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!

 

 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Karen

Glad things went smoothly for JD and his MRI - and that you now have some answers.  Hopefully, the "alternative" treatments can give him some relief.  I've never been a big believer in either chiropractic or acupuncture, but when my daughter was having a tough time getting off prednisone - she'd been on for three years to control what turned out to be MS and each time she dropped below a certain dosage, her symptoms would return - she went to a naturopath/acupuncturist and it did seem to help.  At least she was able to finally stop the prednisone, for several months. 

Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find the right combination of treatments and can avoid surgery or another oral med.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Deanna, that's encouraging.

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

Glad you got an answer to the troubles and you have a workable plan.  Rest well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Pam

[Ginny Nightingale]

We have a place near us with pools for PT with dogs--is that recommended at all?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think that's used for some post-surgery rehab, maybe.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Sending doodle (((( hugs )))) to both you and JD !!!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Barbara.

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

So Karen, inquiring minds want to know.........does JD seem to be more comfortable in his new bed?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

At first, he was avoiding it, but now he seems to be enjoying it. He's started lying down on it voluntarily without me having to coax him or lie down with him, lol! So I think he must be comfortable on it. He's been starting the night there instead of on the rug next to my side of the bed.

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

That's good to hear. Our Murphy won't sleep anywhere but on our bed, so an orthopedic bed for him would have to be a king size one for us!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

That's good news!!!!  I've been wanting to get one for Finney because I think it would help him BUT as you know Finn delights in pulling the stuffing out of toys and dog beds.  You can't imagine how many animals and beds I've restuffed and sewn up again.  And I hate sewing :)  Plus, if you look at his collection of toys, it's clear I'm not very good at it.  His beloved stuffed bunny --or what's left of it is still up on a shelf.  At night he has my bed our bed but I know he'd be more comfortable with a good bed in the kitchen rather than the crate mats.