Sparkle Gets a Scan

Sparkle’s physical therapist worked some magic and got her level of care elevated. As a result, Sparkle and I spent a good part of yesterday at WestVet Boise.

This is from the Discharge Summary:

“Sparkle presented for evaluation of a non-weight bearing lameness of the right hind limb. A surgery consultation and radiology consultation was performed that demonstrates concerns for a bony lesion of the right hip vs disease of the right knee. For further assessment, we are recommending a CT scan to be performed to evaluate the pelvis to examine for lytic lesions of the right hip and eliminate the artifact appreciated on the x-rays.”

The CT scan happens today.

In these kinds of situations, it is important to understand the why of what we are doing to our dog to ensure that the potential benefit outweighs the burden. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should.

The reason I am doing a CT scan on a Berner who is nearing 12 years old is because I need more information. I cannot make the best and most informed decisions for Sparkle without knowing what the heck is going on with her.

Sparkle is comfortable and resting up for the day.

Thank you for your good thoughts on behalf of this wonderful and sparkling girl 💖

Old Dogs, New Tricks

It is wonderfully amazing to have two Super Senior Berners. Harper is now 13 years, 4+ months old.

Photo = ears back, look sad. She is an uncooperative subject 🤷🏼‍♀️

Sparkle is well past 11.5 years.

Wow. I am so lucky.

AND older dogs bring their own challenges and navigating those challenges is hard.

Harper B is insanely healthy for Being 13+ years. She has arthritis for which she gets daily Rimadyl (name brand only!) and Librela once a month to keep her moving. She is happy and playful, if a bit creaky.

Harper and Pozy. RIP Blue Duck.

And two days ago Harper had a seizure! WTF.

She was on her way to go outside and just went stiff and was down — still — for about 15 seconds. She lost control of her bladder and there was pee everywhere. I thought she had died right there on the kitchen floor 🤯

Nope. She got up and was — and continues to be —perfectly normal. Bloodwork was normal.

So the plan is to just watch (like a terrified hawk).

In the meantime, Sparkle started limping on her right rear leg about a month ago. Here is how that has gone:

Vet #1: It is her knee.

Off to PT.

But I watched as it got worse and she became three-legged. That did not seem congruent with a knee so back to the vet — but we saw a different one this time since the first vet was not available.

Vet #2: (X-rays up the wazoo) Not her knee. Looks like nerve pain/neurological.

Back to PT: Doesn’t look neurological — sends videos to Ortho Dude and neurologist.

Consensus opinion from videos: See Ortho Dude. Appointment made for end of next week.

There is also a radiologist report floating out there somewhere that I am trying to chase down.

In the meantime, something is still wrong with my girl. Something that is more/different than anyone has identified. I know my dog and I trust myself.

Sparkle continues to eat well, wag her tail, and generally seems like her normal sparkling self — with pain.

Dogs are so stoic.

Sparkle needs her A Team. That is why I am taking her to Montana to be seen by our long-time veterinarian. Dr. Card knows my dogs well, and she trusts me and my instincts. I need her on Sparkle’s team to help us figure out what is wrong with my girl.

Please think good thoughts for my older ladies 🙏 and feel free to share ideas/input in the comments or via email (sontag.ma@gmail.com). It takes a team.

And a very Happy Wednesday to you, my friend 🩷🩷