Need Advice, Please! Re: Kleine

Eileen · August 29, 2005, 10:45:03 AM

The vet called from Denver this morning. Kleine is just slightly improved. She has been there for 10 days! He said she was a little stronger on her back legs, but still is placing them wrong when she tries to walk. He says he believes it is a nerve root problem. She is on valium, a little steroid, an antibiotic and, of course, her heart medicine. He said it is just going to be slow going, but then said he still has the MRI scheduled for Wednesday if we decide to do it. He said that the MRI ($1300 at a University vet hospital) will definitively show what is wrong. What would you all do??? I am so confused because then he says she just needs all this rest so she doesn't herniate a disk. Help.

April · August 29, 2005, 10:49:58 AM

I would say if it would really tell what was going on and a plan of action could be determined and carried out, then do it. (This of course assumes you can afford it, as $1300 is a lot of money.) It may be that rest and quiet will be part of the treatment and it couldn't hurt to go ahead and get started on that. Poor little girl, poor momma!
Please let us know what you decide to do. Rays going out your way!

Dee Dee and Hallie · August 29, 2005, 12:53:21 PM

I may have missed some details along the way, but can they tell you the possible things that could be wrong? I would look at those and if her treatment would need to be changed radically from what is being done now with any of the possible diagnoses, and if that new treatment would really make a difference in her outcome, then there really is no choice other than to do it. On the other hand, if it is more for informational purposes and her treatment and outcome will likely remain the same anyway, then I would probably rethink putting her through the MRI. (I am not factoring the cost in, I know you would do anything for your little girl no matter the cost if it would help).

I am guessing though, that it isn't as cut and dried as that and there will be a lot of unanswered questions without the MRI. I believe the MRI is the best diagnostic tool for disc problems? I am thinking as I am writing this out and if it were me I would most likely go for the MRI, other than the anesthesia, it isn't hard on them and once you know what the problem is, it will erase any doubts as her treatment goes along. I'm sure too though that there are other details you will be discussing with your vet that might change the plans, I'm just brainstorming...I hate this for you both, I went through so many years of this with my last two, I know how awful it is. Hang in there though I'm sure she will be fine and home soon. I'll be checking in for updates.

PattyInAK · August 29, 2005, 01:30:39 PM

To rule out some of the unanswered questions, I would go ahead and do the MRI. Kleine has been there for 10 days without much improvement, its time to take another course of action. I do know that $1300 is a lot of money, but its still do-able. If you have to, open an new credit card account, or get a line of credit from your bank. You can spread out the payments. I know how the continued stress day after day can really break a person down, I'd be a mess right now. But you have to keep it together for Kleine. And I'd go ahead with the MRI to break out of this state of limbo.
Prayers coming your way.

Eileen · August 29, 2005, 02:01:35 PM

Thanks, DD. I am actually printing out what you said to say to my vet; it's a lot of exactly the same questions that I have been tossing around in my mind. Thanks for putting in down in writing intelligently for me....I am just too emotional right now to get it all straight. I'll let you know what happens.

Eileen · August 29, 2005, 02:07:03 PM

I've already got the CareCredit that lets you pay out over a year without interest. Her surgery in May ($2800) was put on that. And you don't mind paying all that money if it works, but going through all that, seeing her recover and then go down again.....now all this on top of that....of course we'll never get it paid out in a year now. But selling John's jeep has helped. The money isn't even the question at this point, it is like you said, just finding out what the heck is wrong already!!! DeeDee's post was right on what I have been thinking....will the MRI tell definitively what is wrong? Will it alter the treatment she is on now, which is basically just resting with all those drugs in her? I've got a lot to ask the vet tomorrow morning. Thanks for your input.

Ruth in MT · August 29, 2005, 02:57:31 PM

Dear Eileen,
I can't give any advice. But I just wanted to offer a prayer for you and Kleine and your whole crew.

Ruth and eLlIe

Mike · August 30, 2005, 02:56:31 PM

The MRI may or may tell what is wrong, but it can also pinpoint what is not wrong, such as another disk. Clifford has had 3 disk surgeries and after the 1st, I didn't blink an eye when the surgeon suggested an MRI. The 2nd & 3rd came 6 weeks apart and I was only working part-time. But it also was a time when I could schedule my days (somewhat) and get him to the surgeon when he needed to be there. Bank accounts can be refilled.....

Rays to Kleine and mom for some definitive good answers.