I found the sore spot (Bugsy) Update

 well after being so good last week, he was limping again on Sunday, clearly not 100% yesterday and now after acting like a fool all morning he is limping again and not using his right leg at certain times.

I had to go through a bunch of stuff to find a good place to get the xrays and we go in on Friday.  I am very worried about what they might show but my poor boy can't be like this, it is killing me

 Karen; I'm so sorry he's still having problems with his right side and hope it's something simple to treat. You know I'll keep him in my thoughts; {{{{hugs}}}}

Oh crap, Karen.  I was soo hoping that he was back to his normal self.

I hope that x-rays reveal something.

 well the best news is his hips are great - no issues at all

the main culprit seems to be a partial tear of the ACL - no need for surgery yet but it will need it and sooner, rather than later because the inflammation can lead to arthritis.

He also has spondylitis in the space between the last lumbar and sacrum.  He said this is big active jumping psycho dog issue and that not much to do and it will become painful but not really anything that can be prevented.  Just is.  Having looked it up I am sure I have it too LOL  essentially it is a form of arthritis.

They highly recommend and only do the TPLO.  And added that in a large nutjob it would be the safest and most secure option.

 Callie you will be glad to know that I mentioned a canine chiropractor and he said skip that and use an acupuncturist.  Thought that was cool

I was a nervous wreck waiting for the results and poor B came back looking dead - really.  We helped him back down onto the floor and his tongue was like sandpaper and hanging out about 4 inches.  He laid like that for ages.  The vet helped load him into the car, then when we got home I just left the tailgate open and he laid there for ages

Finally an adventurous squirrel was enough to coax him to stand and i could lift him out

thanks for all the support!

Karen, I am glad it's not the worst news.  Surgery, though, probably not what you'd hoped for.  I just can't see Bugsy happy on bedrest.  

For the spinal issue, you know I'm wondering if using Bromelain will help ease the pain.  I bought some a week ago that I am mixing with Agnes's food and it really seems to be helping her stiffness.  I mean, she did yet another little happy dance last night waiting for her walk - and we went far more than two blocks.

I'm really glad Bugsy has you - I know he'll get the care he needs.

sharismom

I just can't see Bugsy happy on bedrest.  

No kidding. I also can't see Karen happy with Bugsy on bedrest. Hopefully they'll give you both some medication to keep you calm

I'm glad the news wasn't as bad as you'd anticipated too. I've been using Cetly M for Buffy and it made a dramatic difference in her ability to move around, get up and down, etc. Becca was the one who recommended it and I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised.

kpwlee

 well the best news is his hips are great - no issues at all/p>

 thanks ladies and um yea total rest for the beast is going to be interesting.  Drugs for both of us may be necessary.  I am going to check out some additional options but as he described it the TPLO is the only option that will be stable enough for a dog as big and active as beastie LOL

I am less happy about the diagnosis now than I was at the time but still it is fixable.  I so feared bad hips - even this vet in the first 15 minutes could see that he isn't a dog that you could train to be 'calm'.

I don't think the lower back thing is an issue yet but will keep Cetyl M in mind if I see changes.

All in all he is raring to go again tonight

edit - Melinda we were posting at the same time.  I am still in disbelief - how are you doing? I was thinking about you since Lex's diagnosis

Karen, I'm sure you're relieved to have a diagnosis, although dealing with this isn't fun.  I used to think that the surgery was the optimum choice but since joining this forum I've heard enough to make me investigate other options if it happens to one of my dogs again. I know you'll explore all the options for Bugs. He's got the best dog Mom any dog could have. :)  Poor doped up Bugs. 

Bugz,diz Bel git betur n GIT DIM GEEESESS, hansum.

She's so in love with Bugs, she's shameless.  lol

JackieG

I've heard enough to make me investigate other options

Belle U iz pwetty and I cud pway wif U like dat puppy but I iz even cwazier and I iz not fwaid of Twister he he he he

xo bUgsy

dem dwugs wore off now and I haz a knuckle bone to eat num num

kpwlee

edit - Melinda we were posting at the same time; I am still in disbelief - how are you doing? I was thinking about you since Lex's diagnosis