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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 14, 2013 11:00:31 GMT -7
Thank-you Paula. I don't know what to think. Is it possible that she will always have a limp? I don't think it is arthritis because that usually shows up on xrays, I think. I just don't know what to do, and I don't know if the vet would either, sadly enough. I live in a rural area, so we don't have access to the best care up here. In order for it to be a limp that was related to her neck, wouldn't her neck bother her? She does not seem to be in pain. I just don't know what to do. I think I may end up crating her but taking her out for short periods, limiting her movements and go from there. Thanks again.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 14, 2013 12:27:37 GMT -7
If you are not seeing the limp resolve, would going for a consultation with a specialist be a consideration for your family? Dr. Isaacs, neurology, explained more to us about limping and what things could cause it in this answer: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/rootsignature.htm
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 14, 2013 13:12:37 GMT -7
Oh no, that sounds terrible. I sure hope that is not what she has, but I bet it is. She doesn't seem to be in any pain though and does not hold her leg up. I am going to have to do further research and will probably make another vet appointment. Her limp has improved though, thankfully from where it was 2 month's ago and she does seem to be tolerating it ok. I am just concerned it could turn into something worse again. Thanks so much for your answer, it makes sense that that is what she could have.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 14, 2013 13:52:01 GMT -7
There are other things that can mimic a disc problem. This is why the need to find a vet who is good at diagnosis IF you believe there is a problem. A consultation with a neuro specialist might help to figure out the root of the problem and from there know the correct treatment to give if you are not confident in your local DVM.
Since she is not in any pain and is not holding up her leg, hard to say what is going on. Remember pain IS favoring a leg (limping) as well as moving slowly, shivering, yelping. Let us know what the vet thinks.
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 15, 2013 10:18:51 GMT -7
Thanks Paula. I do not think it is cancer or tumor related. She did have xrays on nearly her whole body and it did show an area in her neck that could be a disk problem. I think that is what at least part of her problem is. I do not know if that is the reason she is limping though. We are just going to try being really conservative with her movements right now and will get her in for further evaluation after the holidays, if needed. I am hoping that maybe it is just some residual nerve damage from her neck that will hopefully go away at some point. Again, thanks so much for the help and info you have given me since I started posting on this board!
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 17, 2013 11:19:09 GMT -7
Good news, we have not seen any limping in Munchkin yesterday or today! Her hind legs still seem to be somewhat weak which is making her walk kind of funny, so I wonder if that is what we have been seeing. I don't know if the weakness is still from being on bed- rest for 2 months, or if it is some damage from the initial problem. I do know that she can get around pretty well and is definitely not in any pain. So all in all, things look pretty good at this moment.
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 30, 2013 11:41:38 GMT -7
Hello, Munchkin seems to be doing ok, but I have a couple of concerns. First of all, when she runs (which for other dogs would be a slightly fast walk) it is like she runs a bit sideways. Second, also when she "runs" her back-end sometimes falls over. It is like her butt falls sideways. She still has a bit of weakness in her back legs, so I don't know if that is what is causing that. She has been off of crate-rest for 3 weeks now, but is not all that active (she never has been). She is thankfully not limping and is not in any pain that I can see. Thanks so much.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 31, 2013 10:25:56 GMT -7
With time hopefully her nerves, muscle strength and coordination will help her get back to a more normal gait and better stability. Being pain free means she can enjoy life! That's a good thing.
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Jan 6, 2014 13:05:29 GMT -7
Munchkin has her first grooming appointment on Wednesday, since her injury. I am freaking out. I keep thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong to re-injure her. I would very much appreciate any advice to make sure every thing turns out okay. I did do a search on here to find some info, but could not find very much. I wish I could do the grooming myself, but it is impossible with the length of hair she has. Thanks so much.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 6, 2014 14:00:45 GMT -7
I would demonstrate to the groomer the proper way to lift and carry Munchkin. Be sure to let the groomer know not to exert any pressure along Munchkin's neck and spine with combs, scissors or clippers. I would ask that they allow you right there in the grooming room with her so you can make sure she is being handled properly, very gently and with no sudden movements. Is she usually calm during grooming? If not, you might want to ask her vet for a sedative that can be given to her before the grooming session. Here's a photo of how to lift and carry you can print out and bring with you, if you'd like. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/liftcarry.jpg
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 6, 2014 14:01:32 GMT -7
I don't have any advice about grooming, but Mimi had to have her anals done a few weeks ago (Christmas Eve to be exact). I swear I told the vet about 100 times to support her back and had hubs reiterate a million times. Perhaps you could stay with her while she is groomed? This way you can make sure her back is being supported etc. What about buying a rubber mat that you can put in the bathtub and bringing that to the groomer to make sure she has a non-skid surface to stand on? Just trying to think of ideas to help.
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Jan 7, 2014 11:33:29 GMT -7
Thank you both, Newbie Mom and Marjorie! Excellent advice. Little things that I have not thought of in my worry make all the difference. I will talk to the groomer when I bring Munch in to her. I can see life will never be normal again, for Munchkin or for me. So much to know and watch out for. Thanks!
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