Barked: Thu Mar 14, '13 10:43pm PST |
 |  |  |  | I am so sorry you and Bella are having such a rough time, I can only imagine how helpless you must feel.
Just a thought but has Bella seen a Veterinary Neurologist? The reason I am asking is that we had a Dalmatian come into the Vet clinic with quite a few of the same symptoms as Bella, seemed to have front limp weakness, collasped for no reason, trouble breathing at times, losing wt, but still eating, drinking, normal defecation, normal urination. All blood work (chem panel, cbc, tick borne titers, endocrine panel) came back within normal limits, xrays all normal but the dog seemed painful (or so we thought it was pain) in the joints.
Well, one of our Vets asked me about Myasthenia Gravis which is what I have, my symptoms were very similar right down to looking as if I collasped, I call it "crash n burn" it was actually complete muscular/nerve exhaustion caused by Myasthenia Gravis. So, long story short, we did a antibody test, while we waited for the results we did a tensilon test on the dog (we had to get the tensilon from the local human hospital) in a very controlled enviorment just in case the dog had a bad reaction to the tensilon (which would happen if the dog did not have MG) Sure enough, the dog had a positive reaction, it was amazing, the antibody titer came back positive also.
The dog is now under care of the neuro doc, taking the meds which are being titrated over time and observation. The dog is doing quite well now and with continued observation and time I am sure the dog will thrive.
It took me 6 months to be diagnosed, awful testing by some very unknowing docs, it took me going into complete collaspe and being admitted to the ER, just happened to have a resident whose sister had MG, he tested me and tada, finally a diagnosis, 10 yrs, 3 tumor removals, a ton of medication trials, lots of self education and I am doing well, close to remission.
It is worth a thought, cannot hurt to ask to see a neurologist.
Oh, they also thought I had a heart problem due to my trouble breathing and MG can affect every muscle in the body, the heart being a muscle.
Best wishes and I do hope you can find how to help your Bella. |  |  |  |  |
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