Kota buddy

tashakota

 I'm going to have them check Lyme tomorrow.  The vet in Indy suggested it could be degenerative Myleopathy... or something like that. I read the description of that and the symptoms are following.

Historical Findings
• Insidious onset
• Initial signs, mild ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs; thoracic limbs not affected
• Owners often bring their dog in for examination several months after onset of clinical signs, suspecting arthritis.
• Knuckling and scuffing of the toes of the pelvic limbs is the most common complaint. Crossing over and swaying of the rear quarters often occur when the animal is turning.
• The signs are bilateral but not necessarily symmetrical.
• Voluntary control of urination and defecation is retained until extremely late in the course of the disease. In later stages of the disease, the caudal paraspinal and pelvic limb muscles often atrophy from disuse.
• Pain or discomfort not evident in affected dogs 

 That ^ is Kota.

*sad* if that is the case with Kota.  Lucy, my first dog of my own, had that.  She never was in pain in her rear & it was easily managed.  IF Kota has this, the first thing I recommend is some of those little rubber booties or something that has traction for him.  It's hard to watch them go downhill but really they are not in pain.  It's just so hard to watch your loved kiddo struggle.  **HUGS**

Edited cuz I'm stupid: If she really is dx with this, I'd definitely try acupuncture.

Just seeing this now   . . . good wishes coming your way for Kota's speedy recovery.

Deb W.

 Lyme tests came out negative, so that's not it.

He seems much better than last week.  When I watch him walk or go slow, I can see the sway and ever so slight mis-step, but I doubt that anyone else would even know anything was wrong with him.

I'm debating the CT scan now and can't decide what to do. On the one hand, it may not show anything which would neither confirm nor rule out degenerative Myelopathy.  But it could rule out tumors... though with how he's acting now, I don't think that's the case.  He'd have to undergo anathesia, which I'd rather not do if we don't have to, and plus it's a lot of money.  I have to take a day off of work to go to Indy and be able to leave him for a few hours and then go pick him up again.  So it's a huge ordeal on many levels and for what?  I kind of want it done to see, but I'm not sure it will show anything.... I'm going to call the doc I spoke with and talk to him about it.

Took him swimming yesterday and he mostly sat in my lap on the floaty. :) But I made him swim out to me and back again a couple times first. Then made him swim back to shore when we were leaving. Tasha did great and swam out to see us 3 times.  She's such a good swimmer!  Kota is pretty good too but he does not like it as much as she does.

 glad the he is doing a bit better - tough decision on the CAT scan but I know you'll do the best thing for everyone!

Glad that he got to do some swimming 

Best wishes for your Kota Buddy.  I'll be thinking of him....and sending you positive vibes as well.  Good luck!

tashakota

Lyme tests came out negative, so that's not it.

Oh bummer. I was really hoping it was something simple. Good luck.

 You guys are in our thoughts---I hope you figure out what it is!

 So I talked with the doc again and he said the CT could potentially rule out degenerative myelopathy as well as tumors, etc.  There are risks and he'll do bloodwork and take xrays too.  If it can rule out DM, then I'm all for it.  I can quit worrying about my little guy and all the horrifying images of my poor little guy not being able to walk anymore.

So I drop him off tomorrow between 8 and 8:30am.

Continuing good thoughts and vibes for Kota, and (((Leslie))).

We're thinking of ya'll.  I hope that the CT rules out DM, as well as a tumor.  We have fingers crossed for a simple, easy to fix, explanation.

So many good vibes for his scan.  I reallyreallyreally hope it's not DM.  It's not fun to watch your loved friend go downhill & there's nothing you can do except make life as easy for them.

 Kota did just fine through the testing. They said he was a good patient and he had no problems with the dye injection or the anesthesia.  He was there from 8:30am until 3:30pm and we got home about 6pm.  He was a little unsteady at times, but otherwise was awake and happy to come home.

The scans show no tumors, no narrowing of the spinal cord, so no DM, which is great!  Hopefully the issues he was having were just flukes and he'll be just fine for many years to come.

Thank you all for the well wishes, good vibes and idog help!  You guys are the greatest!

Leslie, that's great!  I hope Kota simply ages gracefully and enjoys his golden years.

Leslie I'm soooooo happy for you & Kota.  Having had a dog that had DM I was hoping that Kota wasn't going to be another.  Here's to many healthy years together & that this is just a case of the wonkies.  How's he doing now?  Please give those amazing ears of his some rubbies from me.