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!

 

 

[Rose]

I'm so sorry to hear what you and JD have been going through, Karen.  I hope you find something that works for him soon. Hugs to both of you. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Rose.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Karen, I am glad this part of the journey is over and you have some solid information to make future decisions. Jack Doodle remains in my nightly doodle prayers, healing for him and peace from stress for you. Take care.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Sue.

[Charlotte and Bo]

Hoping whatever therapy you choose has JD feeling like his old self soon!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Charlotte.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

Karen, there is a hospital in Tyler, Texas, where Dr. Kevin Pauza is conducting trials of an injection therapy for some disc problems--injections not of steroids but of thrombin and fibrinogen, which, as fibrin, seals the discs and allows them to regenerate, thus eliminating the need for surgery to immobilize the spine.

He has been doing the procedure in human trials for about 6 years, but it has not been finally approved by the FDA.

I don't have any idea if anyone is working with this procedure or a similar one in animals, but it seems like an extremely promising solution for people and animals with disc problems.

Here is a link to a story CBS Sunday Morning did about Dr. Pauza's work: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57428677/a-new-hope-for-back-p...

Maybe this can be something to look forward to.

All good wishes to you and Jack!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Elizabeth.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I've been away dog sitting Diane's doodles and just saw this.  I just want to send you doodle hugs and continued prayer for you and Jack.  I know it must have been an exhausting scarey day for you guys:(.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Colleen.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Glad that this scary part is over. Will be praying for good news from the needle biopsy and alternative measures to make Jack feel better. Hang in there, doodle kisses coming from Jersey and Jasmine. Kisses and ear rubs from me.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Diane.