We are back and did not get the news we were hoping for

[Boxy Roxy]

Found out so many things are wrong with Roxy. First thing the vet pointed out was a condition called DISH. Her spine is fusing together/ making extra bone so there is a huge portion of her spine fused together and a couple small spots that it has not happened to yet. She said there is nothing she can do about that.
There is a small spot on her spine. She said an MRI would be needed to know exactly what is going on with it as far as a slipped disc or something along those lines. Would need MRI to know if she could perform surgery to make that better but said with the DISH she has concerns about having us spend $6000 + on MRI and surgery.
Vet suspects DM. We had them draw the blood for that. Should get those results Monday. Vet said if it is DM that she would not suggest any further tests or surgeries and would treat as well as they can.
Both knees have partially torn ACL's. Doesn't suggest surgery for that b/c of the spine/ back issues. Afraid to have us spend money to fix that when her balance is so off and she could easily blow out a knee or break a leg after the surgery.
I just sat and cried. It all seems so helpless. Dh works out of town and I had to call and tell him and he just bawled. This is our best friend and we are lost as to what to do for her. People always talk about how amazing boxers are but Roxy is so amazing. The gentlest soul we have ever met. My son sat at the vet and cried too. It is all so confusing.

 

[rena]

I am sorry you didn't get better news. Just love her and do the best you can - so hard to make decisions on their behalf. It's times like you are experiencing that I would give anything for them to be able to tell you how they are feeling. However - there are also days like this morning when my four-legged teenager is being sassy when I'm glad all I get is woo-woos. Hang in there.

 

[Boxy Roxy]

Why is it progressing so fast? It is 3 am and Roxy just fell out of our bed. I jumped up and she was on the floor shaking/ don't know it is was a seizure or not but when I yelled out her name she stopped. Went to take her outside and she could barely walk down our hallway and stopped and pooped. Finally convinced her to go outside and she almost fell off the ramp and then could barely pee b/c she kept falling over. Dh is out of town at work right now so I am here with her myself. I tried to give her a treat after going outside and she would not eat it. Then I got a piece of cheese out to give her some of her meds and she would not eat that either.

 

[Gatorblu]

My heart is breaking for you and Roxy. Grab a towel and keep it handy. You can put it under her belly and hold the ends like a sling, to steady her so she can walk without falling.

 

[ZekeZira]

Oh goodness. This is all so heartbreaking. I am so sorry for you, Roxy, your husband, and son. I have no words of wisdom just lots of empathy and wishing I could be there to give you all a hug.

 

[Holden's Mom]

Just reading this and thinking of our Autry. Very similar symptoms and quick progression. We took Autry to Auburn's vet school for an MRI and the diagnosis was a very fast growing brain tumor. Surgery was not really an option, as it was thought by the neurosurgeon to buy only about six months time. We were to start on Pred, but Autry had to wait five days because of taking an non steroidal drug for arthritis. He did not make the five days. Autry was a month away from his seventh birthday.

I hope your Roxy has something other than a brain tumor, and can be treated. It's just the symptoms you describe are eerily similar to our best friend Autry's symptoms.

Pam Doug

 

[Jan]

So sorry that Roxy got such bad news. :( The fused spine sounds like Spondylosis! Markus had that. He was diagnosed around 6 years old. It shouldn't shorten Roxy's life. Markus lived until 11.5. The DM could cause more problems. You might think about getting her a wheelchair. It would help with all her problems. I am sending lots of positive vibes your way!

 

[Roge]

Oh boy that's a lot to be dealing with ..
Personally I don't think it was a seizure because shouting her name would bring her out of it , when my Dads go had one a few was ago he was very confused when he came out of it and when in the seizure his legs were paddling and there was slight frothing from the mouth , the vet said if it happened again not to touch him just let him come out of it himself ..
Pam gave great advise about using the towel to help her walk ..
I hope the not eating is because she is scared with all the changes that are happening at the moment .. Hang in there ,all you can do is your best !!

 

[kanden]

My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.I remember when we got the news that our little Molly was very sick and the heartbreak we endured .Although it is a hard time, celebrate the fun and love you have been blessed with through Roxy.Continue to spoil and love her .

 

[Roge]

How is Roxy doing ?