Re: Myasthenia gravis? Sorry, don't have any experience with this, so not much help, I'm afraid. Sounds like she is doing okay, though, which is good. Hoping with you for good test results, or at the very least, that the vet can determine a cause. Keep us in the loop!
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Labradora I can't help either I'm sorry ,but I hope someone else can,even somebody who doesn't post regularly might be kind enough to come forward with some suggestions or experience ? X
Re: Myasthenia gravis? You could be 'barking up the wrong tree' as diagnosis is not an exact science, so many diseases start off with similar symptoms so it is a process of gradual elimination until the right diagnosis is found. I hope for the best for your dog, there does seem light at the end of the tunnel at times.
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Hello all. Damson does NOT have MG according to the blood tests. Good news indeed, but we still don't know why the changes. She has just started Vivatonin, twice daily on a 2 week trial to see if that is a help. Clearly she us still a mystery and the jury us out on diagnosis. Just a thought: reluctant to leave the house on/ off lead some, but not all of the time, and definitely more reluctant on rather than if the lead. Sometimes gies well, but occasionally still 'freezes' more with IH than with me. She is, by inclination, more' his' dog than mine and I'm not sure if that's relevant? She spends the majority of her time with me as he works and I don't have a job. I have more patience with taking time for her to 'report back' as it were. I stood in the rain for a good 5 minutes when she stopped a day or so ago, talking and waiting her out. I have a lot more to think about! She got going of her own accord and we had a lovely walk both on and off lead with no further events. The next walk she sat/ lay down in the crossroads! She wears a Ruffwear harness( vets recommendation) so I picked her up like a suitcase and swung her along until she moved of her own accord. She looked shocked, but walked! So, did I shock her out of her fugue, or is she playing us up? I have to say that I think OH gives in too easily and tries alternative routes. ...which she clearly enjoys! Trouble is, some are impassable in bad weather and we need to choose ( because I am in charge) and need to use the clearly less favoured, but previously much enjoyed routes . Clearly I need to train OH too! Any comments ( not marriage guidance Lol) please?
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Firstly I'm glad Youve been able to eliminate the MG ,is the vet going to investigate further or is it a watch and wait situation on the new drug you've been prescribed?I had to look up Vivatonin.....the description said it improves dullness,lethargy,circulation and demeanour [quote author=Labradora link=topic=8002.msg117459#msg117459 date=1413540075] or is she playing us up? I have to say that I think OH gives in too easily and tries alternative routes. ...which she clearly enjoys! [/quote] Do you think it could really be as simple as that ?.....My dog will occasionally stop dead and you can see him physically bracing to resist me if he wants to go one way and realises I'm going another : and given the chance he starts slowing down to come to a stop around any of the park gates.....so they are clever little divils.....he doesn't do the 'zoning out ' you describe though....he responds to me ,he's actually pretty easy to get going now ....we did have a period where he would lie down but we got past that Sorry I'm kind of just chatting to you rather than helping ....
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Dexter, chat is good too! I would like to think it is a simple case of her just deciding she's gone off some walks, but I think it's probably a bit more. The zoning out is still odd, she seems depressed as well as reluctant. I think I described her as forlorn before, and that was on a rollicking good walk that she abruptly terminated. Plus she always used to get excited when the collar appeared. Now she's far more reserved, although leaps into the car like a, well, like a happy excited Labrador. Leaps out that way at beach, common or new venue. The vet has suggested that the stimulation of a new or very exciting venue ( so much in the air at the coast/ river/ common) makes her mind alert, but the 'usual' walks don't have the same effect. I think the Vivatonin is to help the general mood. Which varies. Anyway, resolve at the moment us to hope the drug trial works and to present a united approach to any possible manipulative behaviour, and wait and see....she certainly didn't like the suitcase treatment!
Re: Myasthenia gravis? [quote author=Labradora link=topic=8002.msg117547#msg117547 date=1413561825] ...she certainly didn't like the suitcase treatment! [/quote] ;D We have to take Dexter over to the park opposite our front door to do his toilet,he won't go in his own garden : when he was doing the lying down thing Chris took him out and he lay down in the middle of road and cars had to go round him,all the kids in the park were laughing at them both and saying 'look at Dexter,he won't walk' Chris didn't have any treats to bribe him on so he had to pick him up and carry him,the kids loved that! Chris was mortified ,I still laugh thinking about it... I hope you see an improvement with the meds,she sounds like she has such a lovely life with you ,it's a shame she's a bit down ...let us know how she gets on x
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Do you think something may have frightened her or hurt her at some point ? I have to admit when I read your very early posts I did think it sounds like she is scared of something. I know that doesn't really make sense with it happening in new and old places but the strangest things can trigger dogs. I know I've two very nervous little monsters. A sound perhaps. For example a low rumbling plane went over the other day but it was above low cloud. Scout decided it must be a monster coming. If something had hurt or scared Damson at the same time as a particular noise or feeling or when her lead was at a particular angle, who knows how their minds work, that seemingly unimportant thing could trigger major fear again. Just a thought. :. Really glad she hasn't got MG and good luck I hope you get to the bottom of it.
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Thanks, Jen Yes, I'd wondered about that, but I just couldn't think where, when why or how she might have been frightened or hurt and OH says it didn't happen anytime with him. It does seem like associative behaviour though, perhaps with some chemical/ oxygen imbalance thingy going on too! The Vivatonin seems to have perked her up a bit already, she's back to being her pesky self at home! She plays with her toys again and has on the two walks done today ( despite Gonzalo) been keen and bright and good to go. One was an off lead walk, the other, roadwork, on lead. One slight hesitation on the outward leg, about 1/4 mile in, but a vertical jerk of the lead and a brisk ' walk on' and we were away! I have missed our walks so much - I just hope she keeps this up and it's a real result. I would hate to see her so forlorn and flat again. I am now a complete fan of the Ruffwear harness as I know I can lift/ haul or swing her out of harms way if needs be, or, as in the 'suitcase' manoeuvre use it to 'persuade' her to see things my way! Tonight we are both happy! She is due her vaccinations next week and although I am assured by the vet that they won't cause any problems, I am a bit nervous. Watch this space and cross your fingers that all is well.....
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Really good news that you've been able to go on walks again long may it continue
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Glad to hear that the MG was ruled out, but still leaves you with a mystery. She sounds like she's perked up a bit, hopefully that will continue! I guess if you keep a careful eye on her and start to catalogue the episodes maybe you might see a pattern emerging. It is hard to figure out what is going on in their heads sometime!
Re: Myasthenia gravis? I haven't commented so far because I have had nothing useful to say, but this thread had me really worried and now delighted that she seems to be perking up! I can't imagine how sad you must have been to see your dog "folorn". That just doesn't go with the definition of a labrador. So I'm over the moon to hear she's perking up. I hope the medication continues to do its magic and you can relax and enjoy your walks again.
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Thank you everyone. The Vivatonin seems to be a pretty good thing, so far. Damson has become a bit of a pocket rocket again! Definite improvement in wanting to go out on walks, despite the rain ( never a favourite, such a wimp!) and there seems to be no difference to on/ off lead activity. OH and I now on the same page with being in charge on walks and I have shown him the 'suitcase ' plan, which he has only had to use once. Progress! In fact when she hesitated twice this last week he only had to put his hand down towards the handle and she stepped out smartly. So she clearly understands that stopping and going flat isn't an option. That's becoming more and more like a behavioural thing, but the energy and sense of fun that we all love in our labradors appears to be back...fingers so tightly crossed here! We positively romped on the common yesterday. Lovely busy engaged black dog investigating all the autumnal sights smells and sounds, enthusiastic happy and right in on recall. We could not have been happier. I didn't think I would ever have that with her again. Yes, I keep a diary, and it may be that this isn't a complete and permanent 'cure'. But I will take this for now and enjoy each and every day. Although I would say that her enthusiasm to start the day well before 0600 is a down side! Perhaps she's worked out that breakfast is an hour after the Meds......she's always been spot on at supper o'clock..! Thank you all for caring and I will keep you posted. I am still worried about her boosters, due next week.....
Re: Myasthenia gravis? Wow,what a huge improvement,you must be thrilled....great to hear you are enjoying some walk times with her again x
Re: Myasthenia gravis? A few years ago my elderly springer was prescribed Vivitonin when she started to go a little bit 'forgetful'. It made a noticeable difference in her and she was quite perky for a long time before old age finally set in. Hopefully it will have done the trick for your girl.
Re: Myasthenia gravis? So glad to hear she's doing so well after such a worrying time for you. Hope she keeps her labby sense of fun for a long time to come
Re: Myasthenia gravis? It's great to hear she's doing so well. ;D My old lab was on vivitonin as well. He bounced around with a ball with the younger dogs until he was 15. Keep bouncing Damson. ;D
