Help! Update on my Sophie doodle

[Donna]

Update on Sophie doodle.
Sophie went through a bout 2 weeks after she was spayed. She was fine when I went to work but very sick when I got home. Very lethargic, having difficulty walking, jumping up on the couch. Took her to the vet and after numerous tests they said she had a UTI. Put her on antibiotics for 14 days. 10 days on antibiotics, same symptoms appeared. More tests and another 2 days overnight at the vet hospital. They ruled out Lyme. More antibiotics and 10 days later, same thing. This time was a weekend so I had to take her to the emergency vet hospital. They did a spinal X-ray to rule out disco spondylitis. X-rays were good. Thought it was a reoccurrence of her UTI. Then they did more tests and said it was Addison's disease and within 24 hours they gave me a 4th diagnosis of meningitis. The bill was over 2500.00. They wanted to do more tests - a tap which could have paralyzed or killed her and a MRI. I said if you think that's what it is, can't we just treat her for it. They wanted $5000 more to run those tests. They gave me prednisone and amoxicillin. She's was on that and doing well. She went off the prednisone and within a week started having difficulty in her back end so I started that back up. Went off the amoxicillin last week and so far so good. I think we are thinking an autoimmune disease at this point. Any ideas or suggestions at this point? Her vet is stumped and I'm not sure where to turn. You guys are great and I know you'll have the answer. Thank you all in advance. Sophie thanks you too!

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Poor Sophie! I'm sorry you're both going through this. 

[Pam Thomas]

Good Luck to you both. I think the not knowing what is wrong is the worst part.

[Sally S Miles]

I agree that a second, or third opinion is needed here.  Prednisone is not the cure all that many vets think it is.  If she has got an immune disorder then you need to seek specialty care and I would also seek a Naturopathic Vet.  My last Yorkie and previous pup had Addison's.

I have autoimmune issues and it's far more complicated than standard GP's can tend to.    At the moment I'm inclined to think the anesthesia may have triggered something - but that's my two cents worth.  

I wish you luck, hope Sophie is feeling better soon, but Karen is spot on here. Specialist is needed.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

No answers but hugs and well wishes for you and Sophie.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry to hear this news about Sophie.  I'm assuming you don't have pet insurance.  You may want to look into it.  It likely won't cover anything for this occurrence but since you don't have a diagnosis it might cover future issues.