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!

 

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Karen,

This must be such a relief.  I'm glad you are finding some comfort that this is another hurdled jumped for you and JD.

If you remember Lacey ( now Sophie) her mom  just graduated with yet another degree in Masotherapy and Acupuncture, took her state boards and is on her way to her  national certification this week,  where she will specialize in canines.  She is up in Hudson, WI.   Too far?

She has a lot of experience with these practices as her other dog went through this for several years.  It was this experience that convinced her that this practice was so helpful   :)  I hope that gives you some confidence in the methods.

Get well soon, JD

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Here is a link with a lot more information.  Hope this helps

http://www.animalacupressure.com/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Joanne. It does make me feel more confident.

Hudson is 7 hours away, lol.

This holistic vet has been practicing for 24 years and comes highly recommended by JD's IMS, who is somewhat conservtive (she finds Karen Becker a little too far "out there") so I feel pretty comfortable trying her. She's about 75 minutes away, which is a lot better. :)  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Who is Karen Becker?  I'm not smoking anything, but I did just get lost.

Anyway, the link has some blogs and information about going through acupuncture.

My mother swears by it as she is too old (87) to have spinal surgery, but she does need to find some relief- and she certainly has gotten some with these procedures and PT

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Never mind.  She is the Vet  :)  I looked around and find the info on your link

[Jennifer and Jack]

As I listen to the poor dog that is seven pounds that is a permanent outside dog bark but mostly cry because it is hot out, he is alone, it is dark and not one of the freakers that live there care about him enough to care for his basic needs... I come on here and I see your post...

The stark contrast makes me feel physically ill...

I am so glad this part is over and now you know what you are dealing with. I am glad you have uncharted territory to still explore and I pray it is helpful.

You are an amazing human being and an amazing mom to JD

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jennifer. He's an amazing dog. :)

[Carol and Banjo]

Hmmmm....New Age....you know Karen....JD has always had that look.    I will be praying that holistic, alternative healing will be his ticket....it's worked wonders for close friends and family lately.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Carol. That makes me feel better.

Yes, JD does have a hippie air about him. If he wasn't the President of the NDC, I think he'd look great in a tie-dyed headband.

[Carol and Banjo]

LOL....oh Karen.....even President's "slip up" now and then...go for it!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Karen, you must be so relieved to have cleared this hurdle and to have JD resting comfortably with you.  I've had really good results with ultrasound and electric stim therapy on my back and I've seen acupuncture yield some amazing results with horses and humans.  I wish there was a holistic center like that around here for Finn but we'll be very interested in JD's reports.  I hope the two of you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend together.  And if I happen to spot a lava lamp at one of the auctions around here...it's coming your way girl :)) ( (hugs to you and JD))

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, thanks, Cheryl.