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!

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Seriously, that's a great idea : )

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd much rather massage dogs than people, lol.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

That is how Lacey's mom got her start. Bernie was having a really hard time a few years back.  She did attend classes at the clinic where her dog had massages and acupuncture.  She later went on to become registered as I told you, and she will be working at the holistic center somewhere in WI

Lacey, is a lucky lucky model and loves her massages.  She is the recipient of a lot of homework.

Bernie, lived to be almost 19.  She swears by his treatments. 

I hope you do, Karen!  I think this is perfect

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Karen, don't laugh :) I've been searching around on the web for classes because I'm I'd like to learn more about massage techniques for dogs, etc.  Here's a link that gives a good list of things you can do for a dog with mobility problems.

Massage, water therapy, supplements, etc. all here.  I know JD's is a disc problem but you might find this interesting. 

http://handicappedpets.com/pet-care-articles/mobility-problems/17-h...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks,

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That was supposed to be "Thanks, Cheryl", lol.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

As usual late the the discussion. Actually went on a little vacation to MIL and it didn't end up being one at all, but that is something I can talk about later. 

On my way up to WI, I did think of you and JD while driving through Illinois (HE dbl hockey sticks Chicago) and wished you both well telepathically.

I am so happy he did well and that the news, though not great is also not devastating. I like the route you are taking....he deserves the easy path with less resistance if he can get it.

Hugs and Kisses from Lisa and DaisyDoodle.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Lisa. Nice traffic around Chi-town, huh?

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Karen, here is something that I read in Prevention magazine..
"A Natural Pain Cure"--"Now there's another option for treating disc disease in dogs. Electro-acupuncture, when sends a small electric current through needles to stimulate nerve endings, was more effective than surgery in a recent study in the Journal of the American Veterniary Medical Association. Dogs typically need 5-8 weekly session at $75-100 each."

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jill.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Jill, this is very exciting. I didn't know they had tried this for dogs. Thank you for sharing. I had electro stimulation therapy for a disc in my back 5 years ago. That plus glucosamine chondriton has kept me pain free. A friend who broke his leg badly had ES therapy and walks fine now - even though he was originally told he would never walk without a cane. Definitely worth investigating. Can you provide a link to the article. Continuing to wish JD well :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Cheryl.