|
Post by Sandra & Wilson on Oct 6, 2019 13:05:44 GMT -7
Thank you for the assurance. We are keeping him on crate rest until we hear back from neuro. His paw looks pretty raw and irritated so hoping that it was just a paw injury. Can never be too careful. He was very much not himself on Saturday but much much better today. He is eating and want to cuddle with us. We set up an ex pen and sit with him in it and he is content just sitting in the pen with us.
How would they diagnose the neuropathy? My concern is the only way to determine is MRI and if it is just a simple paw injury, it is a very expensive paw injury if we insist on a MRI to rule IVDD out? The vet diagnosed it as an Infection because of presence of bacteria and white blood cells but that doesn’t rule out the presence of nerve pain which led to the licking and the eventual infection? He does also have had prior history of licking his paws (potential allergies), so really it’s hard to say. We are worry sick because there isn’t a definitive answer!
|
|
|
Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 6, 2019 15:43:01 GMT -7
When our Buster had signature nerve pain, he was in agony and would literally scream when touched on his shoulder where the nerve damage was. This happened after he had surgery for 2 herniated discs. We were told that signature nerve pain could follow spinal surgery. We had to insist on stronger pain meds, but it went away after a few days and never came back. I can't tell you if nerve pain is always as severe as it was for Buster.
Others will probably be able to give more advice on the neuropathy diagnosis, but my understanding is MRI is the only definitive way to find out if the discs are bulging. The paw pain makes it more difficult to isolate signs that Wilson is having a disc episode.
I think your current course of action is the right one. Hopefully the neuro will be able to assess Wilson without MRI.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
|
Post by Marjorie on Oct 7, 2019 4:21:32 GMT -7
As Romy previously mentioned, an MRI is usually only done just prior to surgery or if another disease is suspected. Wilson is certainly not a candidate for surgery at this point and if there is any suspicion by the neurologist that this could be another IVDD episode, Wilson is a good candidate for conservative care. A diagnosis of IVDD and/or neuropathic pain is usually made based on history, breed and symptoms. An MRI should not be done lightly with a dog with IVDD as the anesthesia required for an MRI can be risky as it relaxes all of the core muscles supporting the spine.
Please confirm that Pepcid AC has now been added to protect Wilson's GI tract from the side effects of the Carprofen.
I do hope that you'll be able to speak to the neurologist soon to discuss your concerns with her.
|
|
|
Post by Sandra & Wilson on Oct 7, 2019 18:16:20 GMT -7
He is cleared by his neuro! She said it is a paw injury, and not at all related to his disc or back! This just may be the shortest crate rest!
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 7, 2019 19:08:01 GMT -7
But the great thing is if it had been an episode you would have protected Wilson's back. Always better to be safe than sorry!
Very happy Wilson is OK.😀
|
|
|
Post by Sandra & Wilson on Oct 7, 2019 19:28:34 GMT -7
I agree! It scared the bejesus out of us, but we were able to spring into actions!
|
|