I'm so sorry, Bless little Kirby heart:( My heart is just breaking for him:getwell: :hands: Sending prayer and hugs your way.

We just had Kirby to our Vet. Kirby has lost nearly 2 pounds, just a couple ounces short of that, in three weeks time. He is losing his muscle and that explains the weight loss. He is still optimistic that Kirby will recover, but with all the muscle loss and paralysis, he probably won't ever be the same. I asked him if Kirby's heart sounded okay because when I hold him, his little heart seems to be beating so hard. He said, unfortunately, the heart is a muscle and with his muscle loss, his heart is working harder. He also said that it could happen that he may fall asleep one day and not wake up...not that he thinks that will happen, but it is a possibility and he wanted to warn us. We talked about surgery again and he said he didn't think any surgeon would want to operate on him now in the shape he is in and he doesn't recommend it, nor would he suggest we give up. We are cutting back on the prednisone as that's one of the reasons for losing muscle, but we can up the pain killers as often as 6 times a day, and also give him his sedative 4 times a day. I asked him if we could give him a bath. Poor little stinky Kirby...I've been giving him sponge baths, but that just doesn't do the job. Our vet said Kirby may even feel better after a bath. So, tomorrow after my daughter gets off work, we'll give Kirby a bath. I don't want to try it alone...so scared of hurting him.

Thanks you, everyone, for your prayers and concern! I truly think they are already working as he seemed to be a little better tonight. Dr. told us that we should expect days like this where he seems worse...it kind of is all a part of this very long recovery. I feel a little better now. Today I didn't think he was going to live through the day...or that we would have to have him pts. Now, I feel a little more hopeful and knowing all you beautiful people are raising his name in prayer just does my heart good. Thank you!

Thanks so much for the links! I will check them out and also email them to my daughter!

I agree with the vet, Connie- don't give up!

Connie,
Never give up hope. Kirby is alive and I know he is fighting inside, he doesn't want to leave you all. I have faith that in time, maybe a long time though, he will be better.

I will never stop praying for the little man. :)

Connie, I hope you can get some rest tonight, I think the Vet has given you some comfort. Sleep well, tomorrow is another day ;)

Oh girl,I just seen this. I feel so bad for Kirby and you,your daughter .
I know seeing him suffer isn't easy for you. I will keep praying for sweet kirby,he looks alot like Maddie in those pictures.
Call me anytime day or night,Im here for you.
Hugs,Debi

You are very welcome! I'm hoping they can offer you some help. from what my friend says there are some very knowledgable ppl on there.

I'll be saying prayers that your lil guy will have a full recovery.

Please give him get well kisses from us, we are praying for an improvement for the sweet lil guy !

oh im' so sorry, poor Kirby! praying for him

And I have video and pictures of Babybear while he is having his acupuncture on his dogster page. You can also go there. I believe there is a chance for little one. I believe because of what I have gone through with my little guy. Check out his page before you get to discouraged please. http://www.dogster.com/dogs/136060
and i will keep your little one in my prayers.

Connie,how is KIRBY today? Im hoping for some good news!

kirby-we are thinking of you. Our prayers are with your and your family. Be strong!
Love, Lynn, Grace, Lily & Molly

omg i will be praying for Kirby. Please don't give up. How old is he? He is such a sweety. It hurts to see a dog in pain:(

Connie,
I just found this thread about Kirby. I am so sorry you are going through this with him. Poor little guy and poor you. I was about to tell you about Val and her little Yorkie, Babybear, when I noticed she has posted here. Trust me, this is one lady that knows EXACTLY what you are going through. The acupuncture has worked so well on her baby, don't give up on finding a doctor that will do it in you area. Perhaps Val's Dr Paul, who does Babybear's treatments will be able to recommend someone in your area. If you look at his Dogster page, there is a video of the acupuncture, and a description of the benefits to his condition.

Now as for the pee stain problem. I know of a simply amazing product that has removed every pet stain I had during Mango's toilet training period- Simple Solution. Here is a link for a description and a discount:
http://dktshopping.com/dog-supplies/455109579.html


Connie, just hang in there Hon. I know this must be breaking your heart. Kirby is such a lucky Yorkie to have someone like you nursing him back to health. We are all here for you when you need us. Please do yourself a favor and talk to Val, Babybear's Mom. This lady not only will have great advice, she will inspire you and give you hope.
Hugs to you and Kirby,
Lauren:hug:

Poor Kirby:( I'm praying for his recovery:hands: We've seen some YT miracles, so hang in there and trust in the Lord:love: It's good to hear that he is doing a tiny bit better.

I will keep Kirby in our prayers here. Poor little guy!

I just spent a lot of time on Baby Bears dogster page! Seeing what he has accomplished give me more hope. I do know that acupuncture works...I just have to find someone around here. I think the closest one is 5 hours away and I suppose he'd need it done more than once? In the video I watched of Baby Bear getting acupuncture, they hooked wires to the needles. That part is new to me...I've only had the needles.

Kirby's day was not as bad as yesterday. My daughter and I gave him a bath today and now he smells sweet and I hope it makes him feel better. Thanks each and every one of you who have replied, offered advice and prayers. I appreciate it more than words can say! *HUGS*

Connie, I am so hopeful Kirby can get well again. You are all in my prayers.

Glad he was a little better, and hope today is even better yet !

Iam so sorry kirby is not better, my friend is going thru the same thing with her shady, he is on meds and still active but they worry every day about his back, if the dics ruptures they were told to get him in within 24 hrs to have surgery, I will keep kirby in my prayers.,

All the love that you shower on him and a nice soothing bath must of really made his day. I sure hope he is feeling better today and I will keep sending prayers of healing your way.

Connie,
I believe they use this if dry needling is not taking anymore. Babybear was not getting anything anymore from dry needling so now he gets the electrods. Doc Paul tired it on himself and said that it feels like a muscle spasm. I have also heard of another acupuncture that is laser. I know that Doc Paul does not have that in his office. I would call my vet and see if they know of any acupuncture vets close by. I am sure you can find a vet closer to you. You might be shocked to find one closer. I sure hope so. How is the little guy doing tonight. I am continueing to keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
And yes a warm bath once a day will not hurt him it will help. Just don't use soap every time. IT could dry out his skin. I found that out the hard way. And if you are having problems with him going potty(pee) try a belly band. OR a regular diaper. That is i what I use on Babybear and I keep a wee wee pad under him all the time.
If you ever have any questions please pm me and I will do my best to answer everything for you. Any time.

we are going to say prayers tonight for sweet Kirby ....

My Prayers for Kirby and your family, Sending him warm hugs and hopes he gets well soon:lovewings

Connie,
I was hoping for news of Kirby today. How is the little guy doing? I am so glad you are in contact with Val and Babybear - is that dogster page awe-inspiring or what?!
I do hope is having a better weekend, poor brave little man.
Hugs,
Lauren:)

I am just now seeing this thread, I am so sorry! If there is anything that I can do please let me know. I will be praying for him.

I don't know what your financial situation is, and I take it there are no orthopedic or neurologists in your area. What about finding the closest one and going on a road trip? Also, you could look for universities near you that have veterinary programs. They usually provide excellent treatment at a fraction of the cost of a regular vet. And there is always Alameda East, the veterinary clinic on Emergency Vet on Animal Planet. People come from all over for Dr. Taylor to treat their dogs, usually with excellent outcomes.

My heart aches for you and your family. That precious little guy surely has had a rough road lately. My prayers are with you. i wish I knew something to tell you; but I really don't. I do know that Kirby is getting the best care you can give, and I also know that love can be a powerful healer.:)

My heart is just breaking for little Kirby. I can't stand to think of him suffering - poor little baby! I hope your Chiro can adjust him, it could do wonders.

Have you tried finding an animal massage therapist? That may help. I feel so helpless for you! What about a TENS machine? I think you can buy those - and they're often used in place of/in conjunction with accupuncture.

Kirby, I'm sending good thoughts your way!!

Connie,how is Kirby doing today? Are you having those 60 MPH winds yet?