Laryngeal Paralysis/Collapsed Trachea Anyone?

[boxers4life2001]

I was just sitting here racking my brain trying to think of different things that could be Mugsy's problem.

One thing that popped into my mind was myastenia gravis. I did a little reading about it and found some articles that did mention a "change in bark" like you mentioned in your first post. Also it is a neuromuscular disease that can/will cause weekness (wich might explain his knuckling and tripping.) Maybe that could be why he has the laryngeal paraysis too. If that's the case, with treatment maybe he would'nt need surgery.

I don't know....... it's just a thought. Maybe you can ask your vet about it and run it by him. From what I understand it can present itself it many different ways.

I know how frustrating it can be when nobody can tell you what is wrong with your baby:( Please know you have a ton of people thinking about and praying for Mugsy. Good Luck tomorrow and please keep us updated on him.

Keep being the strong guy you are Mugsy

~Carrie~

 

[bigears]

Thanks Cindy and Carrie. I will go to my bookmarked neuromuscular site and check out myastenia gravis. I spoke at length with the neurologist on the phone and told her that I only wanted to do the tests that she feels will be conclusive. For example, she said the EMG will just determine whether he has a neuromuscular problem or not. Taking samples for biopsy may offer a course of treatment, but may not identify the underlying problem. An MRI will show what the other two won't. If she feels he needs all 3 tests, well, that's what we'll have her do. I certainly don't want to go through all this and never know if something is still lurking in his body that will get him later. It's going to be a long few days...

Thanks again, all, for your prayers, vibes and hugs! They mean so much to us!!! Hopefully I will be able to put a smiley on this post soon.

Allison

 

[bigears]

Hi again. Mugsy is spending tonight at the hospital. We had an interesting turn of events today. After resigning ourselves to the fact that Mugsy was going to have tieback surgery today, I received a call from the surgeon this afternoon, during which he told me that the paralysis is only partial and the larynx is paralyzed, but open. Based on the laryngeal exam and the EMG, he and the neurologist both strongly feel that the condition in the larynx is the result of a neuromuscular condition that is also responsible for the leg problems. We did not have the surgery done, as our doctor said that the opening is large enough for adequate oxygentation. Also, should successful treatment of the neuromuscular condition correct the laryngeal situation, Mugsy could end up with too large an opening and would forever be at increased risk of acquiring aspiration pneumonia. I did give the ok for the nerve and muscle biopsies, which should take about a week to get back. So more waiting, but maybe we are really on to something now. As much as I miss my baby, I am glad he is spending the night in the hospital. If he were to come home after all those procedures, I would be waking up every 15 minutes to see if he was ok. Since today was my first day back at work with 100 new 8th graders, I am exhausted, and relieved to know that someone more lucent will be watching over my boy tonight. My eyes are crossing; it has been an incredibly long day--without answers, but without surgery. I was really frustrated before, but feel relieved and even hopeful after talking to the neurologist tonight. Mugsy will be home tomorrow afternoon and I will be sure to post on his condition.


PS--My husband said he was downright excited to get to the hospital--shooting out of the car, dragging Matt across the lot, and nubby shaking the whole time. I guess he had better vibes about today than we did. Sometimes, I believe they are much more astute than we are!

Allison

 

[bigears]

Hello again. Mugsy got home around noon and has been snoozing on and off since then. Aside from the bad haircut, he is the same as he was before we dropped him off at the hospital. We are back in a holding pattern, so not much to say right now. Hopefully I'll have good news the next time I post.

Shadow had to go the the vet today for bumps on his muzzle. He is on antibiotics, as well. I guess he wanted pills in his food, too!

Mugsy is having a lot of trouble with his front paws. They keep knuckling under, left than right, trip, stumble, left, right. It's sickening. I have moved all dog paraphenalia into the living room: bowls, beds (though the furniture still seems acceptable), toys. My vet said it was better to baby him. Also, he gets better traction on the area rug, so I'd rather he have less dealings with the hardwood. Ugh! I always try to look at my situations as better than many others, but this is really wearing me down.:(

 

[bigears]

:eek:

Mugsy came down with kennel cough after his stay at the hospital. Of course, Shadow has it now, as well! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!! This place is getting to be like a nursing home. Two dogs on meds, hacking away--great fun.

We go tomorrow to have Mugsy's sutures removed. I am hoping that the muscle/nerve biopsy results are in so we can start treatment. He is struggling every day and now takes his meals laying down on his bed. I went to my dentist yesterday and was told that my teeth are loose from clenching my jaw so much. I have to get an "appliance" to wear to bed to protect me from myself. I wonder how that happened?

Ah well. We are hanging...hanging...hanging, but still kidney beaning so hope is not lost!

 

[Cindy Creel]

You are having some very difficult days. I am thinking of you and the babies. I hope the cough gets better soon. It is so difficult seeing a furbaby sick. If only they could talk, and tell us what is going on. All they do is love us no matter what. I had to wear an appliance like you mentioned. It was a clear plastic mouth gaurd so I would not grit my teeth. Stress will do that. Get on a good multiple vitamin. That might help with all the stress. You and your furbabies are in my prayer. I hope the biopsy results are in soon. Deep us posted.

In my prayers,
Cindy

 

[LeeAnnNJ]

I feel so badly for you. I wish there was something I could do. Just know that we're all thinking of you and sending out our thoughts and prayers.

 

[bigears]

As always, thank you for your kind words. Unfortunatley we have hit another bump in the road. Mugsy's kennel cough has become pneumonia! The vet says it is a mild case, but she cannot start him on steroid treatment until the fever is gone and the lungs clear out. He really seemed off yesterday morning, and I was glad that I already had an appointment for the sutrure removal. Otherwise, I would have left work early when my husband called to tell me that Mugs didn't want his breakfast. Though, he is on to the fact that many pills are lurking in his wet food. The little stinker is too smart for his own good. Any strategy I try is only good for 2 days...liverwurst, Frosty Paws, straight wet food, cheese...any other suggestions? It is very difficult to get all the supplements into him discreetly! I have to call Tuesday to see if the biopsy results are in. Until then, I am firing the vaporizer with some Oxy-drops in the water and hoping to clear out pneumonia. I'm also going to check with my regular vet about giving Shadow some stronger meds for his cough. It's a nasty day here, so I am looking forward to some quality time on the couch with my boys. Enjoy the weekend all and tender little kisses from Mugsy to all your furbabies for their support!

Allison

PS--latest avatar is my Shadow--the dirt king!

 

[Sabrina Jay]

Check with your vet to see if they have a nebulizer or if they can refer you to a vet that does. A nebulizer is basically a breathing treatment machine. The one that we have at the clinic, a hose is inserted into the cage, with inhalent antibiotics & sterile water into the dispenser, and the front of the cage is covered. Breathing treatments take about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. It does help.

 

[boxers4life2001]

How is Mugsy doing?

Any results yet?

I was just thinking about your baby so I thought I would ask

~Carrie~