I also posted this on GQII and After Divorce Boards but am asking everywhere in the hopes someone has insights:

My 7 year oldish (got her from a shelter) beagle/shep mix (size of a shepherd, looks like a beagle - a beagle on steroids) is not doing well. I have been to a doggy neurologist who, unless I pay him $2700 for x-rays under anesthesia, a spinal tap, mylogram (sp?), and cat scan, is only able to tell me it is one 4 possible things:

1) ruptured disk
2) tumor pressing on the spinal column
3) tumor inside the spinal column or
4) inflamation in the spinal fluid (e.g., meningitis)

Her blood panel was all within normal limits except something liver-related which was elevated to 230-something. Both the neurologist and my regular vet said elevated level was nothing to worry about unless it persists for a few more weeks.

He prescribed a steroid, antibiotic and pain killer. How long does it take for these things to begin to work. The pain killer is giving her some relief, but she's had 3 doses and is still really out of it. She's not shaking anymore and only whimpers when standing up after being confined/laying down. But she is not well.

So....I am now $800 lighter, my poor puppy is still miserable, and I don't know what to do....Any thoughts?

BB and Trixie

Brit's,

I had a Yorkie that had a ruptured disk that compressed his spinal cord and the only thing they did to diagnosis that was a simple xray....for the cost of 70.00 or so. I would ask for a simple xray to be done first. Things will show up in that...especially along the spinal cord.

Ask for that to be done ONLY and that will tell you if additional testing needs to be done.

committed

They did an awake x-ray and got 3 really good pics. The neurologist said her spine looks fine. He saw nothing in it that would be causing her pan. What did your vet do for your yorkie? Did he/she take meds for it? How long did it take before a marked improvement was noted?

Thanks SO very much for sharing your experience...it helps very much. I know that if we have to go further with this, I will not go back to the specialist I went to. I will take her up to Texas A&M...I understand its the same quality of care at a more reasonable price.

Thanks again,

BB

I'm so sorry BB and companion!!!

Is having an ultra sound a possibility for a diagnosis? I don't know what they cost though.

I live in rural Nebraska and they used to provide a traveling ultra sound machine that the area vets could have access to. Our Golden Retriever was too large for a good readable xray and an ultra sound was a suggestion.

There is also a great veternary facility at Kansas State University at Manhattan, Kansas. Maybe they could consult with your Texas people.

It's so tough having an pet in pain and/or ill and you don't know what is that is making them ill. Please let us know what you find out.

Brit's,

The vet started him on Rimadryl ( I think that is how it is spelled). It is an anti-inflamatory. He also gave him steroids to take. We had to use a calendar to get all the doses right! We did curtail his activities too..no jumping or rough-housing with our other yorkie.

Before they sent us home with the meds...they gave him 2 injections...one for pain and a steroid injection. That really helped to get a head start on healing. He was feeling better within a couple days.

Hope your friend is well soon.

committed

Well, Trixie is comfortable. The pain meds are certainly helping (she only cries when the pain meds wear off). She is laying still most of the time, which is good! The vet said it could take up to five days for the steroids to take effect. She has been on them two days, so I am still hopeful. Thank you for all your well wishes!

Regards,

BB and Trixie