She had no vomiting this time around but is having a hard time walking. For a few days her back legs were useless and carrying her 60 pound body outside for potty was a back breaker. Trying to fashion blankets as a full body sling didn't work either as she bit me trying. We do have a belly sling from the last episode but it slides if you're not quick with it's purpose.
She's soiled three times in the house (#1) which in her 12 years is a first. We switched vets and followed up with a new one this week who explained that while it's not unheard of for a older dog to get a second attack within a year, it's very uncommon. He said the only way to know for sure exactly what is going on is with an MRI. She had no nystagmus present at the visit and said that was a positive thing. She's walking on her own now but only with the help of her harness and when the leash is held taut. Turning around is tough and where she takes her tumbles.
She already had problems with arthritis for her back legs and we're wondering if the many falls inside the house didn't further tear or sprain something. Again, only way to know is with an Xray and she needs to be sedated for any kind of testing. She's a Chow Chow mix and is aggressive with strangers.
I will say though, that during the visit (while muzzled) and constrained by an awesome vet tech, the doctor did say that she wasn't a bad dog at all. But he did tell us that we baby her too much the way we talked to her. Every single vet we've come across has told us how horrible she is, blamed the breed and pretty much dismissed us. The last vet we were with closed her practice and works out of a home basement office with no techs or clerical staff. Getting in touch with her, especially during these last 2 emergencies was impossible so while she was calm and very gentle with JB, not exhibiting fear, we had to switch and get to a well staffed office.
Her blood work came back today and I was told that everything was normal and negative. I will get a hard copy when I drop off her stool sample tomorrow. On paper, she is licensed and belongs to my sister but we ALL take care of her. She's been with me every day since and I've been taking her with me on the days I'm glassing. She loves the car and hanging out with me. I'm not getting as much done as I should because she needs to go potty almost every half hour but that's okay, my bladder is weak too.
So now it's a matter of getting the money together for the MRI ($1800. and any additional Xrays) as well as worrying about the sedation. But my sister said if it is a brain tumor and there's nothing that can be done about it, she doesn't want to know. She just wants JB to be happy. I just want JB not to suffer. The last few times she's been sedated she hasn't come out of it well and it takes a good week or two for her to return to normal. We're just worried about her age. I think I read that Chows have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. My sister thinks she's going to live forever and cries into hysterics at the thought of JB's demise. We know this a part of life. We've had her since she was 3 months old (she was abandoned and left in an empty apartment for days when the owners were evicted). My 10 year old nephew has known her all his life.
But I'm done talking as if this is her end until we do more testing and know for sure what's going on.
Even though the ER vet and new vet said windy days have nothing to do with vestibular disease, both incidences occurred on windy days and she is prone to ear infections. So now when it's windy or cold, we wrap her head like she's sporting some swagger with a Bubushka.
