Laryngeal Paralysis/Collapsed Trachea Anyone?

[bigears]

Good morning all. No word on Mugsy's bloodwork yet, so we are still hoping for some good news, or even just some new news! We have decided to start taking Mugs for short walks to keep his muscles moving and his spirits up. Since my hubby has a broken foot, I have to take Mugsy out and then take Shadow for his own walk so things stay fair. I'm getting some good exercise myself! We purchased a Dog Ramp for our truck. Shadow, the athlete, thinks it's wonderful, but Mugsy is afraid to come down. I'm going to work with him on the deck steps to get him confident--especially since we bought it for him!

I will be back just as soon as I hear from the neurologist.

Allison

 

[bigears]

Well, the bloodwork results came in and thyroid problems are ruled out. Mugsy is going for a consult with a surgeon who can correct the LP and the neurologist is going to do an EMJ test to get a better idea of where the nerve damage begins and how severe it is. Fortunately, this test is done with sedation for animals. My husband and I both had to endure EMJ tests, and believe me, it is an extremely unpleasant experience. The neurologist assured me that it is not going to be as bad for Mugsy. So, we had a break from the hospital, but now we get back on the roller coaster. Hopefully Saturday will bring us some answers (We're going to get some sooner or later, right?). As for Mugs, he is maintaining the status quo and staying as happy as possible.

Allison

 

[Cindy Creel]

I know how hard it is to have to wait. We had to go through it at the beginning of the year with Delilah. I have never cried so much. Hang in there. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy

 

[bigears]

Thanks Cindy. We are still hanging tight! I seem to get very nervous the day before a vet appointment and have developed the awful habit of overfeeding myself with Internet info, but I am going to stay cool this time...and off the computer Friday night. You are absolutely right-on about the waiting. Not knowing what it is, or how to alleviate it is just as bad as watching Mugsy live like this. I'll be in touch Saturday evening.


A very happy, beautiful Labor Day weekend to all!:cool:

Allison

 

[bigears]

Oops! Looking over my thread, I've noticed an error (I hate that!). Mugsy is having an EMG test, not an EMJ test!

 

[LeeAnnNJ]

I just wanted to go back to the Laryngeal Paralysis for a second. My Brittany spaniel had this and almost died. We were on vacation and Blaze was in the kennel. The woman who ran the kennel noticed that he wasn't breathing right... and she rushed him to the animal emergency (at 2:30 in the morning). Blaze had to have emergency surgery ($2000 which she fronted out of her own pocket). Luckily he came out ok (he sounded horse and couldn't exert himself anymore) but lived happily for another 3 years after that (he was 13 when he died).

I don't want to scare anyone - just raise awareness.

 

[boxers4life2001]

Just thinking about Mugsy and hoping for some good news soon.

(((HUGS))) to you Mugsy, hang in their big guy You will remain in our prayers!!!!!

~Carrie~

 

[bigears]

Hi everyone. We had another long day and still no diagnosis. Yesterday, however, my husband spoke with a vet who specializes in boxers. The shortened version of how we found her is: My husband's cousin who we very rarely see or talk to sent him a get-well card when he broke his foot in July. He finally responded by sending her a letter recently. In the letter he wrote about Mugsy. She used to work for this vet and she put us in contact with her. Wonderful woman! We faxed Mugsy's records to her and she called Matt at work and told him to look into testing for Addison's Disease.
I have learned that Addison's Disease is an adreanal gland disorder and can be difficult to diagnose because it has several symptoms that mirror other problems. The symptoms may also wax and wane and can appear on and off for several years as what seem like "bouts" of illness. So...today we had the ACTH blood test done. It was a 2 hour test during which they take blood for a baseline reading and then try to chemically stimulate the adreanal glands. One hour after the injection, more blood is taken to compare electrolyte and cortisol readings. If there is little or no change in levels, then the dog is postive. Can you tell I found a great website on this?
www.addisondogs.com
Right now we are sitting tight and hoping for the best. It is very possible that Addison's could be responsible for the nerve problem, muscle atrophy and the laryngeal paralysis. If he tests positive, cortisone can most likely fix him. If he tests negative, we must pursue the tieback surgery for the LP and the EMG for the legs.

LeeAnn,
Thanks for your concern. Fortunatley, Mugsy's LP situation is non-emergent at this time. If he were in distress, we would have taken all aggressive steps necessary, without one hesitation. We have been told that certain conditions can bring on a partial to full paralysis and in those cases, medication can correct it. The last thing we want to do is put him through a surgery that may not have been necessary. Your Brittany was very lucky to be in such good care that night, and to live to be 13!

Carrie,
Thanks for keeping us near and dear!

Maybe the miracle will come next week...

Allison

 

[bigears]

Well, it's not Addison's either. I'm actually to the point of anger now. Yes, it is my fault for not having the heart to tell my regular vet that I wanted a second opinion. It is my fault that I took him to the second doctor who did an endoscopy and provided a dianosis that is a condition prevalent in almost all bracycephalic (sp.? too aggravated to check) dogs. I am glad that I went to my dad's vet who initially found the nerve damage, BUT enough already! Mugsy is worse. His right and left paws are knuckling under him and he is tripping all over the place. Thursday he gets dropped off at the hospital. He will most likely--depending on what the surgeon feels is necessary--have tieback surgery and be gone overnight. He is also having an EMG and they are also talking about taking muscle and nerve samples for biopsy. I have been told that even doing biopsies may not pinpoint the neuromuscular disorder. I told them that they should do whatever they need to do under anesthesia in one shot, because I don't want to keep knocking him out. I hate this. I feel like I am torturing my baby guy. I wish I could trade places with him. I would gladly take his LP and lameness, just to see him better.

 

[Cindy Creel]

I am so sorry to hear that your baby is worse and has to have more tests. You and Mugsy are in my thoughts and prayers. I this is so difficult for you.

Cindy