Journey Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 The Border Collie I was asking about several months ago that mysteriously came up/down with seizures - we're still trying to figure things out. He was on a below therapeutic dose of pheno and just in case he was on Doxy. He went 62 days w/o a seizure. However, he came off the Doxy and within 4 days has had 2 seizures. Not only that he has an injured toe (cause unknown) that won't heal and is infected. They can't get the infection under control, back on antibiotics, and the seizures are gone. So, the question is - who/where is the best (in the east hopefully) to take him to? He's been to OSU, they came up with nothing, Auburn has read the MRI, nothing. Her Vet feels all issues are related she just doesn't know where to go with him. She (the owner) wants a culture of everything possible and wants top notch people reading and doing it. Any input will be greatly appreciated! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 I don't think you want a pathologist if the dog is still alive You want to talk to a neurologist. Most of the vet schools have excellent neurology departments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Eak, and there's no way to correct the heading! Thanks Liz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet_ceana Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 I know it is pretty far, but Colorado State has a great vet school and might be able to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 They are in Tenn so Colo isn't "that" far. Thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWBC Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Sorry to hear the troubles continue. University of TN in Knoxville has an excellent Vet school. There is also a veterinary specialist group down in GA. www.gvsvet.com located North of Atlanta. They have a neurology specialist on board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Knoxville? I think she's been dealing with Nashville, I'll let her know, thank you. GVS sounds very much like the AVS we have here in the greater jacksonville area. A specialist for every area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Knoxville? I think she's been dealing with Nashville, I'll let her know, thank you. Since she's in Tennessee, I would guess she's probably already been in touch with UT in Knoxville. To my knowledge, there's no other vet school or comparable facility in the state (boy, will I be cranky if I find out that I've been driving right past Nashville to take my old man, Johnson, to Knoxville! ) Just in case you need it, though, here's the UT vet clinic website. FYI, their MRI just opened earlier this year, and I was assured--as Johnson was having one done on his brain--that they have top-notch folks to read the results of the test. ETA: I just remembered that my vet was telling me about a new high-tech clinic that recently opened in Louisville. My vet trusted it enough to send one of her deerhound pups to for surgery, but I don't know if neurology is one of the clinic's specialties or not. If your friend would consider Louisville a workable distance and wants more info, I will find out more from my vet and share it with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Thanks for the help. Yes, she has been going to Knoxville, not Nashville. However, her experience at the facility was shall we say less than stellar. That is where the first MRI was done and then read again at Auburn and TN did not culture the spinal fliud.... That's why she went out to OSU. She is looking at the GVS site and will most likely put a packet together and hit the road when they can see him. She's also sending a package to Chris Zink and will just do a telephone consult with her. If you don't mind finding out about Louisville I will pass along the info. She is closer to them than Atlanta. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Sorry to hear the UT experience didn't go well. I have had, um, inconsistent experiences there myself, but others have reported more positive ones, so I'd hoped mine were the unusual ones. I'll find out what the new Louisville clinic offers and post more info soon. After all, my vet is probably worried about me, as it's been a whole 4 days since we've been in touch! More seriously, I'll keep your friend and her dog in my thoughts. In the last 15 months, I've learned just how exhausting and frustrating it is not to have a clear diagnosis or treatment plan...and Johnson's problems are minor compared to unexplained seizures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy H. Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Have they considered the Virginia Tech vet facility? http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/ I've never been there (I live in Iowa) but have heard good things and it might be close (sort of). Kathy/Iowa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Just talked to the receptionist at my vet's clinic, and she was kind enough to give me this information from the referral form they have for the Louisville clinic I mentioned yesterday. She didn't know if they have a neurologist on staff, but I've included all the contact info so that your friend can investigate. (The receptionist also offered to give me directions to the clinic, but I told her that was a wee bit premature. ) Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists 11800 Capital Way Louisville, KY 40299 phone: 502-266-7007 fax: 502-266-7375 The doctors specifically named on the referral sheet are Dr. Graehler and Dr. Daley. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 14, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 All info and contact info has been passed along, thanks everyone. I will post when I know which way she is heading. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diane allen Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 Just a clarification for Liz, and Karen too: Pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids and whole bodies (Autopsy). The term also encompasses the related scientific study of disease processes, called General pathology. So, it is possible that a "live" dog might need a pathologist. But granted it sounds like a neuro is the need here. I don't think animal owners generally would seek out a pathologist themselves - a vet might utilize their services for biopsies, etc. Hope all is going better for the dog originally mentioned anyway! diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 I know pathologist deal with live animals. I was just making a joke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Well, the pathology report came back on his toe today. They had aspirated the swollen tissue on the toe - epithelial neoplasia with high n:c - they want a larger tissue sample now. No word back from radiology yet. So, more mysteries and holding off on removing the toe until more answers are available. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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