Bugsy the Bull Terrier NEEDS your prayers (miranadobe)

Man, this is frustrating....  update from my friend:

"Unfortunately, we are not any closer to knowing what's going on with Bugs even after being evaluated all day. His blood tests were normal. His urine is normal. Most of the day he has been resting comfortably.

The Veterinarians don't think Bugs has Steroid Responsive Meningitis because he lacks a huge feature of that disease. Bugs has no temperature when he has these pain flares. Dogs with SRM are very much sicker than Bugsy seems to be. One possible thought is ulcers. But, where Bugs is not anemic at this time, we're not quite ready to spend 2K to have him endoscoped. We're also not going to try predinsone because without being absolutely sure there is no stomach bleeding, that just isn't wise. So I hate to say that we're back at square one just watching what happens and taking a wait and see attitude. We can always do the endoscope in the future if Bugsy's appetite takes a hike and we do blood tests and he is anemic. We just don't have enough reason to do it right now.

So hopefully Bugsy will come home and be fine. I don't know what else to say or think. This is just so frustrating. Not much fun for Bugsy either. But so far, no one has any great ideas of what's going on.

Thank you all very much for the positive energy for Bugsy and us today. We are happy that nothing horrid was found. But our frustration is likely to continue if the pattern remains unchanged."

Man, I really feel for them. There's nothing worse than having a sick animal and not knowing what's going on or how to help them. I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers and hope that things stay calm for all of them.

 Poor doggie. I really hope they get it figured out quickly.

I am so sorry the family hasn't found an answer yet. Are they working with a school of veterinary medicine? If not, it may really be worth a shot. If you (or the family) wants to let me know which state (and city, if possible) they're in, I'll send the info for the closest vet schools. (We have a list of all the vet schools in the US for the IMHA thread because they're so often needed for dogs with that disease.) Feel free  to email or PM if the family doesn't want the info shared on the board. Lots of prayers and healing energy coming from RI! 

As hard as some news is to hear, not having a diagnosis is almost as bad.  Sitting and waiting for the next episode sounds terrible.  I'll keep them in my thoughts. 

JackieG

As hard as some news is to hear, not having a diagnosis is almost as bad.  Sitting and waiting for the next episode sounds terrible. 

  I agree. I'll keep Bugsy in my thoughts too.

It might be better money spent to have Bugsy taken to a TCVM.

Poor Bugsy and his owners.  This is awful...not knowing the cause and watching him suffer.  He is one handsome dog...btw.  Sending good healing thoughts and keeping them in my prayers.

Johnny&Tessy

It might be better money spent to have Bugsy taken to a TCVM.

Am *completely* at their disposal -- I can at least tell them what to expect and how different dogs react. 

 Paige please extend our best vibes and wishes to Bugsy and his family.

Can dogs get rheumatoid arthritis?  That can really flare up and disappear.

I hope they get an answer soon and can get him on the road to recovery

I really, really feel for them!  I can only imagine.  I'm getting a taste of not knowing whats going on or even what to do about Willow's muzzle being swollen.  It's an impossible situation you don't know how to plan your life.  I hope someone can figure this out for them with minimal poking and prodding of Bugs!!