Bluebell

I just thought I would update on how yesterday went... Well there is a shadow in Busta's scapula and extra fluid in the shoulder joint. The vet said the shadow could either be a tendon partially torn off the bone or the start of bone cancer. Busta was given a cortisone injection into the shoulder joint and so far that appears to have given him some relief. For the first time in a couple of months he is able to tuck his leg in under his body when he sleeps :-) At this point we are not sure what will happen in the long term but for now it looks like we have been able to get on top of the pain which is a huge relief. Thanks for all the suggestions in this thread, it has been an incredibly frustrating couple of months!

Thanks for thinking of us Xyz. Things have not improved despite completing the course of pentosan, another course of norocarp and now he is on Cerenia for nerve pain. We were at the vet again yesterday and he reacted when his shoulder was examined. At least we know where to start looking now. He is booked for X-rays on Tuesday and I am petrified as two vets have suggested we might be looking at bone cancer.

Thanks Xyz.

Thanks Ness. I am not sure but will ask. I do know there is a vet here who does acupuncture and have been thinking of contacting him to see what is involved.

I am in Canberra. Sorry for my ignorance but what sort of specialist do you think I should ask for? I don't even know if we are looking at an orthopaedic, neurological or muscular problem.

Sorry Ness, I was just sitting here and realised I didn't put that it was his front leg.

Sorry if this is a long post but I would love ANY ideas on what is happening with my 11 year old Chihuahua, Busta.... 7 weeks ago Busta had sudden onset lameness in his right foreleg after rest though the lameness only lasted a minute or two at the most. Originally the vet thought it was just a sprain. A week later he was still lame after rest despite pain relief. After a thorough check over Busta did not so much as yelp when the vet poked and prodded the leg. 2 weeks later and Busta was still lame despite another 2 weeks of pain relief. Yet another check and still he did not give any sign as to where the pain is. As the vet has no idea what is going on they recommended a course of Pentosan in case it is arthritis. The lameness continued in this manner for 3 weeks when it became significantly worse. Busta is now lame constantly, sometimes refusing to use the leg, has trouble getting out of bed and occasionally falls over. The vets are now wondering if it is nerve damage or a neurological issue. Last Pentosan injection will be this week but as they don't appear to be helping so the vet wants to trial an expensive drug for neurological pain. I don't really like the sound of it but feel we have no choice. No X-rays have been done as the vets cannot get a pain response so they don't know where to start and it will cost quite a bit. I am very worried that the lameness is getting a lot worse and we are no closer to understanding what is happening and I feel like I am being cruel every time I see Busta struggling to get up :-( I would be very grateful for any ideas, similar experiences, thoughts on whether this sounds like arthritis etc... I should add we have had two different vets look at him and will be seeing a third for the next injection.

Chanel my beautiful darling horse. Sent to Rainbow bridge at the tender age of 5, after a short but brave fight. While I only had you for such a short time you taught me more in that time then I could have learnt in a lifetime. There will never be another like you. Forever in my heart and memories. This photo of Chanel was taken just hours before she was sent to Rainbow Bridge on 17 October 2000. Socks my wonderful cat, faithful companion for almost 17 years. Sent to rainbow bridge on 15 November 2003. Gone but never forgotten! Poem For Cats And God asked the feline spirit Are you ready to come home? Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul And, as a cat, you know I am most able To decide anything for myself. Are you coming then? asked God. Soon, replied the whiskered angel But I must come slowly For my human friends are troubled For you see, they need me, quite certainly. But don't they understand? asked God That you'll never leave them? That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity? That nothing is created or destroyed? It just is....forever and ever and ever. Eventually they will understand, Replied the glorious cat For I will whisper into their hearts That I am always with them I just am....forever and ever and ever. Author Unknown