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!

 

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm dying!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

ROFL!

[Bonnie and Kona]

F... I can just imagine Laurie writing a blog about dogs toking. I can't wait. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh no. That will be coming most definitely.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm happily awaiting Fudge and Vern dressed as flower children :)  

[Bonnie and Kona]

Have you seen them in the Rastafarian wig and hat? It's priceless. 

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Eating it should have the same effect. : )

[Leslie and Halas]

I hope the conservative treatments work. But be careful that the holistic place doesn't turn JD into some kind of hippie! Signs of turning into a hippie would include long hair, going barefoot, and only bathing once per week at the most. Hey, wait a second...

[Leslie and Halas]

Oh, and tell JD that Halas and I are happy that he's home resting :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Now that's funny!!  Far out, Dude Dood

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Leslie!

I knew I shouldn't have thrown out those incense burners and that patchouli oil!

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )