Chanel's Gungi 5/29 diagnosi: CSF, Shiba Inu, Cushings

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What we at Dodgerslist have seen work best is a combination of three medicines, each attacking pain differently.
RX for tramadol as general pain reliever taken 3x daily
RX for gabapentin as it work synergistically with Tramadol for best of pain relief. taken 3x daily
RX for Methocarbamol for painful muscle contractions taken 3x daily
The quote below is from the Veterinary Anesthesia & Analgesia Support Group
'"Coodeine is not a recommended analgesic for dogs or cats. It is generally only available in combination with acetaminophen (Tylenol) which makes it completely unsuited to feline use. Its use in dogs is discouraged as most dogs lack the CYP2D6 enzyme primarily responsible for the conversion of codeine to morphine, its most active metabolite. That being said, there may be some analgesic value to codeine in dogs via the C6G" metabolite.http://www.vasg.org/newer_options_for_chronic_pain_management.htm
dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc-episode/

Please speak to your vet again and let her know the signs of pain you are seeing in Gungi. The pain meds do need to be adjusted. Gundi should not have to suffer.
dodgerslist.com/strict-rest-recovery-process/
dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-place/
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Please keep us up to date after the neurologist's appointment

Hi, I have an update:

On 5/29 we had our first appt with a neurologist, they wanted to do an MRI and CSF analysis. We went back on 5/30 for the MRI and additional tests. The MRI revealed nothing significant. Here is part of the report:
"Transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions.
No evidence of spinal cord or nerve root compression.
Unremarkable MRI of the spine.
Moderate bilateral adrenomegaly consistent with hyperadrenocorticism."

We think we've ruled out IVDD.

Here is the report of his CSF analysis:
"CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID: The the sample is of low to somewhat moderate cellularity with frequent cell lysis and comprise of approximately 94%
large mononuclear cells, 3% neutrophils, and 3% lymphocytes. The large mononuclear cells are consistent with large vacuolated macrophages seen
phagocytizing cellular debris with low numbers appearing to contain pale eosinophilic material suggestive of myelin. Neutrophils are often poorly
preserved, but appear non-degenerate. Lymphocytes are small and mature with rare reactive forms found. The background is lightly eosinophilic
with frequent nuclear streaming and rare erythrocytes scattered throughout. No microorganisms are identified.
INTERPRETATION:
Mild mononuclear pleocytosis
COMMENTS:
The mononuclear component is predominantly comprised of what appear to be reactive macrophages. These findings are fairly nonspecific and can
be seen in various infectious (e.g. viral, protozoal, fungal, bacterial, etc.) or noninfectious causes such as drugs/toxins, uremia, discospondylitis,
meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology, steroid responsive meningoencephalomyelitis. The precise cause is not readily appreciated and the
sample submitted. Strong evidence to indicate lymphoid or other neoplasia is not found. Correlate these findings with the clinical presentation and
additional diagnostics."

Essentially, our neurologist thinks it's inflammation of the CSF, and it could either be idiopathic or infectious. We are trying to decide if we want to run the infectious tests to rule them out.

The neurologist started him on prednisone, here is his current treatment plan:
Prednisone 5 mg tablets
2 tablets (10 mg) q 24 hours for 4 days,
then decrease to 1.5 tablets (7.5 mg) q 24 hours

We started prednisone on 5/31. He is doing better, as in he can move around more easily, and seems to have a bit more energy. He is still vocalizing in pain at times, which it is unclear whether that is due to his fear or actual pain. We are continuing on his pain medication schedule that was outlined earlier, until we start to hear less vocalizations.

I know these results suggest that he does not have IVDD, and that this may not be the best place for me to continue providing updates, but I wanted to let you know what we found. Thank you!