Man's Best Friend

[xCav8r]

When I got home yesterday from a two hour visit with my father in the hospital (post knee reconstruction--everything okay there), I discovered that my poor 1.5 year old mini German Schnauzer, as I was later to learn, was suffering from some neurological paralysis (cause still unknown) that initially affected his legs, starting with the rear, but eventually lead the front and finally to his breathing. He had to be sedated and placed on a ventilator. I know that might sound wacked to a lot of people, but what can I say? I love my dog, and I don't care about the costs. Anyway, the li'l thing survived last night, was taken off the ventilator today, and has progressed so far that he's actually trying to walk tonight (with little or no real motor skills). Good enough news anyway for me to avoid a second night in a stiff chair at the University of Minnesota's Vetinary Hospital. Kudos to the staff at the UoM.

[Steiner]

Let's hope he gets well soon!

[Zack Barresse]

Dog = Man's Best Friend. :D

Good job!! And good luck to your friend, and your father!

[MOS MASTER]

ah..that poor littel "Schnauzer"...please wish him well....Me like doggies! :yes

[xCav8r]

Thanks for the good wishes. The poor thing has regained some more motor control, but he's still suffering from spasms and extremely labored breathing at times. He may not be out of the woods yet, but I'm still hopeful. Besides, he's too cute to go this early. It's hard to believe that only a few hours before this happened, he was sprinting around the backyard in seemingly perfect health.

The docs have postulated three causes that are more likely than others: disease transmitted from a tick, though none were found; transmission of a disease from a wild animal--the suspect disease is called something like "coon hound's disease"; or botulism, though where he might have gotten any tainted food is anyone's best guess since I'm extraordinarily careful about that sort of thing.

Perhaps he was doomed from the start when he was named "Gatsby". ;)

[Scottie P]

I missed this yesterday. Sorry to hear about your friend; that does suck. :(
I can tell you that a tick bite led my parents' dog down a long road of pain and misery before the vet finally realized what was going on and what the cause was. unfortunately, it didn't end too well. Things had progressed pretty far because symptoms were not really apparent until later on.
Good to know that you have a great animal health care provider there - also good that they are leaving the door open to possibilities and not trying to apply a quick label just to satisfy your concern/anxiety.

Keep us posted; I would be interested in how your friend progresses and what the professionals base treatment on (a.k.a. the cause of the affliction).

Scott

[xCav8r]

Thanks again for all the good wishes. Here's the scoop:

He can now sit, stand, and move--though describing it as walking would be a stretch. He's at home with me in the evenings, and my parents take care of him during the day. His breathing hasn't returned to normal, and his heartbeat is still a little fast, but that seems to be slowly improving as well.

Since the vets weren't able to determine the cause, the only treatment is essentially no treatment. They wanted to keep him on an IV to ensure that he's getting proper nutrition, but other than that and constant monitoring, I felt it was a waste of money. He's had oodles of blood tests and X-rays, but nothing definitive (or even helpful) was learned. I could speculate, but it would be nothing more than that. I do wish I knew the cause though, because not knowing...well, it sucks.

[Ken Puls]

Hey Marco,

That does suck. If the vets can't figure it out, though, best place for him is at home with his family. I remember a cat my brother had once who had an operation. She wouldn't even eat until my brother showed up at the vet's office. Just goes to show that the human touch is a good thing for animals as well. Spend some good time with him. :yes

[xCav8r]

Latest update:

I'm happy to report that the pup appears to be in recovery. The vets say that the best case scenario for recovery from the speculated causes will be three weeks, and he seems on track for that. His breathing and heartbeat are still a concern, but he's now able to lift himself and walk with much more stability than a few days ago.

[MOS MASTER]

Latest update:

I'm happy to report that the pup appears to be in recovery. The vets say that the best case scenario for recovery from the speculated causes will be three weeks, and he seems on track for that. His breathing and heartbeat are still a concern, but he's now able to lift himself and walk with much more stability than a few days ago.

Great news marco! :yes
I hope he recovers quickly!

[sandam]

I'm glad to hear it too. My dog Linus who has since passed on, was hit by a car when he was only a year and half old. He managed to crawl bak into our garden and I found him when I got home from school that afternoon. The only reason he made it is because of a caring vet. And Kpuls is right, sometimes just being in contact is therapy enough. Especially for our loved ones (pets included).

He'll be bouncing and running before you know it.

[Scottie P]

Hey XCav8er,

thank you for keeping us up to speed and I am glad that things are looking much better (I have been following along with the subscribed thread notices as I have been a bit busy the last couple of days and really haven't made it here [to VBAX] much.
I wish continued progress and good health to your Pup!! :)

Scott