Vet says Chum has Cervical Disc Disease :(
But if it stays the same or worsens, I will need to consider other options (like surgery of some sort). . . Poor Chummie. Please give your sweeties lots of belly rubs and extra hugs and kisses. I was expecting something serious, but not this.  |
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| Oh, Val!
How awful...Poor Chummie and poor you! Big hugs all around from our house to yours...  |
| Oh no! I'm so sorry, Val and Chum. I hope with some rest that she improves and nothing drastic has to be done.
Hugs to you guys! |
| Val,
So sorry to hear about Chummie's diagnosis. Although we have no experience with this problem we can relate to the special needs of an older dog with arthritis. {{{{HUGS}}}} Nita |
| Val,
So sorry to hear of Chummie's problems. I hope the bed rest will do the trick. |
| Oh Val, that bites!
Pain in the leg from the neck? wow.. that must be a hard diagnosis. How about a cervical collar of some sort , will that help at all? How do you keep a sheepdog in bed 7x24? Even if you could, how much muscle mass would be left at the end? What about some steroid injections, or some other intermediate approach? How about another opinion? |
| Well, Chummie wasn't that active in the first place but I suppose she will need to be crated because otherwise she slips around on my wood floors, plus there are lots of stairs.
I don't feel the need for a second opinion based on (1) the stellar reputation of the hospital (2) the careful explanation provided by the doctor and (3) because a quick google search shows all of her symptoms can be explained with this diagnosis. Apparently, moving her leg around, she did not yelp at all but she yelped when he moved her head up and down. That's actually been consistent with what I noticed too. Crying and front leg lameness are the first two symptoms listed for CDD. But also her tendency to drag her toes goes along with this too. It is not uncommon with large breed dogs that have been overweight and don't have good muscle tone. (Can you say Chummie?) Her cries are so painful sounding. It is heart wrenching. She is on a new painkiller that is supposed to be ok for sensitive tummies. They would have given her a steriod but they couldn't because she had aspirin this morning. I will get a sling to make getting up and climbing stairs easier during the bed rest phase. They told me I should take her general good spirits and appetite as good signs. . . She didn't eat all of her dinner tonight, but she was eager for the treats in which her pills were hidden. 
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| Oh Val I am so sorry to hear the news, poor chummie girl.
Crate her is the best and just let her out for potty breaks that way she can't slip and do more damage and might give it a good opportunity to maybe correct itself without surgery. Kelsey slipped discs in her back as a youngster and we had to confine her for 8 weeks, so she lived in the crate in the family room and the only time out was for potty and her meals. Felt awful but it worked and the total confinement work a miracle for us. So here is hoping for a special miracle for a special girl too, sending it your and chummies way. Give her a gentle cuddle from us and we are all thinking of you. And hoping the pain meds will give her comfort too.  |
| Lisa - your experience is a tremendous help. I am not sure I understand what the healing process involves. Is it simply to become less inflamed or is there more to it?
I really appreciate the kind words, support and encouragement from everyone. |
| It helps the inflamation, also the fact that confining them stops more strain on the area while things are hopefully settling a bit with total confinement, she is also not getting up and down all the time and is resting that area from any more strain/displacement or more damage to the disc.
After all was well with us after 8 weeks then it was a process of letting her out on a lead and controlled walks on a soft surface, grass, not concrete and gradually over quite a period of time increasing the walking time to when she was allowed to go outside on her own and have a romp. She had her discs chiropratically clicked in to place by a fully qualified vet so confining her and the slow process of rehabilition was necessary so the discs did not slip out of place again and the inflamation/swelling around that area went away. It was 3 discs just below her withers. Same symptons as chummie has with her neck, started limping and pain associated with getting up etc, thought she hurt her leg and had nothing to do with that it was in her spine. Chummies situation is also a matter of total rest & confinement so the inflamation can settle down and also relieving pressure on that area with her trying to get up or lay down, so the crate is the best thing, as they say 24/7 even though you will feel awful, I did, but it is necessary to help her improve without hopefully the need for surgery. Keeping all crossed for you val, it is a hard time and you and chummie are very much in my thoughts and prayers over the period of time you have to confine her. (((Hugs))) |
| That's really helpful and encouraging. Knowing someone else's situation was similarly bad and then improved is the best thing for optimism.
I guess the thing I am most torn about is whether I can let her come upstairs to sleep. I did last night because she wanted to but she just came down the stairs when I wasn't watching and landed kind of hard. . . Now she is out in the patio lying down becaues I am hoping she will "go." Then into the crate. She peed yesterday afternoon but hasn't pooped since friday night. Maybe I will go back to sleeping on the cot in the den in view of the downstairs crates, for the next couple weeks. I did it last year when I broke my foot so I suppose I can do it again so Chummie doesn't have to go up and down the stairs but so she also doesn't feel totally left out. I was planning on taking them both to Maine with me in a couple weeks but sounds like Chummie would be better off at a kennel. But not the one with the play-care. Maybe just the vets. |
| Here's some info if anyone is curious:
Disk disease most commonly affects the disks in the thoracolumbar region or the cervical region of the spine. Clinical signs of cervical disk disease include neck pain and a hunchbacked posture that resembles a turtle. Dogs that have cervical disk disease are often reluctant to lower their heads to eat and drink and may cry out in pain when the neck is manipulated or touched. If there is sufficient disk material involved, there may be proprioceptive, sensory and motor (limb placement, pain perception and gait) deficits, although this is rare. Clinical signs of thoracolumbar disk herniation are unfortunately more profound than in the cervical area. This is due to the relative lack of space in the spinal canal. With almost no extra space, the spinal cord can be severely compromised with smaller bulges and herniations. These dogs are reluctant to move and may adopt a hunchbacked posture. They often cry out when picked up. If more severely compromised, the dog may walk with a wobbly gait and drag the hind toes. Further compromise leads to hind limb paralysis and loss of pain sensation in the hind toes. Disease at this stage is to be considered a medical emergency and immediate surgical intervention is necessary. |
| Definately NO STAIRS at all for the next lot of weeks, we had the same problem all the bedrooms are upstairs, so we set the crate up in the family room downstairs as that is where we spend most of our time and it is next to the kitchen and the back door for potties. Slept on a fold up bed there with her and she was happy as she was still with me at night.
If you do go away, yes maybe board her with the vets as they know about total confinement in a crate so she will be safer there then a normal boarding kennel that you might feel anxious about maybe someone letting her out by mistake. That can happen quite easily with the kennel helpers they have at normal boarding facilities. |
| Poor Chummie!
Hopefully the bed rest will do the trick. Did they say anything about anti-inflammatories or therapy? Will you be able to do leg manipulation or anything to help keep muscle on her? I know that with Norman we have to keep him excercised because of the muscle wasting associated with his age. At least it is a good facility so you shouldn't have many problems there but if at any time you have questions or problems don't hesitate to get a second opinion. Remember Ron's experience with Tufts. They are a great place too but there are times when everybody drops the ball. You're doing a good job educating yourself and that's important in making sure that she gets the best care! I would also second boarding her at the vet. They will be able to monitor her and like Lisa said will probably make less mistakes. I could just see a regular kennel trying to be helpful by getting her to play or letting her out if they are running short on time. Keep us posted and let us know if you need help. You'll do fine!!! |
| Hi Val,
Sorry to hear about Chummie.. hopefully the bed rest will work for her. I have friends who have a 2 year old female Bernese and when she was 6 months old she slipped a disc in her back... same type of rehab, bed rest, only out for potty.... it worked for her!!!! Give her some kisses from us. |
| Hi Valerie:
Have you considered taking Chummie for acupuncture? I understand that it is supposed to be able to help a lot of cases of CDD. Anyway - our thought are with you for a quick healing for Chummie. Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey |
| Hi Valerie,
So sorry to hear about Chumley
She is such a sweetie, so sorry to hear she is going through this. Hope the bedrest is effective and she feels better. Big hugs to you both! |
| Oh poor Chum!
My Paige has something like that, but it's more a pinch and affects the front leg. She will drag it and not move her head when the pain is intense. Being a Pyr she will not show pain, but the look in her eyes is a heart breaker. I spent the better part of a morning massaging the neck/head/shoulder just to give her enough relief she could lie down to sleep. One episode I called the vet and was told to bring her in ASAP. I no sooner got her in the car than she lifted her head, eyes perked up, "Where we going???" ARGH! I'm very sorry about Chummie. Poor thing. I wish relief for this poor sheepdog. |
| Thanks. Oh how she squealed when going into the crate this morning. Heartbreaking. Poor honey.
I really hope the confinement helps. It has to. I think it was exacerbated by by my restraining her in the car on the way home from the kennel last week. She was already sore and gimpy but she was barking so loudly and so I was forcing her head to stay down (so she would not see whatever was making her bark like a loon).
The crate is a bit small. Doesnt permit her to rest in her preferred out of crate position (chin on ground between her two front paws. I may have to trade it with maggie's second "upstairs" crate. |
Oh, Val, I'm SO sorry!!  I'm just catching up on week-end reading, and this makes me SO sad! I just love that little girl so much and I sit here crying with you as I envision her crying in pain to go in the crate. Please give her a big hug and kiss from me!!
Our next door neighbor takes one of their GSDs to a chiropractor and swears by it. This particular dog is more lame in the hind quarters, like my Drez. But she loves the dr and says she sees improvement in her every time. Acupuncture would be a great thing to try, too. Maybe this is why Chum was never very active? Maybe this was developing over time and slowly giving her pain that just now is getting to the breaking point. In any case, you have my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted!! |
| You may have to give Chum more room than a crate, but still confined. Can you make her a corral where she can move around but still be OK? When Sam had his knee surgery we took plywood sheets, set them horizontal to block off the doors to the diningroom. The furniture was pushed to one side. We also had his crate in there. We could look in on him and he could see us if he went to the far side. He didn't have that much room to move around, but enough to help him be comfortable. When we had to leave, he went into his crate.
susan |
| That's a good point. I did reorganize the den so that she could not escape but I wasn't home to verify. Maybe I will just keep her confined to the den. . . I will ask the doc. The recommendation was 'crating'. . . Oh it really stinks. And of course I feel such guilt for whatever I did that exacerbated the condition. . . |
| Oh, Val. I'm so sorry. Please give Chum kiss from us. My first thought too was to try chiropractic care once the inflammation goes down. |
| I am also just catching up on this post. Poor Chummie! It sounds like a very difficult thing. Keep us posted and I hope he gets some relief from his pain soon. |
| Oh Val...Im so sorry to hear about Chum...poor girl...I dont have any advice to offer, but give her a kiss for me.... |
| The sound she makes when moving around a bit is making me sick to my stomach. I came home from work to monitor her because I was so distracted. She seems worse which means I should probaobly bring her back in. So I am staring at her trying to figure out how to get her back in the car without causing too much pain. |
| Good luck Val! I'll keep Chummie (and you) in my prayers. |
| So Chum has been lolling about all morning looking so pathetic. She'd been outside in the patio on a pillow but then she came inside. I had set the den up with the cot blockading the exit to the stairs. The den is five stairs sunken from the adjoining room.
Anyway, I was about to put her in the crate when my dogwalker arrived to walk Maggie. I went to greet him to explain the situation -- turned my back for 10 seconds -- and wouldn't you know that Chummie (who can barely get in the car and can't get on my bed) somehow had gotten past the barrier and up the stairs and was heading to the door! I know this is terrible for her condition, but honestly it made me so relieved to see her spirit. We spent a bit of time rounding her up and getting her back down here. She got lots of pets and treats and now she is resting in the crate. My dogwalker was very familiar with the condition because he used to walk a dog that had it. It became an emergency situation while the dog was staying at his house (doggie was squealing and partially immobilized). He actually took it to the dog to the hospital and paid for the surgery himself on the optimistic belief that the owner would pay him pack (which he did). He was so nice and gentle with Chummie. Chum looked very happy.  |
| Poor Chumley
It seems that despite the pain she is in she still wants to participate in the goings on. I am sure it is especially hard for her because Maggie still gets to go for walks and play. You are taking excellent care of her and I am sure that she will recover soon. Come on Chumley  You can get better |
| Oh Val! I'm just getting to read this and my heart is breaking for poor Chummie. I just hate for her to be in such pain. But, I do feel better knowing her spirits are good. That makes such a difference! I will pray that the bed rest is all that is required to make her as good as new. |
| Thank you everyone!! By the way, the bigger crate does seem more comfortable. She is sleeping peacefully right now. |
| Aw Sorry to hear about chumley.
Sending her loads of sheepie (((((((((hugs)))))))))) Kim & MAIZIE |
| So sorry to hear Chummie's not well, I hope her condition improves quickly... it's just heartbreaking to know our furkids are in pain |
They seem to "forget" they can't do certain things.  It's the same way with Drez. When she's outside, she "hop" runs, even though it always ends up with her falling down. But the spirit and smile are constantly there, which breaks your heart even more. They WANT to do everything, they just can't. It's actually inspiring to see her try and try and try again, and I'm sure you feel the same way about Chum. Then it breaks your heart again when you have to keep them still - or as still as they'll LET you keep them. At least Drez doesn't have a sister that she's watching do all the normal stuff. I hope that's not TOO much of a distraction for Chum (yeah, right! )
BIG hugs from me and Drez to all!  |
| Thanks. It means alot to hear all the words of support. You are all helping me get through this by having a place to talk about it and to know people care about her.
When Chum escaped the den, I immediately thought of Drez and the bones. They are not only lookalikes, but act alike too. WHat spirit they both have. Wish they didn't have to prove it like this. |
| This page has alot of good info although they are surgery-centric,
http://www.gcvs.com/surgery/interver.htm I will follow up on accupuncture and other methods once the crisis phase is behind us. . . |
| Val, I'm so sorry about Chum When you need to move her borrow a stretcher from your vet and roll her on it. They have straps to keep her on it and you only have to carry her (with some help) to the car. When you get to the office they will provide a gurney to get her inside. we did that with Beau and I also got a mild sedative to keep him calm. Is the surgery a laminectomy? |
| Sorry to hear about Chum. Hope she's a quick healer. If there is anything I can do for you since I'm not too far from you, please let me know... |
| Oh, that makes me so sad. Poor Chum Wish I could give Chummie a huge hug. Yuki sends a few soft licks. I'm glad Chum has a mommy like you taking care of her. She'll be in my thoughts, and I look forward to hearing she's back to herself again. |
| Condition worsened. She was so stiff and yelping randomly. I just brought her back in to be admitted. I had been sitting here staring at her, watching her decline wondering how I was going to get my dog in excruciating pain into the car. Then I remembered the ex-boyfriend with strong arms and a big truck. He carried her in the crate (with the waterbed cushion too) and stayed with me while I waited to hear from the doctor. . .
She'll be examined tomorrow. I will let you know what I learn. I hope they put her on some good pain meds. Poor sweet chummie. . . |
| Val, this makes me so sad. She's such a sweet, sweet girl - this just isn't fair. Will be on pins and needles to hear what happens tomorrow. Love to all. |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: Val, this makes me so sad.
She's such a sweet, sweet girl - this just isn't fair. Will be on pins and needles to hear what happens tomorrow. Love to all.I feel the same way. She's so sweet and loving. Even in her pain, she wanted to kiss and wiggle (and then yelp). The vet staff all seemed to recognize that she is adorable and promised to take good, kind care of her. I am going to try and get a good night of sleep because tomorrow will surely be a tough day. . . |
| Oh no, so sorry, darling chummie is very much in our prayers that the pain will subside and she will be able to come home and be comfortable recouperating with her mommy.
Try and get a good night sleep I know that is hard, be strong and keep the faith, she has an amazing strong sweet spirit & that certainly has a lot to do with enduring things and getting better. Thank goodness for ex. BF's and there trucks they do come in handy sometimes!!  |
| Poor baby. Will keep her and you in our thoughts and prayers for good news.
I am so sorry. I just wish there was more we could do. BIG HUGS! |
| I'll say a prayer for you tonight, Val.
Ok, another one. |
| ((((Hugs to you Val!!)))) I hope she gets better really soon.
It is so hard seeing our furkids in pain. It just makes you feel so helpless. I am sure they will take good care of her at the Vet. Just know she is in the best place for her right now. Hopefully she can come home really soon and be back to her wonderful self. Just cuddle extra close with Maggie tonight. That should help you relax a bit. Sheepies are such wonderful stress reducers. |
| Val,
I just read about poor Chummie. I am so sorry. Give Chummmie hugs and kisses from me and the boys. |
| I can't help thinking about all the things I've done that have worsened her condition:
1. see a mediocre Vet. I had pointed out all the early symptoms and he thought it was age/arthritis/weight. 2. fell off the stairs up to the grooming table -- twice 3. held her head down in the car to try to lessen her crazy barking 4. afternoon walks when she didn't want to go 5. Stairs, stairs, stairs 6. Day care at the Kennel may have worn her out. . . Poor sweet Chummie. I really didn't provideher with very good care. . . I hope she can recover. |
| Val, please don't beat yourself up; hindsight is always 20-20 and you have been a wonderful mom to Chummie and she loves you. Along with every one here, I'll be sending you guys good thoughts and will be praying for Chum.
Jil |
| OH VAL, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BLAMING YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You loved adored and provided Chummie with the best of all homes. No one can see into the future and know what it will be. There is no way you could have known.
What better place could she be than with you, you will provide her with the best care and everything she needs. She may have ended up somewhere that couldn't do that. |
| Val, this is NOT your fault!! Don't even go there. Like Jil said, hindsight is always 20-20. Now all you have to do is concentrate on getting her recuperated and well. She loves her mommy, and we know how much you love her. Chin up, friend, and eyes ahead. We're all here for you. |
| Oh Val, please don't blame yourself! We can only work with the knowledge that we have and you didn't know!!
Chummie knows how much you love her and you are providing her with the very best of care and doing everything you can to help her. Let's concentrate on getting her better. We love you both and are here for you! |
| If you talk to anyone out there, they will say the best thing to do for an older dog is to keep them active. This is not something that you caused, it is the way that she is. How would you ever had known this would be what is happening.
I beat myself up for a long time not seeing some symptoms for my aging OES, Newman. I still to this day wonder "what if", but I know I did everything I could to give him a great home & to keep him active which we did all the way up to 13. If you think that your current vet is not good at diagnostics, I would ask the Penn vet what he/she thinks. Sometimes symptoms have to worsen before you can figure out what the real problem is. Plus unfortunately, I think most vets are conservative with their approach because most of the population is not willing to spend $ on diagnostic testing for their pets. And IMO you are a great provider for both of the girls. The fact that you take the time to make sure they are stimulated & active each day is far beyond what other people do for their pets. I don't think people would ever hesitate leaving a dog in your care. Try not to worry - Chumley is in the best animal hospital around (I've never heard one bad thing about Penn) and it sounds like she has a lot of fight in her. |
| Oh, Val. I'm so sorry Chum had to go to the vet. I know you feel that there's something you missed early on, but you just didn't know. Chum knows how much you love her and only have the best intentions when taking care of her. I hope she has a good recovery only made better by you helping her lose some pounds. Sending lots of hugs and kisses to you. Please feel free to call or email me if you'd like to hear a voice. |
| Just got a call from the orthapedic specialist at the Vet. She says Chummie's symptoms are not quite as straightforward as the ER doc suggested. She said Chummie was screaming from being touched in various places all over her body and that her pain was not localized or consistent (she'd scream one time but not the next). She is going to run a variety of tests today, including a spinal tap, xrays, and bloodwork to try and rule out some other possibilities, most of which are treatable, but not all (threat of cancer lurking in the background).
I am grateful for their thorough approach. |
| Poor Chummie, Poor Val Wish I could give you both a hug! |
| I am hoping that she's just overly sensitive at the moment, and maybe she's just retaining fluids everywhere or something simple; that would be great... I still have my fingers and toes crossed, Val. |
| We're thinking of you! |
| Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. |
| Val,
Don't blame any of this on yourself. It is NOT your fault! Hopefully the tests will find the cause. I am praying that it is something that can easily be treated. (((((HUGS))))) |
Tasker's Mom wrote: Poor Chummie, Poor Val
Wish I could give you both a hug!Me too! I'm so worried. |
| Oh Val, I'm so so sorry! Don't blame yourself for this - unfortunately no matter how much we love the dogs in our lives, they can't tell you what hurts. You did the best for Chummie that anyone could possibly do Big hugs to both of you!! You're in my prayers. |
Valerie wrote: Then I remembered the ex-boyfriend with strong arms and a big truck. He carried her in the crate (with the waterbed cushion too) and stayed with me while I waited to hear from the doctor. . .
By the way - I'm amazed at this. My hubbie is pretty tough but there's no way he could pick up Bailey in his crate and load him into the truck. Val, you definitely had an angel looking over your shoulder! |
| Val, try to stay positive through the wait. It sounds odd that she cried sometimes when being touched and other times didn't cry. Maybe she's afraid being there without you. How long before you know anything more? Big hugs to you, friend.
How is Maggie? Did she miss Chum last night? |
| Lots of (((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) Val
from me and maizie |
| Val
You are such a good mama... Of course we second guess ourselves! That's just what mama's do 
You have done all that is good for Chummie. Doctors will now do what they do... Make our babies well 
Be strong... Diane |
| I hope they can figure out what's going on and get her feeling better quickly... poor Chum Poor Val |
| Well, all the diagnostics today did not turn up any alternative causes so Chummie will have an MRI tomorrow morning. Should have more info by tomorrow afternoon. Vet says she has rested well and appears happiest when no one is touching her. |
| Does that rule out the Cervical Disc Disease? I hope that things being ruled out is a good thing? |
| The MRI should give you a pretty definate answer to whether it is a disc or not. I cannot even imagine what this must be costing you!!! |
| I just saw this thread for the first time, and I am so sad for you Val... poor Chummie!! Thank you for keeping us all updated with her condition, I will be checking back and hoping for a miracle! |
| Oh Val... my thoughts and prayers are with Chummie. This must be so scary not knowing for sure what is causing this terrible pain. I hope they can find a cause and cure quickly. Hugs to you.
Jaci |
VerveUp wrote: Does that rule out the Cervical Disc Disease?
No. She was ruling out other things it could be -- meningitis or other infection, inflammation of the connective tissue, fracture of some sort, something called diskolimiblahblahblah (couldnt really catch what she was saying) etc. Tomorrow, I will find out if it is some sort of disk problem in her neck or upper back. Yes, it costs alot. I can swing it financially. I am more concerned about the physical burden and time that any rehabilitation may require. |
Well at least a lot of bad stuff has been ruled out so that a good thing. 
More ((((hugs)))) to you and Chummie! |
| Val, don't get disheartened. Once you know what you have to deal with you can focus on the treatment required and take one step at a time. Having gone through two years of cancer with Beau I know how hard it is, but you already have the biggest part of it; which is love. And that truly works miracles.
((((HUGS)))) |
bestdogsx4 wrote: Val, don't get disheartened. Once you know what you have to deal with you can focus on the treatment required and take one step at a time. Having gone through two years of cancer with Beau I know how hard it is, but you already have the biggest part of it; which is love. And that truly works miracles.
((((HUGS)))) Very true, Holly. When it comes to taking care of someone you love, you find strength you never knew you had. |
| Poor Val and Chum! I can't believe I didn't see this til now. Give her big kisses from Barney and me |
| So sorry to hear about Chummie Val .
Lots of (((((HUGS))))) are being sent to you and Chummie from me,Mitch & Marley. |
Chummie is back from the MRI and I am told she is resting on comfy bedding with IV pain meds. 
The orthopedic specialist looked at the images and said she did not see any signs of cancer  but she wants to review the images with a radiologist.
She also did not see any signs of herniated disks or other disk problems  .
The only thing she said was abnormal was the shape of the inside of the spinal column. It should be round, but Chum's looked squared off. 
Apparently, that is not entirely uncommon in older, large breed dogs and she would not have expected it to give rise to pain that Chummie was demonstrating. She says it still doesn't seem like a straightforward case.  So she is going to consult further with her colleagues and call me with more info and a recommendation tomorrow.
It seems possible that her condition could be managed without surgery. |
| Wow... still no definitive answers, you must be feeling so frustrated.
It sounds like maybe a nerve problem at this point, or perhaps a bit of swelling of, on , or near the cerebellum... but they would have seen that with the mri. Maybe she just pulled a muscle or ligament? |
| No signs of cancer or herniated discs is good!! It sounds like the hospital and the doctor you're working with are very competent, too. That's encouraging. They're being very thorough.
At least she's comfy for now and on some good drugs.
I do hope they have some good news for you tomorrow. |
| it sounds like chummie is in good hands and these doctors are being very careful to make the right diagnosis. plus no apparent signs of cancer is great news!!
im keeping my fingers crossed for you! |
| Encouraging news! I'm glad she's resting comfortably. |
well, my first response is I am so glad it isn't cancer or a disc but then  if not that.... what................. poor Chummie girl. I am holding out for a sudden and FAST improvement!!! |
Very encouring news, glad she is resting comfortably and two things have been ruled out.  |
| Panda is still worried and sends her love..I told her that ruling out the really bad stuff is a good thing....
I just want to send a hug to you, Valie...I think you could use it!! |
Tasker's Mom wrote: :phew: well, my first response is I am so glad it isn't cancer or a disc but then
if not that.... what................. Exactly! It now seems so mysterious. The other alternatives were horrible but straightforward. But I agree that it is good horrible things have been ruled out and that they are thorough and that she is resting. Thanks for all the hugs from everyone. Feels good! Looking at the bright side (if there is one), this has been a good opportunity for me to work with Maggie on her leash skills. She is getting so good! This morning, the four foot leash hung in a loose U between us. I only had to stop to get her back in position a couple of times. |
| Wow, Val! What great news that they don't suspect cancer or see any herniated disks. But like Ginny and you said, if not that, then what?
Has anyone at the hospital tried to touch or stroke her again, to see if she yells? Are there any other tests planned? Although I can't figure out what those would be, since it seems they've been very thorough in checking everything out. Will they let you see her? Do you want to, or do you think that would just confuse her more? Most importantly, when can she come home????? |
| Val,
I am so happy to hear that the worst case scenerios have been ruled out. You must be relieved about that. Maybe she just pulled a muscle like Stacey said. Or could it be a pinched nerve? |
| Our prayers are with ya Chum for healing... rest and listen to your Mommy!!! |
| Today, they are taking joint fluid samples to see if she has polyarthritis. . .
http://www.dvmnews.com/dvm/article/arti ... ?id=152657 |
| Oh, Val, what a roller coaster! I'm glad to hear that Chum is resting comfortably at the vet and that they don't think it's cancer. Maybe she has fibromyalgia like Elissa and me |
| Hmm, that is interesting. |
| Things doctor mentioned on the phone just now (my best guess as to spelling) that they are investigating:
polyarthritis polyarthopathy poly-neuropathy (some inflammation in nerve roots at the base of the spinal column) poly-radicular-neuritis bacterial infection -- toxiplasmosis, neosporum lymphoma
I'm hoping I can visit after work today. . . She's looking into whether anyone will be there to let me in. . . |
Oh, I hope you can get in to see her, as much for her sake as yours! 
I read some of the polyarthritis article, but some of it is WAY too technical for my puny brain! The one thing that stuck out with me is that polyarthritis is the diagnosis for 6 or more joints afflicted, then the diagnosis changes names for less joints afflicted, right? Yikes! Scary stuff. Has she been out of the kennel at all? Poor thing must be going stir crazy. God bless you, Val - I'm not sure I could handle being away from her! Please give her a BIG hug (or as big a hug as she can handle) and kiss from me and Drez. |
| I am actually relieved that they are taking care of her. I'd be worrying so much more if she was home with me. I was actually very nervous on the phone with the doctor since at one point in the conversation, I was afraid she was going to suggest that Chum come home for R&R. I can't bear to see her in pain so it is easier not seeing her. But I do want to visit and just let her know that I'm still around. I bet with the pain killers, she is probably groggy and content to be resting. There's a vet student who has been assigned to look after her and she sounds very nice. |
Stacy wrote: Maybe she has fibromyalgia like Elissa and me
Animals too can get Fibromyalgia. That website Val provided had info about Fibromyalgia in horses. That would explain the pain. |
| I'm glad to hear that she's getting good care, Val. I keep checking back to see what the diagnosis is and how things are but I wanted to put in a post so you knew that you and Chum were on my mind! Give her a kiss on the nose from Clyde (he's the gentler kisser of the boys, a kiss from Bear is sometimes punishment!). |
| I haven't been on the forum much lately and just read this thread--Val, I am so sorry about Chummie. It is so hard to see our beloved dogs in pain. Our BMD Otto has had what we think is a pinched nerve in his neck for several years, and when it flares up the sound he makes is terrifying and heartbreaking. And I too have blamed myself for not picking up on the (very) subtle signals that come at the beginning of a full-blown episode, and worry that I've exacerbated the problem by yanking his leash when I lose patience, etc. But you are and always have done your best for Chum and she knows that. The thing that finally helped Otto--despite the fact that we never could get a really firm diagnosis--was acupuncture and Chinese herbs--but he still has an occasional flare up and we keep methylprednisone in the house for those acute phases. I checked IVAS and there are a number of Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists (who are also DVMs/VMDs) in Pennsylvania, including one at U Penn. http://www.ivas.org/members_search2_pub.cfm Just another tool in the toolbox to consider. Good luck and keep us posted.
And please don't forget to take good care of yourself through all this--I send a big hug, Quincey sends a bunch of slobbery Sheepie kisses, and Otto sends a Big Berner Foot Sit. You and Chummie are in our thoughts. Marjorie |
| Thanks for sharing your experience re Otto. It really is an awful sound and an awful feeling.
And thanks for all the wellwishes from everyone. I visited her today. The vet student brought her outside for a brief walk. She was stunned to see Chummie doing her usual charge toward the cars and bark like crazy hoping she can go for a ride. She said she was being pretty mellow and quiet upstairs. Then we found a room where I could sit and visit with her. She was eager for petting, looked a bit wild-eyed, and every once in a while, she howled like king kong. She's got all sorts of shaved patches, a little iv tube hanging out of her, and was sporting a large fentanyl patch. The vet student was really nice and said she could see that Chummie is a phenomenal dog. I am supposed to get more info from the vet tomorrow. They are still waiting on some results. . . I should change the title of this thread to "Vet has No Idea What's Wrong With Chum but She Knows that it Hurts -- ALOT"  |
| I hope you get some answers soon.... I bet Chummie can't wait to get home. |
| Gosh I would be a wreck by now, the worst part is just not knowing
Stay strong and please give chum an extra cuddle from us all in OZ. |
| Thanks.
Elissa -- I meant to add that I will ask abotu fibromyalgia. . . I hope she doesn't have it though because it sounds pretty dreadful. |
| Valerie,
I am so upset that you and Chummie are going through this! She is so lucky to have a Mom like you! I am praying that the doctors find a diagnosis and help for her immediately. I know it is so overwhelming and distressing when they are sick. I can't imagine what you're going through. Just know that you are the best mom she could possibly have and she's had the best care. Huggs to Chummie from me, Copper and Hannah. Hope she gets relief soon! We've always had good luck with the holistic realms of veterinary care too, like acupuncture and acupressure, chiropractic care and supplements and nosodes. Hang in there. |
| Val,
Well it is dreadful, but at least there would be an explaination for her pain. You could even e-mail that Vet that wrote the article... in case your Vet in not familiar with it. Maybe ask her how they diagnose it. So you could bring that with you. I wonder if it's the same as in humans with the pressure points. If she does have it, she and you are very welcome to join our Fibromyalgia support group I see that they use Ultram from dogs too and a pain killer. |
| Hi Valerie,
Apologies I hadn't responded sooner as still catching up on post. I'm so sorry to hear about Chummie! Praying the vets will find out the cause of her pain and they advise you on methods in which you and her can cope with it. You're in my thoughts and lets hope Chum is back at her with her great mommy and her sister soon. Marianne and the boys |
| Val,
In regards to the pain of Fibro. If certain trigger points are touched even lightly I will experience immense pain. There is one muscle on my upper back when touched on each side of the spine there lightly will cause me to literally drop onto my knees in agony. For more information on what Fibromyalgia is, check out my website. There is a lot of really good info there. http://www.myfibrosite.com/users/elissa/index.html |
| Vet says they had to sedate Chumley last night because she was all worked up from my visit and was howling and agitated. The joint tap was clear (no problems detected). The ultrasound was also clear (no tumors detected). They have started her on steroids and are still waiting for the results of the "infectious disease titers" to see if they can identify a specific source for the nerve root inflammation.
Maggie is on her best behavior. Walking on a loose leash. Staying out of the kitchen. Not chasing the cat. |
| Poor Chum. I know, sometimes I think it makes it worse for them for us to visit because they don't know what it going on and why we have to leave...
Sounds like okay news about the tests that have come back, right? |
| I just talked to the Vet. She said Chumley cried and cried and cried and CRIED and wailed and howled all night long after my visit. She said it was not cries of pain, just cries of sadness. So she does not recommend me visiting again. my poor baby.
Today, they kept her in the lab with the students so that someone was always there to keep her company. She said that she slept like a log (partially due to sedation and partially due to exhaustion from crying all night). She hope that after a few more doses of steroids, she might be able to come home. Still no update on the possible infectious causes -- they are just treating the symptoms. |
| Awww, poor chumley shes missing her mom. Me and Maizie are thinking of you and hope that chumley is home soon. Sheepie ((((HUG))))
Kim & MAIZIE |
| Poor thing--so heartbreaking. She is going to be so happy (as are you!) when she's back home. Lots more Sheepie Hugs from Quincey and Foot Sits from Otto. We're sending all the positive energy we can. |
| I love the hugs and foot sits! LOL. |
| Val,
What's the news on Chummie today? |
| Vet says she is a bit more mobile today. He wanted to keep her to see whether it was just the pain killers taking effect or whether the steroids were working to reduce the inflammation. Since the pain patch will wear down over time, if she's better tomorrow than today, then it is probably that the steroids are working. And then maybe she can come home. . . |
| Huggs and snuggles for CHummie |
| Keeping fingers and paws crossed for you and Chum that the steriods kick in and help
Do they have any idea what caused all the pain, they did rule out a few things but have they given you an idea as to what was the problem or is it still an unknown? |
| Still unknown. They ruled out lots of things. They are still waiting on the results of two blood titers (that's what they called it). They said these two are the most commonly associated with her condition but if they are ruled out, they can do a more complete analysis include tick borne ailments. They say ticks don't cause this sort of thing, but hey, as long as I'm paying for every other possible test under the sun. . . They also keep saying that lymphoma is a possibility although they have not found any masses. |
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