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!

 

 

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Hm, I cannot find the article on the Prevention website..I made a copy of ithe article and have it saved on my computer..but I'm not sure how to attach a link in a reply..?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sorry I am so out of the loop, but we had quite a weekend and I didn't feel well.  I am sure I felt better than JD though...so can't complain. 

 

Please keep us posted on your path of holistic healing.  I am a firm believer in trying that first, before too many meds, surgery, etc....  At Peri's 3 yr on Saturday, the vet told me that all of these studies have been coming back showing that a homecooked diet for kidney disease is far superior than a commercial diet - more helpful than even meds.  I know this is a totally different subject, but my point is that a holistic approach may just do the trick.  I am happy you have a vet team that supports alternative therapies.  That is such a wonderful blessing.

 

Thinking of you frequently, even though I haven't been able to get on DK as much as I'd like to lately!  Gearing up for maternity leave and my time at home is spent nesting, crying, etc...(haha)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Allyson. I hope you're feeling better now. Please take care of yourself!

[GBK]

I'm so glad surgery is not the first option :)  Good luck with the holistic/alternative healing, gotta be better than more drugs.  As always we are wishing you two good thoughts and quick healing and you are always in our prayers!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Gina!

[Pat and Traveler]

Glad the MRI is over with.  For some reason, I have high hopes for the holistic healing.  That's quite a spa!  Hope both you and Jack are getting some rest. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Pat.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Karen, I think that while Jack gets acupuncture, you should sign up for a treatment, too! It is incredibly relaxing. Maybe they have a two for one offer! Hugs to you both.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Unlike JD, I am a big baby about needles, lol, so I think I'll pass.

[Bonnie and Kona]

massage, maybe???

[Pam & Trixie]

I am just finding this now.

I hope that the suggested Treatments for JD help him alot!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Pam.