Ava struggling

[Stacy]

I took these short clips of Ava this morning and I would love it if someone had an opinion about what is going on. She looks so much older than a dog who just turned 7. I'm really so worried about her. I just don't know what to do. The groomer seems to think she spent too much time in too small of a space during her breeding years. But she wasn't like this a few months ago. She ate well, she played. I don't know if it's at all related to the tumor being removed from her jaw, or if there's something else. These girls are going to be the death of me! 

 

https://youtu.be/Hnl4g_HCPXE

 

https://youtu.be/9k552GSsof0

 

https://youtu.be/3UW764N4rzc

Thank you, Stacy

[Stacy]

I just got off the phone with the doctor that we saw today, and he recommended that we go see a doctor at the specialist. It's actually the surgeon that saved Ava's life when she was bleeding to death. She has an appointment on Monday. I'm really hoping that he can help us. The next step would be a neurologist. I really want to fix my sweet girl. 

[Stella]

Do you have a rehab vet or a Physio that has taken canine courses in your area?? I often find that general practice vets are not good at doing a thorough neuromusculoskeletal exam.

[Stacy]

I'm not sure about that. But my vet seems to have a lot of confidence in the vet that he's sending us to. In fact, he knows all of Ava's specialists personally. 

[Stella]

Great, hope you get some answers soon.

[Stacy]

Thank you! I actually feel very encouraged after speaking with the vet tonight. I feel confident that if it's an orthopedic problem it can be managed. I have cancer on my mind and it terrifies me. It still doesn't address the issue of why she doesn't want to eat, but maybe if she hurts she just doesn't feel like eating and that will also resolve. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sending love and support.

[Stacy]

I just let Ava with the specialist. I promised her I wouldn't and then I did. He wants to do cervical films, a chest x-ray, and an abdominal ultrasound. He's also very concerned with her decrease in muscle mass. He also noted that she had lost a lot of muscle mass on her head - well, and everywhere else really. And when he turned her foot over she thought really hard before she turned it the right way again. I'm a worrier anyway, but the fact that he's worried too has me even more worried. Just let it be something treatable. That's all I ask.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sending love and support for Ava and for you.