POTP in Action

First, thank you all for sending your love and good vibes our way.  It has been a very trying week and your kindness made all the difference. 

Now, for the exciting news, it appears Hailey has old dog vestibular disease.  She is expected to make a full recovery in the coming weeks.  If that is all you want to know, you can stop reading here. If you want to know how we got here, keep reading! 

We found this out by things getting way worst. Wednesday night, when I got home, she tried to get up to see me but couldn't. It was terrible and scary and we really thought the end was near. 

Thursday morning we called the vet who had seen her Monday and they said, there was nothing they could do. We would need to call a neurology clinic. We did and they were able to see us Friday morning. We also took her off most her meds, as the Man (who was with her more as I was out working) felt they may be making things worse (which they may have been and she is now off them).

In the mean time, we were able to talk to our old vet and friend and he said it sounded like old dog vestibular disease (also know as drunken sailor syndrome), but to take the appointment and if the neurologist had reason to suggest it, to consider the MRI and other tests. He said this clinic was great and they knew what they were doing.

Driving to the clinic

Friday morning, Man, Lee and I went to the clinic. After the history and exam, we spoke to the neurologist. There were 2 things that made her question vestibular disease (although there were lots of signs that pointed to it). Her back right paw didn't respond as quickly to a bending test, and the head tilt came later (usually it comes at the same time as the other symptoms). To rule out the brain as the cause of these problems, we should consider an MRI. What I loved about this doctor was that she explained things simply and honestly and there was no pressure to do anything she recommended. We decided to do all the tests (we are grateful for the privilege to be able to do), which in order were blood work and chest xrays (mostly to make sure she was likely to do well with the anaesthetic), then the MRI and if needed a spinal tap. We agreed to it all, paid the deposit and drove the hour home to wait. 

Phod was very concerned when we came home without Hailey and concerned we didn't seem concerned! 

Around 2:30 the neurologist called back to say the MRI was clear. The spinal tap still needed to be done, but we could head back to pick Hailey up as she would be ready in about an hour.

Patiently waiting for the neurologist

We went over the MRI images with the neurologist and there were some cool and creepy shots. It was neat to see her brain. There is one slightly different spot around her pituitary gland, which she will send to the radiologist for look at, but she didn't think it was related. The spinal tap fluid looked clear to her, but the results will take a few days. There is really nothing expected from these tests. The staff at the clinic loved Hailey. They thought she was younger (like 9) and super sweet.

We left with a very stoned Hailey and some anti-nausea meds (vestibular problems and anaesthetics don't mix well). She is to rest and be closely monitored on things she could fall off of, but life can basically go on. We have a follow up in about 3 weeks because if this diagnosis is correct, she should be improving greatly by then. 

The bald spot from the spinal tap

That is where we are today and again we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for keeping us in your thoughts. Blogville is awesome!