PLEASE tell me there's other options?!? (Jasper's paralyzed from spinal cord injury)

This forum is for dog lovers seeking everyday advice and suggestions on health-related issues. Remember, however, that advice on a public forum simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say assuredly what is best for your dog.

(Page 1 of 2: Viewing entries 1 to 10)
Page Links: 1 2

Jasper

JaspyBaby♥

Barked: Mon Mar 18, '13 11:33pm PST


	I just found out that my little Jaspybaby is permanently paralyzed in his hindlegs due to a spinal cord injury. He's a 2.5 yr old Peekapoo --- and he means the absolute world to me. My parents were pet sitting him for a few days -- he jumped off their bed (nothing out of the ordinary), let out a loud yelp, and couldn't get up. That was it. All it took. Paralyzed. I still can't believe it. A few months ago, Jaspy had a similar episode where he slipped a disc in his spinal cord and fully recovered in about a week or so. He was just doing his usual "yay! mommy's home from work" routine and it happened while he was jumping. He lost feeling in his legs and couldn't walk or really move but he DID have pain sensation when the vet pinched his back legs. I was hoping and praying that it was the same thing this time. We took him to the vet my mom takes her dogs to and they pretty much said that he has a zero percent chance of recovery, it's too late for the surgery and that I should just euthanize him. I was SPEECHLESS when the vet told me this. Not only was she so obnoxiously blunt and inconsiderate but she's basically telling me to just give up on the thing I love most. I'm taking Jasper to the animal hospital in our area tomorrow morning but I just don't know what to expect. And to make matters worse, my financial situation really sucks right now - so it's not like I can afford just anything. But just the thought of putting him down breaks my heart in a million pieces. My parents think I'm being selfish by putting him through all this and that it's not fair for him to live the rest of his life without being able to walk. I'm so torn. I don't know what to do. Is what the Vet said really the only option? I mean - there HAS to be others. ....right? Does anyone have any insight or advice for me? AM I being selfish? Has anyone else gone through something like this or heard of any dogs fully recovering from hindlimb paralysis??

my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals

[notify]

Addy, CGC

Let's go for a- walk!

Barked: Tue Mar 19, '13 12:08am PST


	You definitely need a second opinion from a vet with a better attitude. I don't know whether there is any chance of recovery of the use of his hind legs. That needs a thorough examination and diagnosis by a knowledgeable vet, maybe a specialist. Even if he cannot recover the use of his legs, depending on what exactly his condition is, another possibility may be a cart. It's like a wheelchair for a dog, and many dogs do extremely well with them. On the other hand, if Jasper is in pain, and a second opinion says that surgical repair is not possible, then sending him to the Bridge might really be the kindest thing.

[notify]

Tiller- (Skansen's- Ira in the M

I DO Exist...To- Drive You Batty

Barked: Tue Mar 19, '13 1:46am PST


	You seriously need to get a second opinion. That take is just bizarre to me without a pretty extensive workup. Unfortunately, that's where you get into money. Perhaps a better prognosis would inspire your parents to offer some assistance? At any rate, a second opinion is a must. I've had two paralyzed dogs in the past. One pretty standard, they other fairly complex, but in neither case was such a cursory death sentence offered?

[notify]

NOT- Hurricane- Sandy (aka- Thump

'Witless' for- the prosecution- of Suvi

Barked: Tue Mar 19, '13 3:52am PST


	I concur a second opinion, try to find a vet who is open to things like water therapy... here is a little info that might help http://www.ehow.com/way_5472824_water-therapy-dogs.html

[notify]

Scooter,- PAWS

Power of the Paw- for those who- need it

Barked: Tue Mar 19, '13 9:39am PST


	I agree....if Jasper was totally paralyzed (like you said...no response) for over 48-72 hours, the likelihood for a full recovery goes down signficantly. Time is of the essence though. A neurologist would be the expert, the one to give you the best diagnosis. I'm thinking of jasper and praying he will be okay. Please keep us updated and thank you for not giving up!

[notify]

Jake & Sweet- Caroline

Tricolored- Hounds for life!

Barked: Tue Mar 19, '13 12:27pm PST


	You can still give your Jasper a good quality of life even if he's paralyzed. As long as he eats, sleeps and plays I don't see why this has to be the end of his life. They sell wheel chairs for dogs. I've met plenty of dogs whom get along just fine using wheel chairs. They still run and play at the dog park. Be it's a little strange (for people and can inspire questions) but if you are happy with it. Then it's all good. Paralysis i don't think needs to be the end. It's just he'll require more care then before. I would still seek out a second opinion. That's what i did when my Jake was dignoised with a very rare condition that almost lead him to paralysis. As for the monitary situation. I would recommend calling Care Credit. They can be helpful in tight situations or seeing if a local vet will work with you. I know you can buy wheelchairs for dogs online. So if that's something you could consider. Good luck. Sending positive vibes your way.

[notify]

Pepper

Got food? I- can be bought ya- know....

Barked: Wed Mar 20, '13 10:07am PST


	Just sending hugs. I hope a second opinion is helpful.

[notify]

Tuck

CHIC CH. Tuck- CDX TDX RN VNEX- TDI SAR-W3

Barked: Wed Mar 20, '13 3:37pm PST


	When I was a kid, we had a dachshund do that. She was not able to walk at all for 6 months. Then we took her to a Chiropactor, and she ran normally for 9 more years

[notify]

Kip & Oogie

Goof Fox & Diva- Squirrel

Barked: Wed Mar 20, '13 6:31pm PST


	First off, I am so sorry you are having to go through this with your Jasper It breaks my heart and I can only imagine how hard it must be. Hugs to you! I’ve never had to deal with this personally; but I know a couple of people who have. My brother’s dog had the same thing happen with his Pomeranian/maltese mix in terms of the initial episode- she jumped down from the bed, let out a yelp, and just like that she was dragging her legs without being able to move them. They rushed her to the vet, and she is currently recovering- but if it happens again, they have 24 hours to get her to the vet for surgery if she will ever even have a chance of using her back legs again. Even then, the likelihood that surgery will work is not better than 50/50 odds. Another friend of mine has a sweet cocker spaniel who had the initial episode- and the vet told him the same thing that my brother was told. He got her into the vet, but even still the surgery did not work and she is permanently paralyzed in her back legs- the vet recommended putting her down; he was appalled and found another vet. Now she is perfectly happy and gets around with little back-leg doggie wheels. Honestly, I would get a second opinion. Just because a dog is paralyzed doesn’t mean it can not live a happy, fulfilling life! There are plenty of pups with assistance wheels who are JUST as happy as their non-paralyzed canine counterparts. The only reason I would consider putting any dog down would be if they would for certain be in too much chronic pain to be able to enjoy the rest of their life. From what I understand (but am not sure), they are paralyzed on the back end but do not feel any pain after the episode occurs. I could be wrong, so someone with more knowledge on that would be better to ask. And you are not being selfish; you clearly love your little dude! It is unlikely (though not impossible) that he will be able to ever use his back legs again, but he may be a good candidate for getting a doggie wheel-chair type thing where he could use his front legs to pull and navigate himself. And in the mean time, I think looking into alternative therapies like water therapy or a doggie chiropractor, like others mentioned, could be helpful. Good luck and please keep us updated!