bulging disc

[LaRe]

Well, this past weekend Yoda (the black Chihuahua in my picture) started losing control of his legs. I called the vet right away on Friday night and they had me bring him in. They decided to keep him overnight to do some tests and x-rays and found out that he had a bulging disc in his neck that is putting pressure on his spinal cord causing him to lose his legs. They've had him for four days now and it's been the hardest 4 days of my life. The vet I use is 45 minutes away becuase the one in my area doesn't have a very good reputation. I've been driving 45 minutes everyday to go visit him for an hour so he doesn't think I just left him there. I don't have children, so my dogs are like my children. I love this little guy with everything there is inside of me...

I get to take him home today. They've been giving him two cortisone treatments everyday since Saturday. He'll be on prednisone when he comes home as a maintenance drug. The vet said he's making progress as he was standing in the crate all by himself when the vet came in yesterday. However, his little legs still knuckle at the ankles and he can't walk without falling down.

I can't wait to pick him up. I couldn't sleep at all last night because I was so excited.

I totally breaks my heart. I got a playpen for him when he comes home just in case my other two Chihuahuas won't leave him alone. I don't want them jumping around on him and I know their going to be very excited to see him.

Has anyone ever experienced this or heard of it? He doesn't seem to be in pain, he's just confused because he can't walk. If anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it. I'll keep you updated on all the info the vet gives me today. Say a prayer for him...

 

[bubbatd]

Poor baby !!! Let us know how he gets along .

 

[LaRe]

Well, sorry it took me so long to post again. It's been a long week/weekend. On Tuesday, I picked Yoda up from the local vet clinic. They gave me prednisone to give him and basically told me that they weren't sure if it would help or not. They told me my only other option was to take him to a specialty clinic in Akron Ohio (3 hour drive for me) and have surgery done by a neurologist. It would be a little pricey, and they couldn't gurantee it would do the trick, but they've seen good results in the past... Well, I don't really have alot of money, but my little Yoda means everything to me. So, I packed him up along with my credit card and we made the trip. They did surgery on Thursday afternoon and I got to take Yoda home on Friday. They removed some of the bulging disc that was pushing on his spinal cord. They told me it would take awhile to see results and that I shouldn't expect any miracles the first few days. He was pretty groggy and he had a huge incision up his neck. (apparently it's easier for them to do the surgery by going in from the bottom) I got him home and we've been taking care of him and watching him ever since. He's doing fantastic!!! He was standing up the first day, and he is now walking around!!! I'm so glad I made the decision to go ahead and have it done. It was very hard for me because I didn't want to put him through the surgery not knowing if it would work for him or not... I love him so much!!! He's going to be just fine. THANKS!!!

 

[bubbatd]

How wonderful !!!! Kudos for taking care of him !!!! :hail:

 

[Barb04]

I so glad he's healing and doing better. Gentle hugs & kisses to Yoda. I agree with Grammy, I'm so happy to hear you did whatever was necessary for your little boy. My pets are my children also. Some people, especially family, don't always understand the money I spend to keep them healthy.

 

[LaRe]

I really thought my husband wouldn't want me to spend the money. I had Yoda 8 years before we were married, and my husband loves animals, but not to the extent that I do. However, when I came home and told him what my options were he just told me, "I know how much he means to you and I could never ask you to give that up, no matter what the cost." I was very surprised he was so understanding. I was prepared to fight it out, but he totally agreed to it without another thought... I'm a very lucky woman, in the love of my husband and of my dogs...

 

[Barb04]

Your hubby deserves an extra kiss and hug for being such a good guy. This just shows what a good heart he has.

 

[SeniorPetLover]

Bless you and your husband! I am so glad your baby is doing better.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

I'm so glad that Yoda is doing better. I just went through this with my Dachshund, Jackson Browne. He was also on steriods for 10 days.

 

[LaRe]

Yoda's doing great. He's walking around well, but he gets tired really easy and needs to take alot of naps.

He's getting braver because he keeps walking towards the stairs like he wants to go upstairs and we have to hurry up and catch him before he starts. I think he thinks it's some kind of game.... "lets see who can catch me first this time, Mommy or Daddy". He's not allowed to use the stairs for another 2 weeks...

Anyway, I'll keep you posted.. THANKS for all the support!!!

 

[Rubylove]

Poor little bugger. The only experience I have with that is, well, in me! That's the back issue I've been having for months (well, years). Two bulging discs in my lumbar spine.

It's AGONY, and I'm sooooo pleased to see that Yoda's doing well. Poor guy. Did the vet advise you to use heat packs, etc? It may not be `clinically' too effective (although it is a proven aid), but it's surely very therapeutic for the pain. Especially post-operatively.

Aren't you two wonderful parents for taking care of your little man like this? BIG hugs to you

 

[LaRe]

They didn't recommend any heat packs, but I have been putting a warm compress on his incision. I'll have to ask about heat packs the next time I talk to the vet. THANKS!