Lucy ~ where to start
 

I took Lucy to the Vet today because she has been favoring her right hind leg for a couple of weeks since her and Ringo were playing on the hardwood floor.

We already know that she has LP in both knees.

But they did x rays to make sure she didn't have a hairline fracture, etc. She did not and he rated the LP and Grade 3. Right now she is on total crate rest for 7 days with an anti-inflammatory (Carprofen). He wants to let the leg rest but doesn't think she will need surgery; just a chance to rest and heal.

Here's the biggie - when they did the leg x rays ~ he found five large stones in her bladder which I could clearly see on the x ray. They were big.

He wants to do the crate rest, then bloodwork and redo her bile acids to check her liver function ~ then go in and take the bladder stones out. He will have to send the stones away to see what they are made of to try and prevent this from happening again.

My head is just spinning. I feel like I should have had her bile acids re-done last year but she was doing so well and her vet at the time didn't recommend it because her liver enzymes were fine. I'm just sick about it. I'm also worried about the trial of Carprofen due to her liver issues.

I'll have to check the anesthesia protocol on the sticky here; I know he uses Propofol and does have a second person doing constant monitoring.

Lucy sure could use some good thoughts right now.

So sorry for all her troubles. I will be Praying for Lucy.

Sending prayers and hugs for Lucy and you.

Daisy has MVD and is high risk for anesthesia.....she does fine with propofol for induction and maintenance on isoflurane. They get her in and out fast too.

As for carprofen......I've used it in Barney, but NOT in Daisy. I won't use, and my vets won't prescribe, anything but Tramadol for her. So that is what I would use, along w/ strict crate rest. She has a grade 4 LP and this has worked for her when it has been inflamed.

Regarding the BATs, I have seen wide swings over small dietary indiscretions. It only tells some of the story. I'd do it because the fact that she has stones is concerning and so you can consider an appropriate dietary change if warranted following the surgery.

Sending prayers for little Lucy.

sending prayers for lucy and you

Sending prayers for Lucy and you

Keeping Lucy in my prayers. Cali has mild MVD and has been put under. Her vet uses the protocol for dogs with liver issues and she did fine. I'm pretty sure it was propofol and close monitoring. Cali has also tolerated Tramadol fine. I don't have any experience with the carprofen.

I'm sorry Lucy's is having a rough time. Praying for her (and her person).

I am so sorry and hope she gets some relief soon

Sending prayers for blessings upon Lucy and you.

Sending prayers for Lucy and hugs for mommy((hugs))

I'll keep sweet Lucy in my thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to here Lucy is having these problems...

Amonium urate (the kind common to LS) stones do not appear on xrays.

I would ask your vet about Denamarin, as this can protect her liver from ill effects of the pain medication.

I will keep Lucy and you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry that she is going through all of this.

Thanks guys; I'll keep you posted when we do the bloodwork and the BAT ~ see how those go.

Right now, she is whining about being in her crate. She doesn't understand why she is in there and Ringo is running around free!

I'll ask my vet about the Denamarin; he said he agreed that long-term use of Rimadyl would not be good for Lucy but that for a few days it should be ok. I'll ask him about Tramadol tomorrow.

The only thing with the Tramadol is that it is only for pain and what they are trying to do right now with the LP is reduce the inflammation. I have found that usually the anti inflammatories work in a week or two. I have really never had one need anything for pain unless it was a torn ligament and I got those repaired as soon as possible anyway.

True LJ. She does not seem to be in pain even when they rotated her leg every which way. It's all about the inflammation right now.

While anti-inflammatory meds are usually prescribed in these situations, use of them is contraindicated in a liver compromised dog. As such, inflammation has been treated another way in our dog -- tramadol w/ crate rest which resolved the issue just as well as w/ rimadyl. It is my understanding that tramadol has a wide range of applications.

And although certain stones won't show up on xray, it does not mean they are not present which is why I would agree with the BAT testing if it were my dog.

Good luck w/ Lucy, I'm sure you'll do what is best for your dog.

Perhaps ice might be helpful....the only thing is that some pups really do not like it much.

I do realize that anti inflammatories are contraindicated....I don't know about short term use? She said her vet was not concerned. I don't know??

My last two general vets and the last two IMS vets and the ER vet all have avoided anti-inflammatory meds in my dog, even for short term use. I suppose that reasonable minds could differ and some vets might be ok with it given a dog's clinical history etc.

Ice would not work for my dog but she does like moist heat.

Moist heat is great for chronic conditions. Actually cannot hurt for an acute LP ... LP is actually chronic anyway. I don't think it will do much for inflammation but definitely is comforting...relaxes the muscles.

Sending you Prayers for Lucy!! Hope everything gets better soon!!

Sending hugs and prayers to you and Lucy.

I talked to the Vet today - we will do her bloodwork and BAT's on Monday the 16th and should have the BAT results back by Wednesday.

Unless the bloodwork/BAT's say otherwise - proceed with surgery on Thursday morning.

I've already asked for Tramadol for pain control instead of the Rimadyl and I'll have Thursday afternoon and Friday off ~ then the week-end to take care of my baby girl.

Fingers crossed!

I will be thinking of Lucy and you every day and sending prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Little Lucy is so lucky to have you helping her through this. Sending prayers that she's feeling much better soon. Give her a gentle hug for me.

Bonny

Oh poor Lucy. I am sending prayers and hugs that she gets well fast.

Oh poor Lucy! Will be thinking of you guys. Sending good healing vibes her way.

I'll keep Lucy in my thoughts and prayers. She's got a great mommie to be with her while she's recovering.