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

[Pink Dog]

Originally Posted by maggiefromnj

Unless they are doing something that you can't then you should bring her home. She will be happier and so will you. The only problem is if you would have to leave her home alone all day, which I'm sure you wouldn't want to do. Whatever the test results are you could get the treatment closer to home, right? At least all the tests are done and it seems like this might be running it's course.

One of the concerns is our work schedule. I have long days on Wednesdays but otherwise my time is ~5 hours/day. We are also unsure if we should keep her seperate from Mia b/c she already got ran over by Mia numerous times as a healthy pup but now she's unstable. I'm afraid Mia will hurt her on accident. Mia is bigger than Cali and Mia is all muscle. Guess I need to think about how sure I actually am now....

[Pink Dog]

Originally Posted by Tina21

I just noticed this thread and have been reading your posts with tears. I can't imagine how hard this has been for you. I am in awe of your devotion to Cali and thank God she has such good parents! I am glad to read that she is starting to show real signs of improvement and am praying that continues. I know she will be so very happy to be at home and its wonderful to hear that is now an option. I am sure that Mia will be thrilled to see her too. God bless you for taking such good care of your girl.

Thank you Tina. It's been great having this forum with all the support. It makes a huge difference. Now I'm worried about little Zada from the other thread. She must get better with her breathing problems!!! Pray for her and Cali please.

[lynzy420]

I wholeheartedly agree that if nothing else changes she should come home with you. Just recently my best friend's dog ate some Panettone, needed surgery etc., he wasn't doing so good, and I told her bring him home, there was nothing they were doing for him that she couldn't do at home. She discussed it with the vet, brought him home and he is doing so much better.

Our pups are resillient and I know shes been through alot but unless she needs 24 hour supervision, I think she would be fine at home, even alone while your at work. I would of course crate or pen her and Mia will adjust to the changes. You will know if and when they can be left together. I think as with everything, imagining going through something is far worse than going through it...Your a wonderful family and she is very lucky to have such loving owners.

At the end of the day though, I would have a full sit down discussion with her present caretakers and perhaps a conference call with your vet as well? I would let them, at this point decide whats best for your pup's health.

I just hope Cali can come home soon. Take care and remember TEAM CALI is here for you!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

One of the concerns is our work schedule. I have long days on Wednesdays but otherwise my time is ~5 hours/day. We are also unsure if we should keep her seperate from Mia b/c she already got ran over by Mia numerous times as a healthy pup but now she's unstable. I'm afraid Mia will hurt her on accident. Mia is bigger than Cali and Mia is all muscle. Guess I need to think about how sure I actually am now....

Just a note: As an owner of multiples, I am very careful when one dog shows any weakness, as the others, at times, have gone after the weaker dog. As a precaution, I would make sure to securely separate them when you have to leave them for any length of time. I realize this is not a pleasant thought, but it seems to be a natural reaction in a dog's world.

So happy you can take her home!

[megansmomma]

Today's the day! Great idea to spend the night near the vet hospital to ease your mind of your concerns. Follow your instinct, only you know your little girl best. I will be watching for an update later this afternoon.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kjc

Just a note: As an owner of multiples, I am very careful when one dog shows any weakness, as the others, at times, have gone after the weaker dog. As a precaution, I would make sure to securely separate them when you have to leave them for any length of time. I realize this is not a pleasant thought, but it seems to be a natural reaction in a dog's world.

So happy you can take her home!

Not to get off topic, but this is the very same type of thing that I heard about epileptic dogs here on YT. It was suggested that I never leave my epi dog around his canine family members because they might attack him during a seizure. To date, Teddy has had a number of grand mal seizures in front of the other two dogs and they back away and approach cautiously after the seizure ends showing great concern. I have well socialized animals and the trio are together 24/7 whether I am home or not.

OP, I think only you know your dogs best, and I'm sure the others will be thrilled to see their friend again!

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: Thanks all....it makes me feel better about the decision to take her home...at least that's what we're planning. Julie said Cali is doing great mentally and she has another dog she likes to converse with in ICU. I guess she thinks she owns the place now...LOL! Anyway, 12pm and leaving for Mississippi! Update later...

[kjc]

Originally Posted by kjc

Just a note: As an owner of multiples, I am very careful when one dog shows any weakness, as the others, at times, have gone after the weaker dog. As a precaution, I would make sure to securely separate them when you have to leave them for any length of time. I realize this is not a pleasant thought, but it seems to be a natural reaction in a dog's world.

So happy you can take her home!

Forgot to add: Even bringing one home smelling of the vet's office can set them off, or the groomers.

Yes, my wild tribe of banchees used to do it alot, as they were adults when we all began our lives together, but, now, after a few years living together, we are a much friendlier group and it rarely happens anymore. It may even have to do with my females having had puppies, IDK. I just like to warn folks, in general, that it is a possibility, so if it does occur, you can break it up before any damage or injuries occur. And yes, ignoring the 'strange acting/smelling dog is the other end of the spectrum, but I don't warn about that because no injuries are inflicted during that scenario.

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: OK, exhaustion does not begin to describe what I'm feeling right now! BUT, we got Cali and are in the hotel room showing her all the love in the world. I do feel somewhat helpless at this point. And even being a nurse, I feel overwhelmed in that she is taking 5 medications...some of them every 8 hours. Also, I have tons of instructions to follow and I'd like to get to that later since I'm so tired. However, I do ask for anyone's advice that has a paraplegic dog since Cali does elicit some tendencies of that. Also, here is the medical update:

Muscle biopsies: NEGATIVE! This is good and bad news. As a result of no definitive test, they are giving her a diagnosis of Neuromyotonia by cause of an autoimmune response. They didn't say this but I can't help but wonder if the rabies vaccination started this cascade back in December. Anyway, they will follow up with her in 4 weeks and gave me their email & phone #'s in case I have questions.

On another note, Mia is eating grass now but she was extremely happy to see her sister.

I'm so tired I don't even know what I typed. I am going to update later and hopefully there are some wonderful posters out there that can suggest the best bedding to prevent bedsores and the best "booties" to protect my baby girls knuckles.

THANKS!

[kjc]

They make pressure sensitive bedding for geriatric dogs...

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

UPDATE: OK, exhaustion does not begin to describe what I'm feeling right now! BUT, we got Cali and are in the hotel room showing her all the love in the world. I do feel somewhat helpless at this point. And even being a nurse, I feel overwhelmed in that she is taking 5 medications...some of them every 8 hours. Also, I have tons of instructions to follow and I'd like to get to that later since I'm so tired. However, I do ask for anyone's advice that has a paraplegic dog since Cali does elicit some tendencies of that. Also, here is the medical update:

Muscle biopsies: NEGATIVE! This is good and bad news. As a result of no definitive test, they are giving her a diagnosis of Neuromyotonia by cause of an autoimmune response. They didn't say this but I can't help but wonder if the rabies vaccination started this cascade back in December. Anyway, they will follow up with her in 4 weeks and gave me their email & phone #'s in case I have questions.

On another note, Mia is eating grass now but she was extremely happy to see her sister.

I'm so tired I don't even know what I typed. I am going to update later and hopefully there are some wonderful posters out there that can suggest the best bedding to prevent bedsores and the best "booties" to protect my baby girls knuckles.

THANKS!

I admit that I have not read through your thread, however I would like to help you with getting some booties for your sweet girl. Please PM me and we will discuss the details.

[linz06]

I'm sorry I can't help with bedsores... I do have a paraplegic dog but she was and is able to move herself around enough to not get bedsores. She has gained so much upper body strength and can move her whole body around comfortably!

I just want to let you know things will get better. It's devastating now, I know, but Cali is so happy to be with her family and that is ALL THAT MATTERS to her! You may need to adjust your life slightly to living with a dog who has special needs but believe me, things will get back to normal, even if it's a new normal. You have been an amazing mommy to her!!!

[lillymae]

I'm so happy to hear that Cali is able to come home to her family. I am still Praying that you can find an answer as to what is going on with her. I would also like to add that the immune response in blood work can be thrown off if the dog was recently vaccinated , so you may want to have those labs redone sometime in a month or so.

[lillymae]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I admit that I have not read through your thread, however I would like to help you with getting some booties for your sweet girl. Please PM me and we will discuss the details.

You are so kind to offer this for Miss Cali.

[kjc]

Maybe a consult with Dr Sisson would be helpful:

Allen Sisson, D.V.M., M.S.,
Diplomate ACVIM Neurology/Neurosurgery
Angell Animal Medical Center
350 South Huntington Avenue
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Tel: (617) 522-7282 (press 4, then 2 when the automated operator message begins or 6 to speak to someone)
Fax: (617) 989-1648
asisson@mspca.org