[DaisyDoodle]

If her read end is functioning, her spinal cord isn't severed. That means that there is a local issue going on in the neck or whichever area in the spine where the nerves come out to deal with the front end. Either a nerve is "pinched" by something or is being impinged by a disc.

 

Is there something that can be done locally to ease that area? Maybe a local shot of steroids that might help? (This is not without risk as two humans--one GTer and one GTer's mom suffered paralysis from having steroid shots, but relative to the alternative for your pup possibly worth the risk.)

 

I, too, don't understand the idea that the dog isn't in pain. She isn't completely paralyzed, so I'd assume she's in pain and treat accordingly. What would it hurt to treat her for pain? Keep her quiet and don't give her NSAIDS and watch for adverse reactions to pain meds, n'est pas?

 

In rereading what I've written above, it occurs to me to again recommend chiropractic treatment. If something is jammed in the wrong position, it would be better to alleviate that problem sooner rather than later before any damage becomes permanent. Unless there is a high chance of causing permanent or more damage, is there a reason that the current vets would recommend against it (other than they don't think it will work)?

 

Hope Ruby feels better soon,

Donna

[Guest Che_mar_Cody]

Thanks for the encouragement, Pam. Did Cody have acupuncture?

The weird thing is, they told me they don't think she's in pain. How could you have a neck injury like that and NOT be in pain??

 

No he didn't have the treatment. I just had it as my back-up plan so if I didn't do surgery he would be more comfortable. I think I all the info that I got when Cody had his. Lots of great vets/specialist in our area. The guy in Beaver came highly recommended. I'll see what I can find if you want/need it. My vet was all for chiro & acupuncture if I wanted. Like I said he just wanted me to wait it out and see if the meds worked first.

 

Yea, not in pain my butt, poor baby. Cody yelps at times but usually will pant heavy when in pain, that's how I know to give him his meds. This past year with his age he's taking more, but still not up to what he's allowed a day. I do have to watch his back legs to see if they drag or not as this is a sign the vet wants me to come back.

 

I know it just breaks your heart to see them like that, still does when Cody's in pain.

[Houndtime]

Fuzzy slipped on the ice this past winter and hurt his shoulder and neck. He couldn't turn his head and had pain when trying to lay down or reverse his position on his bed. He would cry out and stiffen. He also has had back issues for over six months, now. My vet does acupuncture. He had one treatment for 20 minutes and did great. I brought him back the next week for a second treatment and she said he had recovered full range of motion in his neck and shoulder and didn't need another session.

 

While each case is different, I totally recommend acupuncture. I used to take Brandy and John E every few weeks for a chiro and acupuncture treatment in their senior years.

[rascalsmom]

If her read end is functioning, her spinal cord isn't severed. That means that there is a local issue going on in the neck or whichever area in the spine where the nerves come out to deal with the front end. Either a nerve is "pinched" by something or is being impinged by a disc.

 

Is there something that can be done locally to ease that area? Maybe a local shot of steroids that might help? (This is not without risk as two humans--one GTer and one GTer's mom suffered paralysis from having steroid shots, but relative to the alternative for your pup possibly worth the risk.)

 

I, too, don't understand the idea that the dog isn't in pain. She isn't completely paralyzed, so I'd assume she's in pain and treat accordingly. What would it hurt to treat her for pain? Keep her quiet and don't give her NSAIDS and watch for adverse reactions to pain meds, n'est pas?

 

In rereading what I've written above, it occurs to me to again recommend chiropractic treatment. If something is jammed in the wrong position, it would be better to alleviate that problem sooner rather than later before any damage becomes permanent. Unless there is a high chance of causing permanent or more damage, is there a reason that the current vets would recommend against it (other than they don't think it will work)?

 

Hope Ruby feels better soon,

Donna

Chiropractic and acupuncture are two things I'm going to ask them about, for sure. I am still waiting for their call...going to call in a few minutes if they don't. They told me between 10 and 2, and it's 2:20 now.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, Pam. Did Cody have acupuncture?

The weird thing is, they told me they don't think she's in pain. How could you have a neck injury like that and NOT be in pain??

 

No he didn't have the treatment. I just had it as my back-up plan so if I didn't do surgery he would be more comfortable. I think I all the info that I got when Cody had his. Lots of great vets/specialist in our area. The guy in Beaver came highly recommended. I'll see what I can find if you want/need it. My vet was all for chiro & acupuncture if I wanted. Like I said he just wanted me to wait it out and see if the meds worked first.

 

Yea, not in pain my butt, poor baby. Cody yelps at times but usually will pant heavy when in pain, that's how I know to give him his meds. This past year with his age he's taking more, but still not up to what he's allowed a day. I do have to watch his back legs to see if they drag or not as this is a sign the vet wants me to come back.

 

I know it just breaks your heart to see them like that, still does when Cody's in pain.

 

 

I took Buddy to Dr. Kneuven (in Beaver) for acupuncture. He improved somewhat, but then we found out his major problem was lymphoma--the LS was a lesser problem, and we let him go once we found out it was lymphoma...so he only had a couple of acupuncture sessions.

[rascalsmom]

I just talked to a technician. She says Ruby is unchanged . She has not eaten, and she hasn't had any water. I need to get her home, because MAYBE she will drink and eat here. If she does neither, how much longer will she have? I will not watch her starve to death. If she is ready to go, I would rather her last days were at home.

 

Of course the tech doesn't say anything regarding chiro or acupuncture...and the vet hasn't called.

This is a really bad time for my DH to be out of town. Won't be home till probably 10:00 tonight.

[Guest Shermanator]

I am so sorry to hear this about Miss Ruby. Hopefully going home will be enough to get her to eat? Travel stopped eating and drinking for awhile after her companion Patton died. I ended up feeding her Pedialite through a syringe and tried temping her with raw yummies or the old standby Mc Donalds.

Good luck to you- we're praying for you and her!

[XTRAWLD]

This is so sad. Do you have a trusted neighbour or nearby friend that can help you bring her home until she is settled? You might have to do some running around to collect things before you bring her home. 2 people is always easier than 1 to help move a grey.

 

I concur with the chiro or acupuncture. I haven't done it myself, but hear it does wonders from people I have spoken with.

 

We are all praying for you.

[kickchick2000]

Many prayers for you and for Ruby. I am going through back issues with Milky Way right now so I know the uncertainty about if the steroids will work or not. Fingers crossed she improves.

[Burpdog]

Sending lots of prayers. Wish you could have her needled (acupuncture).

[Batmom]

Have they been giving her IV fluids? If so (and I would hope so!), she might not feel any need to drink.

 

Wish I were there to help you go fetch her .

[rascalsmom]

She's home, and resting.

Yes, they were giving her something via IV, probably fluids. They were also syringe feeding her, since she wouldn't eat.

I cooked some hamburger, but she wouldn't eat it.

[Batmom]

Melissa, she might be way tired from being at the vet as well as from her illness. Hoping she will eat for you in the morning if not tonight.

[Guest jettcricket]

...prayers for your girl....

[silverfish]

I've only just seen this ... I am soo sorry to hear about Ruby's accident. I can't add anything more than what's already been said (I was going to say PLEASE don't do chiro without the go-ahead from the specialist but you have that covered).

 

Sending my best good thoughts for a full recovery for your darling girl.