The fact that it is affecting different sides makes me wonder if it isn't some kind of auto immune thing....like Lupus maybe? I don't know how they diagnose that in dogs....
I cannot imagine what kind of cancer would cause those symptoms. I would prefer, like you, to think of OTHER things!

Hi Ann, I'm sorry to hear about Marcel :( I've not been around much or I would have responded sooner. As you know, you are amongst one of the most educated on this forum and you have taken the right steps already e.g. vet care and research so I know everything will work out.

x

Even though it's highly unlikely, I'd still get the Lymes test just to be sure. I checked the incidence maps, and there is only a small handful of cases in Arizona each year, but it's still a possibility, and you want to be able to rule it out definitively. I hope it turns out to be nothing serious, or that it resolves on its own.

I'm so sorry that you still haven't been able to figure out what is going on with him, but am glad he has an appetite is still there! I've always said that as long as Sophie is eating, I can keep the panic under control but once she stops eating it's game over for that and I'm a mess.

I really hope you guys are able to figure it out and definitely hope that it's not what the mentioned.

Ann, you are still very much on my mind- even more Marcel. I will always think of him as Chewie's boyfriend. Your guys (and gal) really touched my heart, so much. I can't even begin to imagine how you are feeling, I can only say that please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help you, and I'll continue to look at this thread. Sending every positive thought and any positive energy and prayers that I have to give.

Thank you all for such wonderful support :)!

Well..we may finally have some answers; though it doesn't really explain the weight loss. My vet sent the films to a radiologist and I'm now SO GLAD she did this -- he found 2 collapsed discs - mid-back. This doesn't really explain the front-leg limp (:(..?), but does explain the back-leg limp. I suppose it's possible though, given the nature of nerve pain, that the front leg pain was somehow referred pain...though it seems odd.

So, I'm picking up some compounded Gabapentin today for the pain. We'll give this along w/ the Rimadyl for about a week and evaluate. May still need to go to a Neuro for further consultation and/or surgery.

Has anyone done disc surgery...???

Hopefully, with the meds Marcel will improve. I am sure the vet told you this...but make sure to keep him crated or at least very restricted activity wise. I personally wouldn't do disc surgery unless the symptoms were much worse....ie unable to walk at all. I did do surgery on my Maxwell in 2004 ... he had two herniated cervical discs. I had no choice as he was down. It was successful.
Keeping Marcel in my prayers....

Definitely follow up with the neurologist. There are several stages of disc degeneration, with differing symptoms and degrees of severity. Here is a link to a good article from VCA hospitals about the different stages, prognosis, and recovery rates with and without surgery at the various stages: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-p...isease-in-dogs

Ready for progress
 

Glad you have some direction now for treatment. I agree about restricting his area a bit until you see how he reacts to the pain meds and to prevent him for doing things he shouldn't do just because the pain is relieved and he thinks he's "better." My daughter's bischon had surgery on an orthopedic issue and undid it by feeling better and jumping off of something he wasn't ready for because he didn't feel the pain anymore.

It's so good to hear you now have some answers and meds to help comfort little Marcel.
Also there's a little relief for you! knowing what you're dealing with and how to keep him comfortable. Very good suggestions keeping him quiet and confined probably will help a lot too.
That's what I do with my babies and it seems to help comfort them. It would probably give you some peace just knowing he's safe and still.
I will be praying for you about what's the next steps you will be taking.

Well glad you have some answers and I hope the medicine helps.

Just to be safe, you might want to consider further seeking specialist advice as the medication may mask whatever is going on, at least for a while. Of course, it could stop all his symptoms and he begin to gain weight, walk with normal gait, problem solved and everybody here hopes and prays that is the case.

But I know you doubt those 2 particular discs are causing the right front limp and weight loss in a dog whose caloric intake hasn't decreased and so far shows no evidence of disc disease in the discs controlling the right front extremity. Could you maybe get him in to see one of the clinical professors at the University of Arizona Veterinary Medicine Program that offers clinical services or another veterinary research/teaching school who would likely know more of the exotic/outlier type pathology that could be causing this particular set of symptoms?

I know there are certain points of medical testing/treatment many think no dog should have to endure and frightening, painful, possibly 'undue' testing, prodding, poking and harsh treatment regimens in any dog, especially an elder one, is always something to be strongly considered as long as the dog is otherwise happy, comfortable and able to enjoy his life as a dog. Still, a vet school clinical prof might have seen this B4 & know of a simple test or treatment.

Ann is he reactive to you touching his spine at all?

Marcel
 

Healing prayers for precious Marcel. I am hoping for good news. You are one dedicated dog loving lady who helps me and so many others. May we all join in praying for Marcel to have good health again.

Hoping the meds help Marcel and surgery is not needed. Holding lil baby in my prayers.