HELP! My 7 y/o girl can't use her back legs

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: I spoke with Katelyn this morning and she said they are doing another complete neuro assessment on Cali today just to see if anything has changed. Cali is in a good mood and she is getting attention from the staff when they can give it (they are busy at times). She is moving around in her cage as best she can. She has control over her bladder but they are now using Desitin to prevent skin breakdown from urine when she releases her bladder. She is eating/drinking and chews her bone at times. I so miss her. When Katelyn tried to do passive ROM on her she could only move hips, paws but the muscles were so rigid that she can't bend her knees without Cali having spasms so she doesn't force it. She says Cali is a sweetheart.

To all those in this thread...I'm so humble by your opinions and appreciate every single one of them. I appreciate your passion and would rather have your tempers flair over Cali than nothing at all. So thank each & every one of you for your opinions and suggestions. I hear them...trust me, I do!

Regarding the questions about xrays and test results, I can answer a few of them as I'm a nurse so can understand it a bit. The muscle biopsy takes a long time because they culture it and stain it. If you have taken Microbiology before then you know cultures must sit for a few days to see if they grow anything. Also, the pathologist has to sit and exam the tissue under a microscope and make a diagnostic assessment. As far as testing for other diseases...I'm not sure how that works or how long it takes. The specimen was sent to UC Davis in California and Thursday was the last day to send out and get there before the weekend (which I don't know if they work on the weekend...?). Anyway, xrays have never been done but I was told that they would not render the information needed if there truly were a spinal issue anyway. Trust me...I want this checked too!!! I just don't want to put Baby Girl at risk by having her under general anesthesia so soon after having it last Thursday.

Thanks to all of you and I'll post another update later today.

[Fur babies mom]

I'm new here, and have been following your post. I' m praying for Little Callie and hope they have an answer soon. I know that you miss her and are so worried about her. Sending hugs to you!!!

[ladyjane]

Hope the neuro exam today shows some improvement! Cali is so lucky to have such wonderful parents who have provided her with such phenomenal care.
You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

[maggiefromnj]

I think that a disc problem would not make her legs stiff and rigid. Poor baby.

I'm curious if they are keeping you advised of costs for all this? Hopefully it is just the tests that are charged and some dr. fees, but not a HIGH per night cost.

Sounds a little like MS (mult scler) so the concept of a muscle problem seems likely.

[sugarpig]

So sorry Cali is having leg problems. Cocoa, Gigi and I are send healing prayers!

[lillymae]

Originally Posted by maggiefromnj

I think that a disc problem would not make her legs stiff and rigid. Poor baby.

I'm curious if they are keeping you advised of costs for all this? Hopefully it is just the tests that are charged and some dr. fees, but not a HIGH per night cost.

Sounds a little like MS (mult scler) so the concept of a muscle problem seems likely.

Yes a disc problem can absolutely cause stiff legs , terribly tight muscles & muscle spasms as well. I have owned , rescued & fostered many, many dogs with spine issues .
I have had more dogs in my home then I can count with these exact symptoms & all had disc issues & made a complete recovery without surgery.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

UPDATE: I spoke with Katelyn this morning and she said they are doing another complete neuro assessment on Cali today just to see if anything has changed. Cali is in a good mood and she is getting attention from the staff when they can give it (they are busy at times). She is moving around in her cage as best she can. She has control over her bladder but they are now using Desitin to prevent skin breakdown from urine when she releases her bladder. She is eating/drinking and chews her bone at times. I so miss her. When Katelyn tried to do passive ROM on her she could only move hips, paws but the muscles were so rigid that she can't bend her knees without Cali having spasms so she doesn't force it. She says Cali is a sweetheart.

To all those in this thread...I'm so humble by your opinions and appreciate every single one of them. I appreciate your passion and would rather have your tempers flair over Cali than nothing at all. So thank each & every one of you for your opinions and suggestions. I hear them...trust me, I do!

Regarding the questions about xrays and test results, I can answer a few of them as I'm a nurse so can understand it a bit. The muscle biopsy takes a long time because they culture it and stain it. If you have taken Microbiology before then you know cultures must sit for a few days to see if they grow anything. Also, the pathologist has to sit and exam the tissue under a microscope and make a diagnostic assessment. As far as testing for other diseases...I'm not sure how that works or how long it takes. The specimen was sent to UC Davis in California and Thursday was the last day to send out and get there before the weekend (which I don't know if they work on the weekend...?). Anyway, xrays have never been done but I was told that they would not render the information needed if there truly were a spinal issue anyway. Trust me...I want this checked too!!! I just don't want to put Baby Girl at risk by having her under general anesthesia so soon after having it last Thursday.

Thanks to all of you and I'll post another update later today.

I do apologize for being skeptical... I forgot that biopsies were being done and they do take time. I think the problem with the send out days has more to do with samples sitting the weekend in a Post Office somewhere too.

IDK, I'm beginning to think that reading xrays is a lost art, with all the newer technologies available to vets nowadays. When I worked as a tech in the ER, xrays were so very important and could provide clues, or at least be used to rule out the obvious. No, one cannot see the actual disk on an xray, but a disk problem will show anywhere from a very slight to a hugh separation in the spacing between the vertebrae.

And I am feeling frustrated, I can only imagine how you're dealing with all this, and I was hesitant about even posting bc I didn't want to cause you further worry....

Sending Prayers up for Cali and you...

[beachdog]

Ah Poor Cali I know she misses you as much as you miss her. Hang in there.

[Pink Dog]

Originally Posted by maggiefromnj

I think that a disc problem would not make her legs stiff and rigid. Poor baby.

I'm curious if they are keeping you advised of costs for all this? Hopefully it is just the tests that are charged and some dr. fees, but not a HIGH per night cost.

Sounds a little like MS (mult scler) so the concept of a muscle problem seems likely.

Yes, they let us know costs but we don't really care...we told them do what they need to and just give us an idea. ICU costs $80/day I believe. They told us how much the biopsy cost too. I'm not sure about the meds...

I am most fearful of a doggie version of ALS (Lou Gehrig's ds).

[Pink Dog]

Originally Posted by kjc

I do apologize for being skeptical... I forgot that biopsies were being done and they do take time. I think the problem with the send out days has more to do with samples sitting the weekend in a Post Office somewhere too.

IDK, I'm beginning to think that reading xrays is a lost art, with all the newer technologies available to vets nowadays. When I worked as a tech in the ER, xrays were so very important and could provide clues, or at least be used to rule out the obvious. No, one cannot see the actual disk on an xray, but a disk problem will show anywhere from a very slight to a hugh separation in the spacing between the vertebrae.

And I am feeling frustrated, I can only imagine how you're dealing with all this, and I was hesitant about even posting bc I didn't want to cause you further worry....

Sending Prayers up for Cali and you...

It's no problem...I am frustrated as well. I'm glad I'm getting tons of feedback. Ya never know what will make a difference and I read each and every post. I'm so grateful that everyone is giving me advice and sticking with us!

[Susan78]

I am still following this post and praying Cali will be ok. You are doing the best you can for her and I hope her tests come back soon. I want you to be able to pick her up and bring her home again.I will keep you in my prayers and thanks for keeping us all posted. Susan

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

Yes, they let us know costs but we don't really care...we told them do what they need to and just give us an idea. ICU costs $80/day I believe. They told us how much the biopsy cost too. I'm not sure about the meds...

I am most fearful of a doggie version of ALS (Lou Gehrig's ds).

I looked that up....degenerative myelopathy. Of course, I am not a vet and really don't know that much about her symptoms; but what I did read just did not seem to fit. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part.

An old friend of mine used to tell me to pray for faith to replace my fears...it does work. Perhaps it will work for you.

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: I just spoke with Katelyn and she said Cali's neuro assessment is unchanged. I asked again about spine issues and she said that she doesn't present like a dog with any spine issues and that all of her cranial nerves are intact. When they do her spine assessment, there is nothing that feels wrong or is painful to her when they push. Basically, everything is normal with the exception of her muscles in her legs being rigid. They are still stumped and will continue supportive care but are weaning her off the IV fluids and Valium drip...since she is eating & drinking. They will give the Valium as a PO med. Katelyn says she wags her little nub when she walks by her cage and she is getting plenty of attention. She completely urinates and defacates on her own. If the muscle biopsy/titers come back with no answers, I'll definitely be asking for a CT/MRI to make sure it isn't her spine but all her discs seem to be in place.

Please continue to pray that this is a temporary condition and I do appreciate all of you! Thank you so much!!!

[lynzy420]

Thinking of Cali and hoping she gets well soon, really hoping and praying.

[Chodges]

Praying for your baby. May she have a complete recovery.