Miztiki Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Boy had neck and spine x-rays taken today. The results can be found here (scroll down a bit). I've been doing some research and it's not good at all. Among other things, he has atlantoaxial instability. The first two vertebrae of the neck (C1 and C2) are the Axis and Atlas (or vise versa), and they attach to the skull. Remember me telling you that his back end was weak after we played outside recently? His spinal cord was being compressed. This is a worsening condition (sometimes rapidly) and not only does it cause pain and eventually paralysis, incontinence, etc., but they can suddenly die too because of the nerves that lead to the lungs and other vital organs. Apparently it can also cause changes in behavior too. Remember me telling you how he got really anxious and drooled alot and was quivering/trembling when I went to feed him the other day? The trembling is muscle spasms due to spinal cord compression, according to what I'm reading. We are taking him back up to Texas A&M to see the vet behaviorist to understand more how it's related to behavior. Our vet here said his spine, and neck especially, is so bad that it's beyond surgical help, so I don't know what we can do and I'm afraid. He's my baby Boy. Mr. Tiki is really upset. He loves Boyden too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK dog doc Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I'm very sorry to hear this, Miz. As long as you're going to TAMU anyway, maybe you can take along the films and see what they have to say there? After all, it's a University setting; Universities have stuff going on that isn't out in practice or in publication yet, and of course they have experts. (The behaviorist might want to see the films, regardless). Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire Owen Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Oh no, I am so sorry Miz thats awful. I really dont know what to say... just awful, poor boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunar Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Oh no Miz. I'm so sorry.... that's just aweful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoe Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 You just gave me goosebumps. I am sooo sorry I hope Boy isn't in too much pain right now. And I bet he has been getting through it all this well thus far because he knows how much you guys love him. Keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Miz: I am so sorry. It is very good though, that you got this information, and it should really explain so much of his odd behaviour. Now that you know this, you can spend the time you have with him richly, and without reserve. He has been your Boy, and (now I am crying dang it), and you both need eachother equally. You all were meant to be with eachother for however long you had. Know that your fellow dog friends feel your pain, and are there for you. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenlion Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Miz, I am so very sorry. Its dreadful to think how much pain the poor fellow has been dealing with. Toni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixie_Girl Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I just can't help crying over this. It is so sad. I am so glad he ended up with you, even though the pain you are both going through is so great. He was there when you needed him most, and he is counting on you to be there when he needs you most. And we will be here when you need us! If there is anything I or I believe, any of us can do, all you have to do is ask. Give him a gentle hug from all of us. Love and prayers to you and Boy and DH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrie Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Ditto Dixie. (((HUGS gently))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Bo Boop Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Hey now, lets not write the puppers off just yet. Having just lost my best buddy to cancer, I can tell you the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath. Your dog isn't dead yet, and where there's life there's hope (trite I know, but true) I think it's good thing you're taking him to A&M, they should be able to give you a better idea of what's going on, and a prognosis, but even then, if I were you I would do all the research I could on this condition, the internet is a font of info., and knowledge is power, and it makes you feel a whole lot better too:). In addition, there is a fairly new clinic here in San Antonio, it's a Gulf Coast Vet. outfit, but they have great orth. surgeons. I spent a lot of time there in their oncology dept. On a personal note. My Bob dog did not beat the cancer:(, but from the onset I researched, busted my butt doing everything I could for him, from nutrition, doing both holistic,as well as traditional meds....Bottom line, I know in my heart that I could not have done anything more than I did, and knowing that took a little bit of the sting out of a very painful loss. Hugs to you and your pupper, and sending good thoughts your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea4th Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I agree with Little Bo's post a lot. Lousy, rotten news, and I'm so sorry to hear it, but I know that Boy is in the best hands possible. Hugs to you and Boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustopherJones Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Pardon any mistakes I may make in this post, but I am having difficulty seeing through my tears, for I have been through similar choices too often in my own life, and I grieve for you. If the worst should come to pass, then I hope that the following poem may be of some comfort: If it should be that I grow weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done, For this final battle cannot be won. You will be sad, I understand. Don't let your grief then stay your hand. For this day, more than all the rest, Your love for me must stand the test. We've had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears. You'd not want me to suffer so. The time has come, please let me go. Take me where my need they'll tend And please stay with me until the end. Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer can see. I know in time that you will see The kindness that you did for me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Please do not grieve it must be you Who had this painful thing to do. We've been so close, we two these years, Don't let your heart hold back its tears. And knowing how you feel about your beloved Boyden, the following would also be appropriate: So this is where we part, My Friend, and you'll run on, around the bend, gone from sight, but not from mind, new pleasures there you'll surely find. I will go on. I'll find the strength, life measures quality, not its length. One long embrace before you leave, share one last look, before I grieve. There are others, that much is true, but they be they, and they aren't you. And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, will remember well all you've taught. Your place I'll hold, you will be missed, the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed. And as you journey to your final rest, take with you this....I loved you best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deneen Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news. My heart breaks for you and Boyden. I hope you get some good news or at least good advice at Texas A&M. I know I was just talking with someone yesterday about how wonderful unversity veterinarians are. We have the U of MN here, and I would take either of my girls there if faced with anything like this. You are both in my thoughts. ~Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smileyzookie Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Miz Im sitting here in tears. That is horrible news. Im so sorry to hear it. You and Boy are a wonderful inspiration to me, and Im sure to others, and I know through this hardship you will continue to be. Take comfort in knowing that you rescued him and made his life good, and you will continue to be there and be what he needs. I agree with Little Bo Boop. There is always hope. I know you and I both have faith in God, and God can work miracles. I do believe he can in anything, this case is no different. Your family are in my prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything at all for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiga's_mom Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I'm so sorry to hear the news. I echo what everyone else has said. He's definitely in the best hands possible and I hope you can find something to help him. My thoughts are with you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinBC Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Miz, We are sending all the good vibes we can your way. Give Boy a kiss and a pat from us and know that we are thinking of you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandra s. Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Miz, I'm so terribly sorry . There's absolutely nothing I can say, except agree with what all the others have said. I hope you find comfort in whatever you turn to at times like this. You and Boyden are in my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Hey Miz Please hang on. Miracles can and do happen. Boy is the same dog he was yesterday before you knew what was wrong, only difference is you now know. Besides a few incidents he seems to be manageing pretty well. It's amazing what these dogs can live through and still be happy. Give Boy the same love you've been giving, try to get the best help you can for Boy and enjoy each day you have with him. Hugs and healings are sent your way. Kristen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurie etc Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 to the Tiki's - 1) You and Boyden stumbled across each others' paths for a reason. You (Miz and Mr Tiki) are the best thing he's ever had happen in his life. No matter what happens, no matter for how long, don't forget that! You've made a difference for him already! And he has made a difference for you, too. Although the prospects are painful right now, when you look back at the fun, learning and adventures you've had already with him, you've gotta smile! 2) I have a 12 year old Golden and an 11 year old BC with spinal problems - pretty horrible looking on xrays. Maybe not as horrific or ustable as Boy's, but pretty impressive. They are both retired from competition of any sort, and living out their lives to the fullest. Yeah, they both have occasional grumpy days (and those days they get some nsaid's), they sometimes misplace their hind feet, or are slow to rise. But most days they romp and play, you would never guess they are as old as they are, and their quality of life is wonderful. 3) Just remember that Boyden isn't counting the days or looking at the xrays. He doesn't know things are any different from yesterday. He is living for today, and tomorrow he'll be living for that day. And he won't understand why you are so sad all of a sudden. Hey, he's been coping with these problems for a long time, and only occasionally made a complaint or gave a sign. So make his "today" all it can be. Help him out any way you can, but remember that he's only looking at the present, not the future or what could have been. That's the beauty and simplicity of dogs! 4) I agree with having Texas A&M specialists look at the xrays as well. There may be cutting edge technology or treatments that your own vet isn't aware of. take care! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SincereArtisan Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I've got my fingers crossed for you Miz....what awful news. I'm so sorry to hear. I hope there is is something they can do... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meg's mum Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Boyden will sense you and Mr Tiki's worry. Miz, the one thing the two of you CAN do for hime right now is to find some place in your mind to put that concern at least when you're with him. That is going to be really hard. I'e usded a mental steel door myself - allowing myself to open it for just as long as I needed to and then slam, but things like this don't translate. We are all witting beside you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dal & Mad's Mom Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 sorry to hear of your news. Give him alot of extra hugs for us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root Beer Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Prayers for you and Boy and your whole family on the way . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy525 Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Tears with you Michelle. We are here with you and you and praying for you, Mr. Tiki, and Boyden. Also for Flynne in case she is feeling lonely!! I know you won't give up unless that is what is best for Boy. Only you and Boy can know if that time comes. In the meantime, he is getting the best of care and there are miracles every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miztiki Posted April 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 You should see my upper eyelids. They are all poofy! I won't be going anywhere any time soon. Thanks so much for being there. I just took a picture of his neck x-ray. I'm going to point out what's what in Paint and then put it in the gallery. I'm surprised his head hasn't fallen off! You'll see what I mean when you see the picture. I'm on my first cup of coffee. Once I'm fully awake I'll call Texas A&M and make an appointment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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