Jackdoodle's MRI

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD had his MRI today. It went well, he was very confused and nervous, but they let me stay with him until they were ready to give him the general anesthetic, and he was first in line. He got fluids and antacids intravenously and he has been doing fine. We were there about 6 and a half hours. This evening, he ate a little dinner and kept it down, and even took a short walk. I think he'll be back to normal tomorrow after a good night's sleep.

He has a ruptured disc in the lumbosacral area of his spine. The diagnosis is "right lateralized L7-S1 nerve root compression (Type II IVD)".

I saw the images of the disc pressing on the nerve on one side, which would have been very interesting if it hadn't actually been pictures of my dog's spine.  

The surgeon said that surgery would fix it, but suggested that we try conservative treatment first, specifically acupuncture, chiropractic, and possibly laser therapy, whatever the latter might be. He also said that if this were you or me, surgery wouldn't even be mentioned at this point, which made me feel better. I got a referral to a holistic practice which JD's IMS had also recommended to me in the past. The place looks like a New Age spa: http://www.kindspiritshealing.com/

This is uncharted territory for me, but if it can help JD without more drugs that might exacerbate his IBD and spare him from having to undergo spine surgery, I'm sure going to give it a try.

The surgeon also did a needle aspiration of a lump on JD's side. He has several lipomas which have been aspirated by his regular vet in the past, but this one seems firmer than the others. The surgeon will call me with the results next week, I'm hoping it's the same thing as all the others, just a harmless fatty tumor.

JD and I want to thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers over the past few days; I was a nervous wreck worrying about today, and I am just so thankful that this part is over and I have him home here resting comfortably. Think I'll go join him.

Stay tuned for the adventures of Karen and JD in the world of holistic, alternative healing, coming soon!

 

 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Good to hear that JD was a brave doodle and that you now have some answers.  I love that they are not rushing you to consider surgery - that gets a thumbs up!!!!  I hope that he finds some relief. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jane.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Karen, I'm so happy to hear that Jackdoodle's MRI went so smoothly, and am ALWAYS delighted when you get a doctor who's not "surgery happy."  This holistic practice, with acupuncture, etc. might actually be beneficial for not only the spine but for JD's IBD as well.  Fingers crossed - sending hugs!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Michele.

[BG and Gavin]

Happy the MRI is over, happy for the "reasonable" diagnosis, happy for the conservative treatment plan and happy that JD is doing well.  We will continue to pray.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Linda.

[Kyoko]

Sending prayer your way

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Kyoko.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know about JD. I know how tired you are and this is a gift to all of us who have been concerned for both of you. It is wonderful that you live someplace that has holistic vet care available that two traditional vets are recommending! That is a bonus. Acupuncture can be incredibly helpful. I have had it for migraines and while it hasn't "cured" them, it has been very soothing. I pray that the acupuncture and chiropractic ease JD's pain and that healing will happen without surgery. As you said, at least the dreaded MRI day is over and you are on your way to new therapies to help that sweet boy of yours. xoxo

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bonnie.

[Becka]

I hope Jack is feeling recovered from the MRI today. I was very glad to hear that there are nonsurgical options going forward and we'll keep our paws and fingers crossed that they work!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Becka.