This morning, Max was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy.
To say that I am devastated is an understatement.
I’ll probably blog the progress on any knitting I do, but for the most part, I’m going take a break from blogging. My heart just isn’t in it now.
Besides, there’s a dog that needs me.
Runs With Needles 
Oh Kathy. I am so very sorry. Give pooch a big smmoch from us.
Oh I am so sorry. That is terrible news. My heart goes out to you. Pets are so special and it very hard to see them suffer. What a beautiful dog. Hugs.
Hugs to you and Max, Kathy. I wish you much strength and Max much peace during this difficult time.
Oh my god! My heart goes out to you and Max!
I am so sorry for you and Max! I will send prayers and Reiki!
Ruinwen
🙂
The link that you provided was just depressing. Try this one:
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
at least it gives you some ideas and hope for dealing with this disease.
I am SO very sorry. I love your blog, not only for the knitting posts, but also because i cannot resist a blogger who blogs about her dogs. Mine (i have two Vizslas) are two of the most important beings in my life.
My boys send a big hug to Max
Kathy, I am so very sorry to hear about Max.
Here are some links that might help:
http://mzjf.com/main.htm
Also you may want to consider switching Max to a raw diet as mentioned in this article.
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
I am very sorry about Max’s condition. At least he’s got a great mommy who will take good care of him, and I’m sure his doggy companions will also cheer him up.
I’m so sorry to hear about Max. Best wishes for the two of you in dealing with this.
So sorry to hear about your baby, I hope he will do fine regardless!! Big hugs to Max from Phoebe and Theo.
Poor Max, and this has got to be so hard for you, I’m so sorry. We’ll be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
*hugs* sending lots of positive thoughts your way.
I’m so sorry to hear about the diagnosis for Max. Please know you’re both in my thoughts.
Kathy,
I’m sorry to hear about this. However, was the diagnosis made by assumption or did your vet do a spinal tap? If made by assumption, then it might not be what you think it is. The differential diagnosis is disc disease, fibrocartilaginous embolism, spinal tumor, discospondylitits, spinal trauma and hip dysplasia. Was an xray taken to rule out some of these differentials? Some of these are “good” and others not so good.
The frustrating thing about degenerative myelopathy (DM) is that we really don’t have any good protocol for treatment. Things worth considering are: Epsilon amino caproic acid (Amicar, EACA):500mg/dog, orally, every 8 hours, which may delay progression of symptoms. Also, N-acetylcysteine: 25mg/kg orally, every 8 hours for 2 weeks, then every 8 hours every other day.
Prednisone: 0.25mg-0.50mg/kg, orally, daily for 10 days, then every other day.
Vitamin C: 1000mg, orally, twice daily
Vitamin E: 1000 IU, orally, twice daily
I haven’t treated patients with DM holistically, as this is one of the few diseases that apparently don’t respond well to this kind of treatment. Give him the best feed you can find. Please use brands that use human grade ingredients. The better the food, the better his body can deal with all of this.
Good luck!
Kathy,
I have no good advice, only the capacity to sit quietly and honor your committment to Max. Relish the sloppy dog-kisses and the time spent sharing “fuzzy-feet” space in the days to come. I know your girls will take good care of the two of you as well. Enjoy the snow with Max and take lots of pictures! I’ll be thinking of you as I cuddle my own fuzzy critters (Lance, Sally, and Kala). Good thoughts coming your way.
–Christy
Oh kathy, I’m so very very sorry. All of our thoughts are with you. Take care. We’ll be here when your ready to come back.
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about Max. You and him will be in my thoughts.
I’m not very good at these things. I read your post a few days ago and left without commenting, thinking that something would come to me. Well, nothing “right” has come to me. Just know that I have been thinking about you and truly feel your pain. Our animals are such important parts of our lives. I just want you to know how sorry I am, and I will continue to think of you and Max.
((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))
To Max & YOU!
Kathy, my heart breaks for you and Max. How old is Max? He is such a handsome boy. {{hugs}}
Hi Kathy, I was just catching up over here and I read your bad news. I am so sorry and I am thinking of you!
Kathy, just popping in to say hi and that I hope everything is well.