OK folks...Kleine is not responding to the prednisone, and we just started her again on valium and tremadol, just on a lark that will work on her back (even though she is peeing/pooing on her own). The vet at CSU wants to try giving her this chemo drug that is injected four times over two days (in AM and PM for two days). She said she has had great success with this drug on dogs with brain tumors and also with myelitis (a swelling of the spinal cord, which is what she says Kleine has, with an unknown origin). She says she BELIEVES Kleine will be ok on the drug, even though she has a slightly enlarged heart and is on heart medicine (enalapril) and that the only side effect to the chemo is low white count, which would have to be checked and can be corrected if it happens. We are sooooo leary of doing anything else to this little dog in lieu of all the bad things that happened to her at CSU (ie, the spinal tap that went wrong, etc.). Yet if this is a last resort at her walking normally again....... She is still wobbly walking, with her back severly arched and her right rear leg hyper-extended and she falls over a lot. That right rear leg CAN bend, but she doesn't bend it on her own. I try and do PT on her, bending it for her, but she doesn't like it. (Pretty weird, eh, as I will have to be doing PT soon!!!) Anyway, any advice at this point will be greatly appreciated. We are having our local vet contact the CSU vet to talk about this chemo thing as well, since from what I understand, we would be giving the shots subcue here in the mountains and our local vet would have to monitor/take care of our little girl through it. Has anyone heard of this chemo thing....Mack???....for inflammation of the spinal cord?
Gosh, Eileen! I would give it a try. How expensive are these shots? Kleine HAS been through a lot. But on the other hand, you've come this far, why not give it a try. I can't believe no one has been able to figure out whats wrong with her.
That baby has been through so much - I can't believe they can't say specifically what caused all this. Had your vet heard anything about this course of treatment? The unknown is always so scary. I guess I would probably give it a try, knowing that Kleine could live a good life even if she can't get around completly normally. Is she in pain? So many doglets with permanent injuries learn to get around. We are here with ya - hopefully you will get some more input. How quickly are they wanting to try this?
I can definitely feel your frustration when there is no specific diagnosis. We went through a similar time with Rudy the last few weeks of his life. I certainly hope Kleine has a happier ending.
You would be taking a calculated risk with Kleine. Yes, there is risk that something could go wrong or badly. However, is the positive end result...and the possibility that you will get the positive end result worth the risk? My gut feeling is that the benefit of this treatment is worthy of the risk involved.
Eileen,
I've not heard of this drug, but I'd be willing to try anything if there was a chance of success.
Oh, Eileen, I'm so sorry this has happened to you and her. And, as everyone has said, so frustrating when you don't have a diagnosis. How old is she? Bottom line, you know Kleine better than anyone in this world - go with your gut feeling. If you don't, you'll be sorry in the long run. Get as much info on the chemo, look her in the eye, and go with your gut feeling.
Wish I had something inspiring to say........all I have is that I feel so bad for that little girl. For what its worth, I think whatever you try can only help. Belly rubs from Wisconsin. :pray: