Bach is sick

[Jodi]

Bach, my German Shepherd, is in the hospital. When I woke up this morning he couldn't walk and would collapse when he tried to stand up. I took him to the vet immediately and they think he may have either slipped a disc in his back or be having a severe arthritis attack. They gave him a shot of Cortisone (sp?) and are going to watch him for awhile. The vet told me that if it's a slipped disc he may be paralyzed in the next couple of days. Of course I can't help but think the worst. I haven't stopped crying this morning and am SO worried.

Please pray that he heals soon.

I hope Bach gets better soon. All we can do is hope and pray.

[DirtySouthChins]

Aweee JGawana I am so sorry I know it's hard, but keep positive thoughts, I hope for the best outcome, please keep us informed

[Jade]

I'm sorry hon, hang in there!

We see TONS of IVDD cases .... I'll grab a sheet tomorrow and let you know what it says.

Jodi, you might look at surgery for Bach too. Dr. Winkler is in Huntersville at Carolina Vet Specialsts and is WONDERFUL. Your vet can refer you. (Same practice Dr. Powers is at - the avian vet I was telling you about.) We also have surgeons on call if it needs done Sunday.



Here are some links in the mean time:

http://www.vetasia.com/chinese/medicalfocus/ivvd.htm

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/mu...iskdisease.htm

[url]http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache:C4Ou56i-bC4C:http://www.nriah.com/Treatment/Care_...hl=en&ie=UTF-8


http://petcare.umn.edu/FAQ/Neurology/IVDD.htm

http://www.southpaws.com/topics/IVD.htm

[Jodi]

Thanks everyone. Bach's not doing any better. The vet now thinks he might have had a stroke or have a blood clot. They did some x-rays this morning (Sun) and didn't find anything conclusive. If he's not doing any better by Monday morning they want to send him to a specialist. He's still not using his back legs and sometimes won't even use his front legs.

Jade, I read all those articles on IVDD and he does seem to have those symptoms except the vet doesn't think he's in pain. Also, he's a large breed not mentioned in those articles. I suppose that doesn't mean it couldn't happen to him though.

I think the specialist would be at CVS. I've taken Toby (macaw) there and really liked them but they were a bit pricey.

Unfortunately my hubby is out of town but will be trying to fly back home Monday. I'm a wreck and can't stop crying.

Thanks everyone for your support.

[Jade]

They ARE pricey, but I think they're worth it. I've seen what they can do with some animals and I have been amazed beyond words. Keep in mind, these doctors go through MUCH more schooling to be specialists, just like people specialists, you know?

I'm so sorry he's not doing any better. I would call your vet today and tell them to refer him TODAY. He's going to need treatment ASAP, regardless of what it is. Dr. LeGrange is the internist, and Dr. Winkler is the surgeon, both of which I have complete faith in.

I'll give a call to the office mgr up there and maybe see if I can help out $ wise -- I'm not sure if I can, but it won't hurt to ask.

You might also look at Care Credit to help pay for it -- they do 90 days no interest for over $300 charges and CVS takes it. http://www.carecredit.com

Hang in -- if you need anything today, I'll be at the south office to their practice. You can call me there.

[Jodi]

Thanks Jade - I really appreciate it! I tried calling the vet's office where they are keeping Bach but nobody is answering. He said to call him back at 8:30 am tomorrow (Monday) morning and I don't know how to get a hold of him today.

I will check into the Care Credit. The vet at Mooresville Animal Hospital said that an MRI, Ultrasound or Mylogram (sp?) can cost $1200 or more.

It's really cold & rainy here today and I hope Bach is staying warm and comfortable.

Thanks again for all your help. I'll keep in touch.

[capnsweets]

I hope and pray he will be okay.

[Jade]

Hey hon.

An ultrasound is like $180-300, depending on what part it's done on, etc. The other two, I don't know about.

I called the back line of the animal hospital Bach's at two more times and still didn't get an answer!!

He and you are in my prayers ... keep us updated, K? And take care of yourself!

[Jodi]

Stephanie, I went to the vet's office this morning to talk to Dr. Sloop and check on Bach. Bach looked very sad and pathetic. He's unable to get up to go potty so hes urinated all over himself. He seems just as bad as Saturday but the vet seems to think he's just a little better. But when I saw him he sure didn't look better to me.

Dr. Sloop called CVS and made me an appt for Tuesday at 1:30. He told CVS (and me) that he didn't think it was an emergency and that Bach could wait until tomorrow. Bach is still at Mooresville Animal Hospital since I'm not able to lift & carry him. They will keep him there until tomorrow when I can pick him up.

I'm a little pissed off. Does this sound right???

[capnsweets]

I have no idea if it sounds right or not, but I feel for your poor dog!

[Jade]

Umm ... I'm not a doctor so I don't know ... but if it were my dog, I'd have taken him in today.

Do you know which specialist you're seeing?



Okay, I called and pulled a few strings - made the poor night receptionist pull the referral! They have you tenatively seeing Dr. LeGrange (internal medicine, probably for an ultrasound) but no appt. scheduled - it looks like they're working you in, so apparently it IS an urgent case, they just didn't feel you needed to go in through the ER tonight and spend the $ maybe since he was already in the hospital?!

Either way, my thoughts will be with you!! My offer still stands - if you need anything, let me know!

[Jodi]

Sorry if that last post sounded bad - I haven't been myself the last couple of days!

Well, when I went to check on Bach last night after work (about 5:00) I decided to take him home with me until the appt today. I knew my hubby was coming home soon and he would be able to lift & carry him. Bach looked so sad in the kennel at the vet's - I just couldn't leave him there.

He will no longer try to stand up and spent the night dry heaving. But his appt is in a couple of hours so hopefully we will know more then.

Thanks for all your help & support Stephanie. I really do appreciate it.

[capnsweets]

Poor Bach! I hope everything goes well for you today, they figure out what is wrong and help Bach!

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

[Jade]

Hey hon -- I called and checked on Bach at about 6:30 and the ER doc on staff said he seemed to be doing well and resting comfortably!

You're in my prayers, as is he!! Hang in!!