Guest avadogner Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Ava hasn't been well for the last year. She was diagnosed with a hip defect a few years ago that has given her pain. She was then diagnosed with hypothyroidism a couple months ago and began meds which improved her symptoms. Over the last year, her hips and rear have become weak and unstable. In the last month, she has been experiencing sporadic episodes of her hind legs giving out on her when getting up or down in bed and climbing stairs. We have had to cover all our hardwoods with rugs and runners for her. She is unable to keep her hind legs from sliding apart on slick flooring. Three weeks ago, she began having accidents in the house. She wet her bed four times and lost control of her bowels twice in her bed. We have a dog door that both hounds easily use. Poor baby just couldn't wake up and get up on her feet fast enough. I noticed her rectal area had two.cysts at the 12:00 position and the rectal tissue is dialated. I made an appt with our vet to have her evaluated again. I have been hitting the vet medical sites and journals and based on her symptoms, I feared and suspected we are dealing with a neaurologic problem. I noticed her feet knuckling too. After spending the day with our vet and having tests done, we received the bad news. She has Lumbar Stenosis that has progressed quickly. She also has a UTI which we are treating with antibiotics. Her rectal schinter is dilated due to loss of muscle control. The cysts are not related to the anal glands and may be precancerous. Our vet said she has less than 6 months before he would expect her to loose all function in her hind legs. It was heartbreaking to hear. We are going to treat her symtoms, do antibiotics for the UTI, continue her pain meds and begin steroid therapy to reduce inflammation on her spine. I am looking into accupuncture and reiki therapy too. At this point, she is comfortable and still enjoying her life. We have decided to enjoy the time we have left and keep her comfortable. When she is no longer enjoying her days or we cant keep her comfortable, we will have to let her go. I pray that I can know when the time is right. Please add us to your prayers and pray my sweet girl enjoys her last months. Thanks for listening. I would appreciate any insights/experiences with spinal nerve degeneration y'all may have. I just don'tknow what I am going to do without Ava. She has been my therapy dog for the last 4yrs and my heartdog for the last 9 years. -ava & augie's mum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Ava Hugs to you both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Ava Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear this news. Hugs and prayers coming. Sweet Ava Quote http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g240/mtbucket/siggies/Everyday-2.jpgJane - forever servant to the whims and wishes of Maggie (L's Magnolia of JCKC) and Sam the mutt pup.[/b] She's classy, sassy and a bit smart assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busderpuddle Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 So sorry to read this. You are absolutely added to my prayer list. Quote Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lynnada Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 So sorry to hear. Love and hugs to your family and Ava. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvhounds2 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear about Ava's diagnosis. Hoping & wishing that you can find some solutions to keep her as strong & healthy as possible for a long time yet. Quote Barb, Mom to Grey's Tickertape & Grey's McCarthy.Always missing: Wizzie and Desi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I am so sorry to hear this. I would definitely look into acupuncture, if it works for her (it doesn't help all dogs) it will give her a lot of pain relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest UpperHandAndy Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Poor baby! I hope the medicine, and hopefully the alternative therapy, give her much longer than the vet thinks. I'm so sorry, for her and you. Prayers for all of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I wish I had some advice to give you. It does sound like you have done your research, and though the diagnosis is heartbreaking, you will do what is best for your sweet girl. You understand her so well, and love her unconditionally---you will know when it is time. This is really, really hard. I'm so sorry. You and Ava are in my prayers. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Adrianne Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I am so sorry to hear this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cwholsin Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I am so sorry to hear the news about Ava. I don't have any medical advice to give, but we will keep your sweet girl in our thoughts and prayers. *HUGS* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesmom Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I am so sorry to hear this news. It is just so heartbreaking when we have to face the fact that these sweet creatures just don't live long enough. If you haven't consulted with an ortho/neuro specialist, it might be worth a try. I think there are injections (depo-medrol?) that they can do into the base of the spinal cord (no risk of paralysis) that can reduce the inflammation in the cord area, thus relieving symptoms. Just a thought. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I think there are injections (depo-medrol?) that they can do into the base of the spinal cord (no risk of paralysis) that can reduce the inflammation in the cord area, thus relieving symptoms. Just a thought. The depo shots might buy you some time -- they worked well for Rex. Just not sure what the big picture is, but might be worth a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Oh, no, I am so sorry. No advice but we're thinking of you and your sweet girl. I hope you have many happy times left with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fostr_Mom Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Such sad news. and for you all Quote <p>Mom to Kyle (Diehard Kyle) & Angel Gracie (KB's Sankey) Foster Mom for AFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Swifthounds Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 The Depo-medrol injections might be a good option to try. When they work, they seem to give noticeable relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riverbosun Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 The Depo-medrol injections might be a good option to try. When they work, they seem to give noticeable relief. The neurologist I saw felt that the injections don't offer any additional benefits than the pill. In the end I found that when I tried to taper down the Pred his symptoms returned immediately and ultimately I had to let him go. I'm sorry for you and Ava. Quote Barbara Majestic and Ranger "If you want to hear the patter of little feet I'll put shoes on my dogs." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BrianRke Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Im so sorry to hear this. Im wishing you all the best and sending hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HHHounds Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Sending prayers for you all. I nursed our old Candyman through his last year and it was tough to se my sweet happy boy suffer. We sent him to the bridge in June when it was time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I'm so sorry for the news Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippin Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Casey was diagnosed with LS in Jan 09. Hers wasn't as severe as your Ava's, though. That said, regular chiropractic visits have done wonders for her. Just remember - whatever you do is RIGHT, for you and Ava. You're there with her, you see her daily, and you know what's best for you and your hound. Quote Mary Semper Fi, Dad - I miss you. Remembering Carla Benoist, a Greyhound/Pibble's bestest friend, Princess Zoe Brick-Butt, the little IG with the huge impact on hearts around the world - Miz Foxy - Greyhound Trish - Batman, the Roman-nosed Gentleman - Profile, the Handsome Man - Hunky the Hunkalicious - Jeany the Beautiful Lady- Zema, the most beautiful girl in the world - Jessie, the lovable nuisance - and my 3 Greys: my Angie-girl, my Casey-girl, and The Majestic Pippin, running forever in my heart. (I will always love you and miss you,my friends) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Swifthounds Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 The neurologist I saw felt that the injections don't offer any additional benefits than the pill. In the end I found that when I tried to taper down the Pred his symptoms returned immediately and ultimately I had to let him go. I'm sorry for you and Ava. Interesting. Both specialists I've consulted felt the opposite was true. I'm normally not a fan of pred long term, but with more severe LS, I agree, do whatever will give her the most relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I am sorry to read of Ava's diagnosis. No experience so no advice to give but you will both be in our thoughts. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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