We don't have an update, really. Aaron and I feel like we are swimming in some great unknown with Sam's condition. Keeping him on high doses of Prednisone and Tramadol are helping, but the wobbliness and unsteadiness is still there. The neurologist admitted it is out of her hands and beyond the scope of her knowledge, so our next option is an orthopedic vet.
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| Begging for popcorn... |
I think the hardest part is we feel unless there is a change, we are at the edge of a big decision. We've noticed changes in Sam, although, we aren't sure if all of them are related to the medicine or not. We can easily say some of them are - panting, the excessive need to pee, restlessness... Sam is happy enough, his appetite is good, but we know his issues are causing him some discomfort. He spends a lot of time resting and at times seems very remote and distant. When he walks, his wobbliness occasionally gets so bad he crashes to the ground. We try to support him as much as possible and help him, but Sam has always been independent.
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| Keeping an eye on Mom... |
Currently, we try to keep him happy. We fuss over him, let him do what he wants, and take him on short walks to keep him going.
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| I love Sam. |
Every day we pray for more time and that this can be resolved. We hate not knowing what is wrong with our special boy. Please keep him in your prayers. Hopefully the orthopedic vet can shed some positive light on Sam's situation.
We are saying lots of prayers here for Sam! And for you; we know it's hard!
ReplyDeleteKZK
I know this is so frustrating. Hope you get answers and direction.
ReplyDeleteOh Christine! What a terrible time you are all going through. Our hearts are with you.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what all the suggestions were but one we would make is to talk to an acupuncturist. As for vetoes from the vet, they seem somewhat inappropriate given where you're at. I have no idea what level of trust you have in your vet, but would you consider taking Sam to a vet school if there is one nearby?
I know that for our horses, we have a gradation system for vets, starting with the ones we feel are competent enough to give vaccines, through several others, to an amazing vet/osteopath who prescribes things that nobody would ever dream of prescribing and often gets amazing results.
Whatever happens, you know that there are a lot of people out there thinking of you.
Sending healing drool and power of the paw for Sam. I was curious do you guys have access to a Canine Chiropractor. I know Cleo had the wobbles and we thought it was wobblers syndrome but it turned out she was just serverly out of whack and once she got several adjustments and accupunture she was no longer wobbling and was like a new dog again. You might ask your vet if there are any near your area and maybe they could help Sam with some of his relief. I know Cleo didn't need her Predisone after her treatments. She also got some herb treatments that helped her as well. Just a thought for you. HoundDogMom (Sherri)
ReplyDeleteOh I hope so. I hope you get some answers from your visit. We are thinking of Sam often, please make sure he knows!!
ReplyDeleteWe are shooting you the power of the paw and sending prayers that you will find answers and Sam will feel better soon.
ReplyDeletePraying for Sam here too. I think of your boy everyday. It's so hard when you don't know what's going on with them or what to do. Hoping for something good from the ortho vet.
ReplyDeleteSam I told you from the beginning - you need to get better!!!! we are so sorry you are not feeling well, we are thinking about you and your family!
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs and healing being sent for Sam.
ReplyDeleteSam is in our thoughts and we got our paws crossed for him. It's quite hard to deal with being helpless when we see that things may not seem right. We really pray that he will be well.
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs from the Piappies
Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Max, Wai-Pai & Forgie
We are so sorry there is no improvement with Sam. Stay strong there are many things that can be causing the symptoms like pressure on the spine which are all treatable. Our paws are crossed and we pray the orthopaedic vet can help. You are in our thoughts and we send big love and POTP to Sam.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
This is my first time visiting and am very sorry to hear about your handsome pup :( Prednisone does cause the symptoms you mentioned. I hope he feels better soon.
ReplyDeletePoor Sam...I can only imagine how worried you are...Gizmo and I are sending healing prayers for Sam
ReplyDeleteI am sorry he isn't improving and that a definite diagnosis is so hard to come by. Sending lots of positive vibes!
ReplyDeleteWe are khrossing, 'vibeing', and sending furs of support -
ReplyDeleteWe khan see you are getting lots of GReat suggestions to keep in mind AND take along to the ortho vet -
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom
Thinking of all of you~
ReplyDelete24 Paws Crossed
We got it covered, lots of POTP, prayers and sending good thoughts over the air waves!
ReplyDeleteThe Mad Scots
Poor Sam - will pray for him. Take care - I know Sam is in good hands and you'll do what you can for him. Hopefully the specialist can help. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of your sweet Sam. I sure hope that someone can figure out what's going on... At least you feel that he's generally happy - that's a big plus. Will keep thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI am so so sorry to read all this. Thinking of you all especially Sam. Xxxxx
ReplyDeleteAcupuncture and herbs helped Bart's pinched nerve when nothing else did. Plus he loves it. Sending POTP!
ReplyDeleteChiropractors can sometimes help... as can acupuncture... has your vet suggested either???
ReplyDeleteYou remain in our thoughts and prayers, Sam, and our paws are crossed!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
We will. It's such a sad, stressful time. We're sending you some hugs.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
The higher doses of pred did a number on Lola! She was extremely weak, lost all of her muscle tone and was down to a staggering 67 pounds. It was very scary with that alone... but as we've lowered the doses, she slowly began coming around and now she's on 10mg, every other day and is doing wonderfully. As soon as we went down to the 10mg once a day even, she was back to her 'ole self, romping & jumping. Hang in there... we're sending crossed paws!
ReplyDeleteI'm sending lots of labralove. This is scary for all of you. Sam must be wondering why he feels funny and you are stressed because you don't know what is wrong.
ReplyDeleteI know you love him and will do what is best for him. He knows that too.
Kisses,
Dexter
I'm not sure what all is going on but we had a scare with Starr and she was on prednisone as well. She would be standing there and then almost fall over.
ReplyDeleteSending super healing labbie thoughts your way! Hope the specialist is able to shed some light on what's going on. Our hearts go out to you - not knowing is so difficult. We'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteGarth & his momma
It makes us so sad to read about Sam. The not understanding what is happening is the hardest part - we have the same problem here now with Thunder. We hope that a specialist will be able to help Sam. And we know in our hearts that you will always have Sam's best interests at heart. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom
Oh my sweet Sam. I am unable to get on line a lot so I missed the first post about your problem.
ReplyDeleteI will be sending all the love and prayers I can your way.
Love
Bert's My Vickie
God bless you and Sam!!! I have been praying for him and will continue to. I feel so sorry for all of you. I have been in your shoes. I adopted Amanda years ago and she was 4 and a half years old and she was going through the same thing. We took her to so many vets then took her to the states animal vets teaching school in Ginsvulle and for 3,000$ they said she had a very rear form of anemia and she would only get worse. I was selfesh and said I would not put her down!! What could I do for her?? They said she would have to have a special diet and have shots every month for the rest of her life. She lived 6 and a half years more. Happy tho never it tip top health. But Happy!!!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh! We have been thinking about you lots, Christine & Sam and all the family, even though we hadn't had the chance to come over. Was so upset when we finally got a chance to pop over now to read this! Our hearts really go out to you - it must be so horrible not having some kind of diagnosis and feeling so helpless. I know it would drive me crazy.
ReplyDeleteI do think it's a very good sign that Sam still has good appetite, though - for us, we always felt that that was the "golden sign" and that while the dog is still interested in food, it's still worth fighting on. And I think maybe a lot of his symptoms are due to the medication, which is awful for you to watch, I know but hopefully, are temporary and not due to something more sinister.
I really hope the orthopaedic vet can give you some answers. Is it worth getting a 2nd opinion from another neurologist? (I don't know if you would have a 2nd one available). Sometimes, I feel that vets can be so variable and what one vet might miss, another might pick up as being the key to the problem.
Anyway, I wish there was more I could do - we feel so far away here. We are keeping you in our thoughts and keeping everything crossed for Sam - and hoping for some hopeful news or at least, a clearer diagnosis from the ortho vet! I always feel like if you at least know what you're fighting, then you at least know where to start.
Sending you lots of hugs and Honey sends Sam lots of healing slobbers,
Hsin-Yi
Oh Sam buddy, I feel so bad for you. I hope someone can find the cause of all this and resolve it. You are in my prayers friend. Nose pole to you buddy.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
I'm praying for your sweet boy. Please let us know what the surgeon says.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have our prayers! Not knowing is so frustrating. I'm glad Sam has you to do your best for him!
ReplyDeleteBunny
Hmmm...that is hard! Are the vets still leaning towards him having tendonitis? Glad he will be seeing an orthopedist--they typically have a lot more experience with sort of "odd" issues the regular vet can't get a diagnosis on...but kind of weird that the neurologist doesn't know what's going on.
ReplyDeleteRiley was on Tramadol after her knee surgeries and it made her a bit out of it, too. So hopefully his being "remote and distant" is just an effect from the meds.
Elyse and Riley
Oh Sam. For sure its the medication ... hope you can find an alternative not for him to take the medications. Sending Sam Golden Healing Thoughts. Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
ReplyDeleteYes, I am still keeping Sam (and you) in prayer. I do hope you find some answers soon.
ReplyDeleteSending you extra hugs and kisses, Sam. Feel better soon,
ReplyDeleteLove,
Wyatt and Stanzie
Hugs to you all xx
ReplyDeleteOh Sam - we are so sorry you and your family are going through this difficult time. We will pray for the doctors to find a clear diagnosis for you, and that things will improve soon. We send you love and belly rubs!
ReplyDeleteNewton's Humans
Know how frustrating and difficult this time must be for you all. Hope the orth. Will be able to help dear Sam. We are sending huge doses of golden energies and hugs to you all - we think of you lots xxxxxx
ReplyDeletePrayers to you all. Sending Sam a great big cyber hug! Hoping you receive answers soon, I know how tough it is watching your golden baby go through this.
ReplyDeleteWe are sending our love!
ReplyDeleteStop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
We're keeping Sam in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love.
ReplyDeleteThor and Jack
Sending Sam woos of understanding and tons of healing energies. Could it be an inner ear issue? Nuka had some wobbliness for a while and the vet had us give her over the counter motion sickness med, Bonine. Also 5 Sibes mom shared Alenza, an anti inflammatory that her Gibson uses for leg issues.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read you're still in the dark. Hope you find some help soon.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you get an answer soon. Hang in there sweet Sam, we're all pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteSam, I hopes you and your very dignified gentlemanly frosted face is gonna get some answers soon. I's pulling for you buddy!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Reuben
Hey Sam,since I started getting wobbly (at least we know what is causing it) Mommy has been checking out things to help me. She is considering getting me this http://www.handicappedpets.com/adjustable-dog-wheelchairs.html if I start having trouble supporting my weight in the back. The nice thing about this design that she sees is it can be used as a walker for dogs who still have use of their legs, but not the strength to support themselves. Good luck!
ReplyDeletehello sam its dennis the vizsla dog hay we no wot a hard time it is with a dizeez no wun kan figger owt!!! we hope they hit upon a treetment wot helps yoo soon!!! thank yoo for the kind thawts for tuckers rekoveree frum his noomonya!!! ok bye
ReplyDeleteSam somebody somewhere is praying just for you! Hang in there. This is difficult for your mom and dad because they love you.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, sometimes it's hard to sort out which symptoms are from illness and which are from medication. Wrigs is receiving acupuncture now (he had his third treatment the other day) and responding well.
ReplyDeleteI hope the orthopedic vet can provide some answers and that Sam will be feeling better soon. It's good news that he is generally happy and eating well.
We'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best!
Susan and Wrigs