Committed to the improvement of the breed by breeding for health, temperament and better structure in dogs that have the ability to herd.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Big O update


Thank you everyone for your private and public responses to the last blog post. Oliver (and me) are very loved :)

Update: The chiropractic/acupuncture vet did indeed confirm a COMPRESSED disc and is working diligently to correct that. Unfortunately because there was NO milogram (or MRI) we won't know for sure if it is indeed ruptured or not. After talking to Denise Waiting...who is in charge of surgery at the U of WA in Pullman (also home to WADDL), it sounded that if he WOULD get sensation and feeling back, it would be most likely just compressed (and the better of the two) and if he didn't, it would be most likely ruptured. And since she is not a vet, she cannot diagnose, and Dr Brad at Casselton, does not have the equipment to do either test, so we can only speculate.

It most certainly is IVDD, and although that is most likely the cause, I have sent out for a DM test for him. I was always going to do it, but thought I had more time.

I called the clinic and Oliver is very alert, but resting well in a crate. They will keep him three days to do acupuncture and chiropractic work on him, as well as an IV drip of the DMSO treatment, which acts like a steroid, but isn't. Tomorrow morning Dr. Brad may use a local steroid on the lumbar disc that is compressed.

Fingers crossed it isn't ruptured.

A very slight glimmer of hope is I felt Oliver press both his hind legs against my arm as I carried him down the steps (only a few seconds) but that is better than no pressure.

Oliver is in good hands and I think I can finally rest tonight :)

Hugs to all

14 comments:

Somerhill said...

This happened to 2 of my Welsh Corgis. Both recovered completely, and lived long lives filled with zooming around at supersonic speeds as Corgis do.
When it happened to Seren, I was a complete basket case. Going through it the second time was easier, because I knew more of what to expect. Give it some time, Garrett. Hang in there!

Michelle said...

I'm so glad to hear there is hope. What are IVDD and DM? Once you spell them out I will probably have heard of them....

Crazy Cardiness said...

So glad for the good news! I do hope that Oliver shows continued improvement during the treatments. You are both in my thoughts and prayers!

Claire said...

Very good news. I send continued good wishes for you and Oliver. Please keep us posted. Peace be with you.

Janet said...

So glad that there's hope for better things to come. We have all our paws crossed for O and you!

Jeri said...

Fingers crossed mightily and huge hugs to both of you!

RegentCardis said...

That is good news. We will keep sending positive thoughts your way. Hugs and hope you sleep well tonight. :)

Unknown said...

garrett we are so sorry to hear about your oliver.our footsie had IVDD in several discs and steroids did help her for 2 years.she was so much older than oliver, and her liver became involved also. oliver is a much younger guy,so he stands much more of a chance to improve.we hope everything keeps improving for you.we will keep good thoughts going your way!

Janine's Mom said...

We just had two posts on Wheelcorgis about Cardis that the vet said the prognosis was grim and the dog is now at least partly walking. Hang in there!

Taryn said...

Glad to hear you have some hope. I will continue sending as many positive vibes as possible!

Kady Cannon said...

That's probably how I would handle it. It's good to give him a chance and see how it plays out for a bit. As long as Oliver's not in pain, it's worth it to see what happens.

Wolfwood said...

Hey Garrett,

Just went through this situation with my boy Ein in December. Weird thing with him was he could walk, just was in a lot of pain and was dragging his feet from the loss of sensation. We did a course of steroids, muscle relaxants, pain meds, and crate rest and after a month with no change I had a myelogram done at Tufts (no surgery required by them to perform one) and it confirmed a ruptured disc. My mother helped with surgery thankfully. Ein is now pain free and RUNNING with the other dogs, though he still drags his right rear foot slightly. Total cost about $3500 including myelogram, surgery, three day hospital care in ICU, and follow up visits. He sees a chiropractor now for regular adjustments and is on Vitamin C, fish oil and hyralaunic acid supplements.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sarah

Cynthia said...

Good god Garrett, I had no idea. My thoughts go out to you and especially him. May the winds of change blow soothing comfort over Oliver.

Jules said...

Garrett, I am keeping Oliver in my thoughts. This is positive news!