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!

 

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I see a whole new group forming on DK soon :) I know how relieved you must be to have that MRI over with and I am so glad they got him in first. Hopefully, the holistic practice can help JD feel better. I think the conservative treatment sounds like a great way to go.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Laurie.

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Karen, I am so happy to hear that JD did well with the MRI, I know that must be such a relief for you. I am praying that the conservative treatment works and that surgery can be avoided. Rest well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Donna.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thank you for updating us, I was just looking for some news when this popped up. I'm glad this part is over as we know how anxious you were about today. Now your expertise will include the world of holistic healing. I am sure you will learn everything there is to learn about it. I hope you both rest easy tonight.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And we will be resting that much easier, thanks to a little help from our friends, Sue.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

:)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Karen this really is good news. First JD seems OK after the procedure.  And the conservative procedures often do work.       So we will look forward to the new age JD and to hearing his progress. I would advise against medical marijuana. It must be so hard to teach dogs to smoke although you never know. Things are quiet at the moment but soon JD's legal services may be required so he needs to get betterr fast :-) 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Medical marijuana.....I think Karen is going to need it before this is all over.

[Jennifer and Jack]

It is legal in Colorado... honest and true it is.

[Shannon and Finn]

It's true it is legal here! More weed shops than Starbucks! Although I haven't seen an animal medical shop yet. Hmm, now that might be a new market. Glad to hear JD has options, hope he feels better soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Shannon.