Theakston has been at the emergency vets since first thing this morning. He seemed a little stiff last night, chose to go up the slope into the garden as opposed to the steps, but ate and drank as normal. As I'm away from home at the moment (and, because of a properly complicated and convoluted set of family circumstances, due to be away for the next 5 weeks), he is sleeping on my bed anyway, and slept soundly. However when Brew pointed out that the birds were up and she would like to be too, it transpired that Theakston had lost all use of his back legs. It looks as if he has suffered some sort of disc extrusion, and that it is now pressing on the nerve. There is a 50% chance that with NSAIDs, painkillers and crate rest, he will make a full recovery. He has been able to urinate, which is a good sign. Spinal surgery could increase the odds of a full recovery, but it could not be done here - he would have to go to Cambridge. It is a frightening expensive op - even the emergency vet was surprised to get the quotes from the consultant - but he is insured, so that is not relevant. I don't want to put him through it. He's 10, and up until yesterday evening, very active. As the vet said, if you ignore the fact that his rear end is currently not working, he is in excellent physical shape. This should help his chances of recovery anyway... If I were to put him through major spinal surgery, he might well recover movement, but the vet put her finger on it when she said that we had to consider that the recovery we would want for a spaniel would look very different to the recovery for a lap dog. If he were unable to enjoy the walks and time outdoors that he currently does, that would be the principle pleasure he gets in life gone. So, right now, he's at the vets, where he will remain for the next 24 hours whilst they get meds right and monitor the sensation that he has. To a certain extent, it's down to him. If it deteriorates at all, then putting him to sleep is the only option. If they get the meds right, then he comes back to me for complete crate rest, for a minimum of 4 weeks. I suspect that some of you will feel that surgery is and should be the only option. If he were younger, I would think that too. But to put him through it for the hope of keeping him, but perhaps without keeping the essence of spaniel - well, that just doesn't feel right to me. According to the vet, another dog presented with very similar symptoms recently and its owners opted for surgery - it is currently doing well, but it was - in her words as far as I can best remember them - 'a lap dog that did nothing but sit on laps anyway'. Now Theakston loves sitting on my lap - but that alone would not make him happy. Waiting for them to call me to let me know how he is getting on, sitting here typing this and not sure if I am making sense or if I am doing the right thing. Sorry - just needed to offload. Clare
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Oh Clare, I am so sorry. What a horrible thing to happen. I completely understand you not wanting to put Theakston through an op. Worth bearing in mind spaniels can be quite long lived and if he is in great shape, he could have another four to six years ahead of him. I'm sure you have taken that into account though, and have no doubt that you and your vet will make the right decision. And I completely agree that life for a spaniel without hunting and running in the woods, would not be a life. Wishing you all the best and hoping for a full recovery whatever course you decide to follow.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Clare I'm so sorry. For what it's worth I think you are making the sensible and right decision. It's what I would do in your situation. It's a terrible thing but when it comes to it it's the last thing we can do for them if we can't make them better and better includes being happy. I will be keeping my fingers crossed you get good news from the vet. Good luck Jen
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Oh Clare, I'm so very sorry! Obviously fingers crossed for a full recovery but I completely understand your reasoning. Healing vibes heading your way from Winchester
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health I am so very sorry to hear this. My heart really goes out to you. Sending you the very warmest wishes and hopes that things turn out well. Let us know how he does.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health So very sorry to read this, off load here as much as you need to , thinking of you x
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Oh dear Clare, I am so sorry to hear this too. Probably no help, but a similar thing happened to a friend of mine's cat. She works for a vet, and her vet did some acupuncture as well as all the supportive treatment with NSAIDs etc. I'm not sure if that might also be an option to consider too. Thinking of you all. Keep us updated xxxxx
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health oh how terribly terribly sad. i'm not surprised you're worried. i've got everything crossed that he makes a full recovery. sarah
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health So sorry to hear this Clare. You know your dog best, and I know you will do what is best. So sorry you are having to deal with this, sounds like you have a lot going on at the moment. Hugs and prayers heading your way, keep us posted when you can. :'(
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Poor Theakston, and poor you. :'( I am sure you will make the right decision for him, Clare.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health If it was my dog, I 'may' opt to have the op and give him a chance. Neighbour's dog had a similar op and he wasn't a lap dog, he recovered well but tended to be incontinent at times. A very difficult decision for you.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Clare, my old dog Billy (lab/spaniel cross) had a sudden paralysis of the back legs when he was around 12. His spine had grown bony spurs (spondilitis?), which was very painful for a while and meant he couldn't walk. I spent one Christmas sleeping on the couch with him, and thought for sure this was the end of the road. But to our amazement he managed, and with rest and painkillers he got a lot better. He lived for almost another four years, and was happy and comfortable. He could go for walks again, and really had a good quality of life. You'll know what the right thing to do is. But don't hesitate to offload to us on here; we understand.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Oh Clare,my hand flew to my mouth reading down your post,I'm so sorry .you know your lovely Theakston best and what he can cope with,so sorry this has happened on top of a lot of other things you sound like you are dealing with take good care Nnite x
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health I hope that the drugs/rest based option leads to an improvement and that you won't end up having to seriously consider the merits of more invasive options. Thinking of you at this very stressful time.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Thank you, all of you- you won't believe how much better it has made me feel to read your messages. Have just been speaking to the night vet - Theakston is showing signs of improvement and will now stand upright if lifted onto his feet. He has also eaten this evening. They are going to reduce the pain meds, and as long as he is okay on a lower dose, release him back to me to manage at home. It will be on very strict crate rest, carried out to a patch of grass. They say they will be delighted if he is well enough to come home, as he has not stopped howling since I left him. That's my boy - only interested in two things, pheasants and hanging out with us. Karen, I am desperately hoping that, just like your Billy, this settles enough with rest and meds to manage from here on in. He doesn't have to have the same speed, just the chance to be out and about and indulge in a good sniff. I'll ask about the acupuncture too, Jac. Clare
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Sending you big hugs {{hugs}} I'm glad Theakston seems to be improving . Feel free to offload on here, it's what we are here for. Keep your chin up and I'm sure you will make the right decisions going forward xxx
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Sending the best vibes we can manage, and all our hopes, that things work out.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Great news that he can support his own weight. Fingers crossed here that he will continue to improve and will be home with you soon.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Fingers crossed, Clare. We have wooden floors, but we put a carpet down so Billy could walk from his bed to the front door without slipping, while he was still incapacitated.
Re: This isn't Lab health, but spaniel health Glad you had some good news from the vet. Really hoping it continues.
