Jack Tar Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Hiding under chairs and the like seems that he's making sure he doesn't get bumped around... I'd be looking for xrays of neck and spine - all the way along... just to rule out any issues there. The symptoms you describe come across like a dog that is in a lot of pain. Have the vets tried any pain relief/anti inflammatories meds to see if he perks up? T. Ive now seen three vets so you can tend to get confused with what has and hasn't been given but to the best of my knowledge it went like this. Vet 1: Pain relief and anti inflamatories - definitely perked up for about a week. Both Vets afterwards know this. Vet 2: On a drip with painkillers for 2 days: Perked up initially but then became docile to the point I thought he was about to die. Perked up a small bit when Painkillers were reduced. Thanks for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Tar Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 It sounds awful... What part of him was the ultrasound of? The 'specialist'...what is his specialty? What were they testing for in his blood tests..anything specific? I can understand how worried you are ..not knowing is just awful Ultrasound of his abdomen. Not sure what he specialty is. Blood test performed by Vet number 2. His thinking at the time was pancreaitis but he did not respond to treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Unfortunately, these things tend to be a process of elimination. I would suggest chiropractic assessment - perhaps by a veterinary chiropractor armed with some x-rays. I do wonder if there is a spinal issue - compressed disc perhaps. I have been through very similar things with one of my dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Tar Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Shih tzu's are one of the breeds with a high incidence of Renal Dysplasia - could be worth investigating Thanks for that, just read some info and thats sounds nasty. Will investigate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Tar Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Unfortunately, these things tend to be a process of elimination. I would suggest chiropractic assessment - perhaps by a veterinary chiropractor armed with some x-rays. I do wonder if there is a spinal issue - compressed disc perhaps. I have been through very similar things with one of my dogs. Symptoms very closely match back problem. Vets less convinced due to physical examination. With your dogs was it something only the X-ray picked up?? Was there any loss of appetite? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Unfortunately, these things tend to be a process of elimination. I would suggest chiropractic assessment - perhaps by a veterinary chiropractor armed with some x-rays. I do wonder if there is a spinal issue - compressed disc perhaps. I have been through very similar things with one of my dogs. Symptoms very closely match back problem. Vets less convinced due to physical examination. With your dogs was it something only the X-ray picked up?? Was there any loss of appetite? My boy had a compressed disc in front of his shoulders. There sure was loss of appetite, general depression and a high degree of pain. The fact that your dog responded to pain killers is interesting - I wonder what valium would do - worked wonders with my boy. If it is a disc issue, my guess is its lower back in your dog. Are or were you in the Navy Jack Tar - I haven't seen that expression in years. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Tar Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Unfortunately, these things tend to be a process of elimination. I would suggest chiropractic assessment - perhaps by a veterinary chiropractor armed with some x-rays. I do wonder if there is a spinal issue - compressed disc perhaps. I have been through very similar things with one of my dogs. Symptoms very closely match back problem. Vets less convinced due to physical examination. With your dogs was it something only the X-ray picked up?? Was there any loss of appetite? My boy had a compressed disc in front of his shoulders. There sure was loss of appetite, general depression and a high degree of pain. The fact that your dog responded to pain killers is interesting - I wonder what valium would do - worked wonders with my boy. If it is a disc issue, my guess is its lower back in your dog. Are or were you in the Navy Jack Tar - I haven't seen that expression in years. :) Thanks for the info. I'm really hoping it is the back problem after reading up on other possible scenarios. Will be back at the vets tomorrow as he seems to be getting worse after initially showing signs of improvement. Yes, I was in the Navy, used Jack Tar as a forum name years ago and it stuck as a nickname in some circles. Tried my own name on this site but was already taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mim Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 One of my dogs had all those symptoms late last year except the incontinence. He would whimper during the night because he was so uncomfortable Took him to a vet who does chiro and acupuncture and he was good as gold after one treatment. He'd done something and hurt his neck and as a result had been tensing all his muscles to compensate and had lots of muscle pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Will be back at the vets tomorrow Good. Ask for spinal xrays ... I hope all goes well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayla1 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Thanks for the info. I'm really hoping it is the back problem after reading up on other possible scenarios. Will be back at the vets tomorrow as he seems to be getting worse after initially showing signs of improvement. My older boy with spinal problems responded to treatment initially then relapsed, a lot of ups and downs. Hope you can find out what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 It could be a back problem or a multitude of other things. I recommend Ray Ferguson at Monash. My dog had a sore back that my normal vet didn't pick up, while Ray detected something immediately. Fergs had x-rays to rule out any spinal issues. Ray is a 'specialist' chiro vet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 1349941192[/url]' post='5982830']1349940554[/url]' post='5982822']Are or were you in the Navy Jack Tar - I haven't seen that expression in years. :) Thanks for the info. I'm really hoping it is the back problem after reading up on other possible scenarios. Will be back at the vets tomorrow as he seems to be getting worse after initially showing signs of improvement. Yes, I was in the Navy, used Jack Tar as a forum name years ago and it stuck as a nickname in some circles. Tried my own name on this site but was already taken. I have to ask: were you jolly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 He is in pain. Get a vet who can do diagnosis - I have no idea who. Are you in Melbourne? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leighw Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 My Maltese X has had suspected GME (a type of encephalitis) for the last two years. Her symptoms were similar although she started having seizures as well. She is permanently on a low dose of Prednisone and has been pretty good ever since. They can only definitely diagnose GME with an autopsy after death so it may be worth asking your vet to check your dog for and maybe try some Pred. We had improvement with Holly within 24 hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 There is absolutely no way anyone on a forum could know what is wrong, they can only guess. I could guess Lymes disease from that list of symptoms & a google search could give you 20 things & possibilities, which may not be it. Unfortunately the process is a heap of tests to rule out by elimination & hope for an answer. This depends on the vet ordering the right tests & it is an expensive process. Meanwhile I would not be letting anyone manipulate or so any kind of chiro or physio on the dog until you know what exactly is wrong. It is sad & frustrating when we can't find what's wrong & they are suffering but try not to guess. It makes you worry more. Hope you find some answers soon & your dog gets well again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 (edited) As many have stated..we really cannot offer diagnosis, only hyposises on what may be wrong with your dog. Your dog is in the hands of professionals but I too would be asking if they would consider X-raying to rule out any spinal problems. Goos luck with your little guy..I hope they find out what is wrong and make him comfortable and happy soon. Edited October 11, 2012 by LizT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 I just wanted to suggest also perhaps minimising the walks in case it is a spinal issue - perhaps just some gentle exercise around the yard until you get a more definite diagnosis? He may be in pain after walking. Really hope you can get some answers for the little fellow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Tar Posted October 12, 2012 Author Share Posted October 12, 2012 Thank you all for your thoughts. I understand fully that no one here can diagnose him for me but as I am in a race against time at the moment was throwing it out there in the faint hope someone had been through the exact same thing before that may give the clue we are so desperately looking for. As stated there are many tests I could have done, but they all take time. We found out today there are some irregularities in his urine sample, but not enough to go on to make an acute diagnosis. We now have to wait until Monday for the results of whether they could grow a culture from the bacteria in the urine. In the meantime we have started the process of diagnosis by treatment, starting him on a general antibiotic to see if that improves the situation. I have also had him re-examimined by the local vet and requested some pain killers to ease his suffereing. Again, his vitals were fine and the only issue, a big issue mind you is the weight loss from not eating enough. Again, thank you all for your kind words, it has helped me greatly, if only just to be able to get on here and unload my thoughts and concerns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Jack Tar I have one more possibility to add: liver shunt. I hope it isn't Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 The poor dog ;you must be very worried I have heard good things about the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre in Blackburn Road -Glen Waverley. You will need a referral from your vet to go there.I hope you can find the cause and he recovers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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