- Joined
- May 4, 2021
- Messages
- 4
- Purraise
- 3
Good morning, I have a 12 1/2 year old male Persian named Cielo (spanish for heaven, sky, my dear) Prior history before this was occasional urinary crystals/blockage and he is on Royal Canin SO food. About a year ago, he had a blockage and was placed on meds. He fully recovered.
Early March, as he tries to jump onto my bed (about 2 1/2 ft high), I hear a thump. Guessed he fell when jumping. Thought nothing of it as appeared normal. About a week later, the same thing again, but this time noted some limping. His limping does not get better so took him to Vet #1 - they said bad arthritis in one hip and said to use Cosequin & they did a rabies shot. No xrays or meds even suggested. Two weeks later noting limping appears to cause kind of a hip movement like his hip is giving out so get another appointment with a different vet & take to Vet #2 on 4/21/21. From 4/15 to 4/21 (as took video), he went from walking funny/less to now dragging his rear two legs. He is eating well, using the litterbox (though right next to it as trouble maneuvering), and interactive. He has maybe lost .2 llbs. They said his blood work is normal and not thrombosis; they did xrays (though vet admits radiologist will have to do reading) and suggest neuro. They note that his paws are warm and have feeling in same (as they did testing).
Radiologist report comes back:
CONCLUSIONS: - Cardiomegaly. Cardiomyopathy is thought to be most likely. This increases concern for potential aortic thromboembolism; however, the history of normal femoral pulses is less compatible with this condition. - Generalized hepatomegaly. Differentials include endocrinopathy, hepatitis, or neoplasia. - Bilateral hip dysplasia with degenerative joint disease. - Narrowed intervertebral disc spaces. Given the clinical history, this could indicate intervertebral disc herniation at one or more sites. Alternate possibilities include positional artifact or degenerative intervertebral disc disease without herniation. - No evidence of large spinal mass or grossly displaced spinal fracture. Potential more subtle spinal lesion may be present without conspicuous radiographic evidence. RECOMMENDATIONS: Depending on the detailed results of neurological evaluation, consider MRI or CT for further assessment of the spine. Additional evaluation of the heart and/or liver should also be considered
He is now placed on Gabapentin 2x day and prednisone 2x day.
As we have one neuro in my city (yes at 1 million population, there is 1 facility!) take to 3rd vet 5/2/21 (recommended by others) as pet owners had suggested sounds like a herniation, based on fall, and how walking got worse. They just continued same meds and suggested if problem breathing may get heart testing. they note for neuro negative cPL on both hind legs. Deep pain and withdrawal present. Anal tone present. note nonambulatory on both rear legs put can move legs somewhat. Heart with no murmur or arrthymia, normal brochovesicular lung sounds. Diagnosis paralysis
". Pet has good pulses, feet are not cold and he does not seem to be painful so I do not think there is any thrombus currently. Discussed elevated risk of developing a thrombus due to enlarged heart and recommend evaluating heart with either proBNP test or echo, but I don't think it is the cause of our current problem. Discussed likely herniated disc or fibrotic myopathy that is seen in Persians " "Recommend consultation with neurologist and advanced imaging to confirm diagnosis. Owner cannot pursue neuro consult currently. Discussed other options- physical therapy once containment period has ended to help prevent muscle atrophy, phototherapy which we do offer here to help with healing and inflammation. Discussed acupuncture as well but we do not currently offer that here. Continue to keep pet confined and monitor for any worsening. "
5/6/21 I ended up accessing my Carecredit (medical credit card) and got an additional $4,000 in limits - made neuro appointment as not comfortable as he now pretty much just lies all day, but gets up a little to eat. Noted at this time, seeing less urine and feces.
5/7/21 He did have a bowel movement overnight along with good urine on my floor (he did not make it to littler box - fortunately, I have a terrible sense of smell so probably less bothered by it than some)
* First available neuro appointment is June 3rd - this is in Jacksonville FL - We have ONE facility in town - noted two others claimed they did neurology, but when call they advised they have no MRI machine or neuro - unclear why false advertising...
* closest vet school is Univ of Florida about 2 hours away
Admin answering phone at neuro said if get worse would suggest emergency med facility. (she gave example - such as legs becoming like noodles, trouble breathing, seizures, etc)
Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions - I cry a few times a day as feel he will pass based on going downhill. (eating and drinking less) His legs do still have feeling as was trying to learn to express his bladder yesterday and he starting crazily kicking me. Also tried the pinch test on his paws and still with fine feeling. He still has plenty of Rx as last vet suggested we continue that route.
Early March, as he tries to jump onto my bed (about 2 1/2 ft high), I hear a thump. Guessed he fell when jumping. Thought nothing of it as appeared normal. About a week later, the same thing again, but this time noted some limping. His limping does not get better so took him to Vet #1 - they said bad arthritis in one hip and said to use Cosequin & they did a rabies shot. No xrays or meds even suggested. Two weeks later noting limping appears to cause kind of a hip movement like his hip is giving out so get another appointment with a different vet & take to Vet #2 on 4/21/21. From 4/15 to 4/21 (as took video), he went from walking funny/less to now dragging his rear two legs. He is eating well, using the litterbox (though right next to it as trouble maneuvering), and interactive. He has maybe lost .2 llbs. They said his blood work is normal and not thrombosis; they did xrays (though vet admits radiologist will have to do reading) and suggest neuro. They note that his paws are warm and have feeling in same (as they did testing).
Radiologist report comes back:
CONCLUSIONS: - Cardiomegaly. Cardiomyopathy is thought to be most likely. This increases concern for potential aortic thromboembolism; however, the history of normal femoral pulses is less compatible with this condition. - Generalized hepatomegaly. Differentials include endocrinopathy, hepatitis, or neoplasia. - Bilateral hip dysplasia with degenerative joint disease. - Narrowed intervertebral disc spaces. Given the clinical history, this could indicate intervertebral disc herniation at one or more sites. Alternate possibilities include positional artifact or degenerative intervertebral disc disease without herniation. - No evidence of large spinal mass or grossly displaced spinal fracture. Potential more subtle spinal lesion may be present without conspicuous radiographic evidence. RECOMMENDATIONS: Depending on the detailed results of neurological evaluation, consider MRI or CT for further assessment of the spine. Additional evaluation of the heart and/or liver should also be considered
He is now placed on Gabapentin 2x day and prednisone 2x day.
As we have one neuro in my city (yes at 1 million population, there is 1 facility!) take to 3rd vet 5/2/21 (recommended by others) as pet owners had suggested sounds like a herniation, based on fall, and how walking got worse. They just continued same meds and suggested if problem breathing may get heart testing. they note for neuro negative cPL on both hind legs. Deep pain and withdrawal present. Anal tone present. note nonambulatory on both rear legs put can move legs somewhat. Heart with no murmur or arrthymia, normal brochovesicular lung sounds. Diagnosis paralysis
". Pet has good pulses, feet are not cold and he does not seem to be painful so I do not think there is any thrombus currently. Discussed elevated risk of developing a thrombus due to enlarged heart and recommend evaluating heart with either proBNP test or echo, but I don't think it is the cause of our current problem. Discussed likely herniated disc or fibrotic myopathy that is seen in Persians " "Recommend consultation with neurologist and advanced imaging to confirm diagnosis. Owner cannot pursue neuro consult currently. Discussed other options- physical therapy once containment period has ended to help prevent muscle atrophy, phototherapy which we do offer here to help with healing and inflammation. Discussed acupuncture as well but we do not currently offer that here. Continue to keep pet confined and monitor for any worsening. "
5/6/21 I ended up accessing my Carecredit (medical credit card) and got an additional $4,000 in limits - made neuro appointment as not comfortable as he now pretty much just lies all day, but gets up a little to eat. Noted at this time, seeing less urine and feces.
5/7/21 He did have a bowel movement overnight along with good urine on my floor (he did not make it to littler box - fortunately, I have a terrible sense of smell so probably less bothered by it than some)
* First available neuro appointment is June 3rd - this is in Jacksonville FL - We have ONE facility in town - noted two others claimed they did neurology, but when call they advised they have no MRI machine or neuro - unclear why false advertising...
* closest vet school is Univ of Florida about 2 hours away
Admin answering phone at neuro said if get worse would suggest emergency med facility. (she gave example - such as legs becoming like noodles, trouble breathing, seizures, etc)
Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions - I cry a few times a day as feel he will pass based on going downhill. (eating and drinking less) His legs do still have feeling as was trying to learn to express his bladder yesterday and he starting crazily kicking me. Also tried the pinch test on his paws and still with fine feeling. He still has plenty of Rx as last vet suggested we continue that route.