Taz...

Two weeks before Boo died, our little black pom started losing the use of her hind legs. We took her to the vet and they were unable to determine what was wrong with her. They took x-rays, but found nothing. They prescribed steroids in the event it was a bulging disc, but this did not help, and in fact she seemed to get worse. Then she lost the use of her front legs. There are no local vets with MRI equipment, so I took off work last Tuesday and took her to Mississippi State University Vet School. This was the day after Boo died, so it was a very emotional trip. And, I had to leave Taz there, which made it even worse. I thought we would get an MRI and come right back home and they would call us with the results. The vet student that was helping me was the best. Her name was Danielle, and because of her, it was easier to leave Taz behind for a few days. Dr. Baez told me there was probably a list of 50 things that could be the problem, and an MRI would help us narrow it down.

The MRI indicated she has 3 disc compressions in her neck. She will need to go back on steroids if we have any hope of resolving this issue, but she has to be off previoius steroids for 2 weeks before she can begin new steroids. And, a neurologist (I didn't know there were doggie neurologist) looked at her and he said she has all the symptoms of Cushing's Disease. Panting, extreme thirst which leads to increased urination, dull coat, etc. If that is the case, she has had it for years and we had no idea, and our local vet never picked up on this. The Cushing's can be treated, but she has to be off the steroids she was originally taking for 2 weeks before she can be tested. So, for now, we have a dog that can't walk, but is otherwise healthy, and happy most of the time, unless we leave her sight. She eats well, goes potty, communicates with us, etc., she just can't walk. We put a sling around her belly to take her to the bathroom, and she handles this quite well. She can crawl on her belly pretty well with limited use of her legs, but she can't stand up.

Next week we will have her tested for Cushing's and then put her back on steroids in hopes of resolving the compressions in her neck, and then hopefully she can walk again. The doctor at MSU didn't give us much hope for some reason, but the vet student, Danielle, was a lot more positive. She even called me daily, on her personal cell phone, to give me updates on Taz, and then called after we brought her home to check on her. I am believing the vet student is on to something. This is one tough little dog, even at 11 years old, and if any dog can recover, she is the one.

I am pulling for you 100% TAZ!!!