Ellie May

[yorkietalkjilly]

Poor little Ellie May. I'm so sorry it's gotten to this point. You sound worn out for worry. Here's hoping the steroids give her some prolonged relief but if not, you do have some awful things to decide. I know you will make the best decision your knowledge and your heart can agree on is the very kindest thing to do for her. I'm praying for both of you.

[wemple2]

I'm sorry I am just now seeing this. Please know I am keeping her in my thoughts and sending many prayers her way.

[Maximo]

Crystal, I am praying the meds will pull Ellie May through this and that you won't have to make any hard decisions for a long time to come.

Sending lots of love and gentle hugs to you both.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Crystal, I am praying the meds will pull Ellie May through this and that you won't have to make any hard decisions for a long time to come.

Sending lots of love and gentle hugs to you both.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I typed a long post up but think I lost it.

I wish I could say there is no reason to worry, but I'd be lying. There are major concerns about how Ellie would do under anesthesia for hours at a time, esp. cutting on her spine. These concerns don't even take into a account that she is now losing a bit of protein in her urine. We are fairly certain that one disc is affected, but there may be several others in addition. Then we have to consider that there is stenosis (narrowing) all throughout her spine along with arthritis. So fixing a disc does not make Ellie's problems magically disappear.

Her best chance is that a blast of steroids works. If it doesn't and keeping her alive in the current condition is deemed to be unfair to her then obviously the risk of imaging and surgery becomes worth it. Depending on what is seen on imaging it may be unfair and unwise to even attempt surgery. We could take the small risk and image now, but the last thing the neurologist wants to do is put her under and lose her when the results will probably tell him to give pred anyway.

He would like to see what the drugs do this week and go from there. Right now we have a sore pup with clear neurological deficits. She is still happy, telling her brother off, eating, barking her brains out, and sometimes wanting to play.

So so sorry to hear. I agree that quality of life should be taken into account, and you know Ellie best. I'll be praying that you don't have to make a decision yet, and that she continues to be happy/content for a while at least. I really wish you well and the best in her near future.

[ladyjane]

Hope that this is a good day for Ellie and for you....and that each day after is the same! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Wylie's Mom]

I have a ton of hope that the right medication combo will keep little Ellie with us for a long time to come. She is a strong little kiddo with lots of heart and spirit ! Sending good thoughts and lots of healing wishes and lots of love and hugs.

[Ellie May]

All of your well wishes mean so much to us.

Ellie is doing well today (as well as is to be expected). When standing her leg stance is better. She is mad about being confined. Eating like a piglet. Snapping at Ry. She is continuously demanding belly rubs.

Thank God I'm on spring break, so we are able to take shifts so she isn't alone for more than a half hour at a time. Wish I didn't have to work, but she needs me to..to pay her bills.

I'm trying to figure out if I want to leave her alone two days a week starting next week (classes start again) or if I need a sitter. Guess I'll figure it out next weekend.

[Buster Brown]

It is good to hear that Queen Ellie is doing well and demanding her belly rubs. I hope you find a sitter or another way to look out for your sweet Ellie. Sending prayers and best wishes.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Glad to hear how she's doing and it sounds as if she's holding her own and doing better than I expected. Praying that something can be done to help her & improve her quality of life and you can work out her dog-sitting prospects. Give her a hug and kiss from Tibbe and me.

[AllDogBoots]

Glad she's ok right now. Prayers for your sweet girl.

[wemple2]

Sending good thoughts...

[matese]

Ellie May in my prayers

[MauiGirl]

I am happy to hear Ellie is hold her own for now and not suffering. Hope things fall in to place with her care and your schedule. Hugs...

[107barney]

Ellie cracks me up. She's a bull just like my Daisy. I think these are all positive signs. I hope that each day she improves more and more with the new dosages of medication.