Big Paws Only Dog Forums
BPO Medical Forum => Medical Conditions & Diseases => : kristi April 12, 2006, 11:16:08 AM
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Please BPO I need advice ASAP! :'(
This is what Sampson was diagnosed with today. (Along with a cancerous mass on his left rear leg 3 inches above the foot pad.)
The vet is recommending an operation on his back - a laminectomy to remove bone & free the nerve. They will have to call in an orthopedic surgeon & cost will be between $2,500-$3,000. (They will remove the mass at the same time - they believe it is contained.)
Please, any thoughts & advice!
-k.[/color][/i]
Lumbosacral Stenosis (Cauda Equina Syndrome)
Holly Nash, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Lumbosacral stenosis has also been termed lumbosacral instability, lumbosacral malformation, lumbosacral malarticulatio n, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbosacral spondylolisthe sis, lumbosacral nerve root compression, and cauda equina syndrome. All these terms describe arthritis of the joint between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum, which is one of the bones that makes up the pelvis. This arthritis narrows the canal through which the spinal cord and nerves pass through. The intervertebral disc between the vertebra and the sacrum is often abnormal as well, further narrowing the canal. The arthritis and disc disease put pressure on the nerves coming off the spinal cord. The symptoms of lumbosacral stenosis, then, are a result of nerve injury.
What are the symptoms of lumbosacral stenosis?
The most common sign of cauda equina syndrome is pain. The pain may occur in the back, in one or both hind legs, or the tail. The dog usually has difficulty rising from lying down, but once he begins to walk about he works out of the stiffness. There may be muscle loss in one or both rear legs. The dog may have difficulty urinating or defecating because of the pain, may become incontinent, or may be unable to urinate. Some dogs are unable to move their tail, or have severe pain if the tail is moved. Often dogs will have a shuffling gait, and scuff their toes. Some dogs will chew on their pelvic area, hind limbs, or tail, sometimes creating considerable damage by this self-mutilation.
Many of the signs seen with lumbosacral stenosis can mimic those of hip dysplasia, and the two conditions need to be differentiated .
Which animals are at risk of having lumbosacral stenosis?
Lumbosacral stenosis occurs most commonly in large breed dogs. German Shepherds appear to be more likely to develop this condition. The condition can be acquired, meaning the dog started out normal and then developed this condition. Or, lumbosacral stenosis can be a congenital condition, meaning the dog was born with the abnormality. Either way, the symptoms generally do not occur until the dog is between 3 and 7 years of age.
Lumbosacral stenosis is rarely seen in cats.
How is lumbosacral stenosis diagnosed?
The veterinarian will ask the owner for a history of when the symptoms developed, etc. A physical exam will then be performed. The hind limbs will be manipulated in various ways to determine which positions are painful. The veterinarian will also do a neurological exam, including testing the reflexes, to determine which nerves may be injured.
Radiographs (x-rays) are taken to evaluate the spine and pelvis. The findings can be very suggestive of lumbosacral stenosis, but are not sufficient to make the diagnosis. To achieve a diagnosis, special procedures must be performed by injecting dye into the affected area and re-radiographing. Depending on where the dye is placed, the procedure is called myelography, epidurography, or diskography. These procedures must be done under anesthesia. Displacement of the dye by the abnormalities in the bones and intervertebral disc confirms the diagnosis of lumbosacral stenosis.
How is lumbosacral stenosis treated?
Depending on the severity of the condition, amount of pain the animal is experiencing, overall health of the animal, financial restrictions, and other factors, lumbosacral stenosis is treated surgically or nonsurgically.
Nonsurgical treatment: If the condition is mild, dogs may be treated with strict rest for 6 to 8 weeks. Anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisolone are given. In many cases, this can relieve the symptoms. However, when the dog becomes more active, the symptoms can return.
Surgical treatment: There are two different surgical techniques used to treat lumbosacral stenosis. In the first, the bones are fused together in as normal a position as possible. This prevents abnormal motion between them, and reduces the risk of further arthritis. In the second technique, part of the bone and the intervertebral disc are removed to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
In either case, dogs must be confined for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, and may also be placed on prednisolone therapy. For dogs who have difficulty or are unable to urinate, the bladder must be manually expressed several times a day.
What is the prognosis for dogs with lumbosacral stenosis?
The outlook for dogs with lumbosacral stenosis is dependent on the severity of symptoms before treatment. Dogs who are mildly affected may be able to return to normal function. For those who are incontinent or unable to urinate prior to treatment, the prognosis is much poorer.
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Copyright © 1997-2006, Foster & Smith, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted from PetEducation.c om.
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Kristi,
I am so sorry to hear of Sam's diagnosis. I unfortunately don't have any advice regarding Lumbosacral Stenosis, as I've never heard of it until now. The only thing I will ask you is, were all the tests preformed to correctly diagnosis this condition (the neurological and radiograph portions)? Were they actually done on Sam? Reason I ask is because I have heard many times things mis-diagnosed due to "quick judgement" on the vet's behalf...
Regarding the mass - that definitely should come off. I am glad to hear they think it is contained (but then again I will ask) did they take any biopsies from anywhere else (such as a lymph node)? Asking because when our Slater had his tumor on his paw, they also checked out a lymph node (and sure enough) it was there too. Don't want to scare you (because I defnitely hope this is not the case), but want to ensure they checked somewhere else too...
I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way that Sam will be ok ;)
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Sampson had x-rays & a CT scan done on his back & legs.
The biopsy was taken from the mass.
They ran a full geriatric blood panel - which came out fine - everything within normal ranges.
-k.
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Don't know if I have much advice, but I will send a big cyber hug to you! I guess the first thing I'd wonder is what the prognosis is if you go through the treatment and how difficult will it be for the dog. I'm thinking you haven't seen the specialist yet? It might be worth putting off a final decision until you talk to one.
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Kristi:
I don't have any sage advice either, but wanted to send along some thoughts of strength and hope to you and Sampson. Keep us posted.
Sandy
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Oh Kristi I am so sorry to hear this. I don't have any info regarding his diagnosis. Puck had a lump removed last April and is doing fine. I would definately get that removed. What symptoms is Sampson showing?
Big hugs to you and Sam.
Michelle
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I'm fairly certain that my first Newf, Otis was just starting to manifest those symptoms when he died...he also had a hip replacement surgery when he was year. His back legs quivered constantly and the orthopedist assumed it was from pain. Have you taken Samson to an orthopedist? I would think it would be a good thing since the side effects of any steriod-type drug (and I'm pretty sure that is what they are suggesting) has serious side effects. He'll need monitoring. It's sounds like the mass will be taken care of and that will be that; but this other thing is worrisome. Please do consider a specialist just to confirm both the diagnosis and the treatment alternatives.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and Samson!
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I'm so sorry. I can't help but feel fear along with empathy whenever I read things like this. We big dog lovers pay a big price for loving these big furry expensive dogs. We spent $4000.00 on Badger for 2 surgerys recently, only to find out he now has hip displaysia and guess what? Needs more surgery. My thoughts are with you. If you need any tips/support when he comes home from the doctor, hollor my way...I know every post surgery trick in the book including which human painkillers you can give them (safely) if they reject the animal ones or in case the doctor undermedicates and he is in pain.
Take care (((((((((sam)))))))))))
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Sampson had x-rays & a CT scan done on his back & legs.
The biopsy was taken from the mass.
They ran a full geriatric blood panel - which came out fine - everything within normal ranges.
-k.
Sounds like you have a good vet Kristi :) which is important. If his blood was fine, then I'm sure the cancer is just in the mass, and will be gone soon enough! Whew!
As for his diagnosis, I wish you the best of luck and we'll be thinking about you ;)
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I am so sorry to hear about Sampson :'( He is in my thoughts.
I dont have any good advice to give here, except to say go with your your gut and make decisions with your heart.
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I'm sorry to hear about your baby...hopeful ly it'll turn out good for both you and Sampson. I agree that you may want to see a specialist to get their take on the situation. Good luck and we'll be keepimg fingers and paws crossed for him.
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Sorry...no real advice here either. And I really wish I had some. I just hate things like this. Makes you feel so dman helpless. Please know that you and Sampson are in my thoughts. You've got some serious decisions to make in the near future. Just know that your BPO family is here for you.
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I am not much for advice either...but I can pray with the best of them! {{{hugs}}} sent to you and Samson. I look forward to hearing good news soon. May the power of BPO thoughts and prayers be with you. :-*
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I don't have any experience with this in the dog world, so take this with a grain of salt, but I am an assistant to a human neurosurgeon and this is a very common condition in people and a fairly common surgical procedure as well, very often with good results. The symptoms in people manifest themselves in much the same way, weakness and pain in the legs (equating to the back legs in dogs), occasionally with bladder or bowel incontinence (in severe cases). I don't know how helpful this is, but I'd say if you feel that your dog is suffering, there is a good chance that this type of surgery would relieve a good deal of his pain by taking pressure off of the nerves that are being compressed. (And I know it sounds like a lot of money, but you're actually getting a good deal-this surgery costs about $10,000 in the human world. :o)
Anyway, just my two cents.... :)
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I am sorry to hear about Sampson , I wish I could give you advice but I will send a hug and say a prayer
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I can't add anything to the posts before mine, however, I wanted you and Sampson to know we will be thinking and praying for you.
Speaking with the specialist or even taking the test results to another trusted vet should give you somemore insight.
Wishing you all the best
Randy & Harley
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Kristi, I sent you an e-mail. Please read it before you make any decisions on treatment.
Healing thoughts going out to Sampson!
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BIG PAW HUGS!!!!
Please know we're all sharing your fears -- hopefully we'll lighten your load a bit.
Best wishes for Sampson's speedy recovery!
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I just wanted all of you to know that Sampson is having surgery this morning.
They will be removing some bone from his spine to free the nerve that is being compressed between the bone and the disk. They will also remove the tumor from his leg. The doctor is confident that he will make a full recovery and that this will take away the pain that he is experiencing.
I will post an update as soon as I hear from the surgeon.
They said he will be in the hospital until Monday.
Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and well wishes...Â
BPO is the best extended family I could have hoped for.
-kristi. :-*
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Einstein & I are sending good vibrations to you & Sampson.
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Cowboy, Chester and I are sending you and Samson huge cyber hugs!!! It sounds like the vet is very positive about the outcome....so all you have to do is get through the recovery! I'm so glad it's being taken care of and he'll be on the mend soon!!! ;)
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Kristi and Sampson, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Give your boy lots of lovin' and kisses from me and Yogi.
We wish him a speedy recovery, and a pain free future!
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Kristi,
I am sort of new to the board, so I don't think we have had much interaction yet, but I have followed what has been happening with Sampson, and I just want you to know that I am thinking about you and hoping you are feeling ok. It is a terrible feeling to have to take your beloved to the vet knowing that he is going to be hurting when he comes home, to worry about him while he is there, the sadness and pain around knowing that there is only so much you can do for him.
I have my fingers crossed for him and have been thinking about you both all day.
Hang in there and if you need a pick me up, I'll regale you with funny stories from when Badger came home from his TPLO surgery.
Ronda
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Kristi,
Sampson has the best mommy in the world! I am glad to hear you decided to have surgery! I see so many owners do the wrong thing. This type of Surgery when done by a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgen is very successful. I have done a lot of post surgery care for this type of problem.
Please follow Doctors order when you get him home!!! We had one owner let his Doxie run and jump up the stairs 3 weeks after surgery and caused more damage!
Good luck Sampson!!! Easy does it and mom It's ok really he will be ok.
If it helps at my Hospital us Technicians love the big, king size canines the most and they get extra special care and love and kisses from us.
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If it helps at my Hospital us Technicians love the big, king size canines the most and they get extra special care and love and kisses from us.
LOL this is so true. My dog is a beast at the vet, and yet when we went to pick him up, all the techs were falling all over him. He was Hugh Hefner at the playboy mansion. Getting all kissed up and cuddled, and 'oh we love big badger'.
He had this sheepish look on his face like he was embarresed by all of it.
;D