Our dog, Belle, has been to the vet several times of late. She has had a significant problem leaning to the right. We thought it was a balance problem. At her first exam specifically for this, she was precribed an anti-inflamatory/pain reliever and a steroid after the doctor found an apparent neurological deficit on one of her hind legs and suspected a disc injury. After the medicine ran out, so did the positive effects and we took her back. Did blood work, all of which was normal. Tried another prednisone regimen with little to no benefit. Discussed imaging, but did not do any at that visit. We took her back yesterday after the weaning off period for the steroid. At this point, the focus is on a few things, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal disc injury, or a tumor impinging a nerve. Neurological exam repeated with no conclusive findings of impairment this time. We had ruled out an MRI because of cost (we simply cant afford it), but we had X-rays taken - the only imaging technology which MIGHT reveal something that we could reasonably pay for. The doctor had me look over the x-rays with her. She had earlier mentioned that we could have the x-rays sent out for a radiologist to review. The whole time we are looking at the x-rays and the doctor is saying that they appear normal, an almost audible voice inside me kept saying to have the radiologist consult. Vet called back this morning. Radiologist saw mild arthritis in the hip joints - something easily mitigated and a lot better to manage than anything else that had been considered. Dr. McGee said the exam yesterday seemed more consistent with hip pain or discomfort than a neurological issue as well, noting a bit of puzzlement over the past neurological test results. Now, I wish we had had the x-rays on the previous visit, but I am grateful for that small, persistant voice that nudged me to pay the extra money to have the radiologist review the x-rays. Heres hoping the Rimadyl works to help Belle feel better.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:13:14 +0000
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