- Joined
- Apr 14, 2019
- Messages
- 24
Hello to all,
I’ve just recently joined Holistic Actions. I have a 12 y.o. female German Shepherd, Faith, that I adopted 2 years ago. Faith has had progressive weakness in her limbs starting about 1 ½ years ago. It began in her hind legs and within the last several months has also affected her trunk and front legs. She has been using a wheeled cart to walk for over a year. We’ve had x-rays done last year, which showed some calcification and bridging mainly in the lumbar spine, but some in the cervical spine as well. Spondylosis was also noted. But other than that have never gotten a diagnosis as to what may be causing the weakness. From my own research I know what the possibilities are and most point to degerative myelopathy, although there are others. Her vet has recommended getting a blood or saliva test to confirm that diagnosis, but from what I have learned about the test is while it can used helpful in the diagnosis process, it is not always accurate or conclusive. I have several questions regarding this situation.
Has anyone gotten a DM test for their dog (or for the veterinarians in this group, what are your thoughts on this test)? Was having that diagnosis helpful? What would be best way for me to decide if getting this is the best route to go?
Can anyone recommend a holistically minded veterinary neurologist? I’ve considered doing this also, but I know many times what is recommended is doing an MRI to get amore accurate diagnosis and I’m not sure she is in a condition where sedation for that would be safe. I’m wondering if it would be beneficial to talk to someone anyway? Or if it’s even too late at this point to do anything because the weakness has progressed to the point it has. We live on the Central Coast of California (about 1 hour North of Santa Barbara)
Thank you! Jill
I’ve just recently joined Holistic Actions. I have a 12 y.o. female German Shepherd, Faith, that I adopted 2 years ago. Faith has had progressive weakness in her limbs starting about 1 ½ years ago. It began in her hind legs and within the last several months has also affected her trunk and front legs. She has been using a wheeled cart to walk for over a year. We’ve had x-rays done last year, which showed some calcification and bridging mainly in the lumbar spine, but some in the cervical spine as well. Spondylosis was also noted. But other than that have never gotten a diagnosis as to what may be causing the weakness. From my own research I know what the possibilities are and most point to degerative myelopathy, although there are others. Her vet has recommended getting a blood or saliva test to confirm that diagnosis, but from what I have learned about the test is while it can used helpful in the diagnosis process, it is not always accurate or conclusive. I have several questions regarding this situation.
Has anyone gotten a DM test for their dog (or for the veterinarians in this group, what are your thoughts on this test)? Was having that diagnosis helpful? What would be best way for me to decide if getting this is the best route to go?
Can anyone recommend a holistically minded veterinary neurologist? I’ve considered doing this also, but I know many times what is recommended is doing an MRI to get amore accurate diagnosis and I’m not sure she is in a condition where sedation for that would be safe. I’m wondering if it would be beneficial to talk to someone anyway? Or if it’s even too late at this point to do anything because the weakness has progressed to the point it has. We live on the Central Coast of California (about 1 hour North of Santa Barbara)
Thank you! Jill
(Archie?)
