Really Worried About Lulu.

[ziglu]

Hi all, yesterday I took Lulu (4 year old orange roan cocker) to our local park and as usual she jumped out the car barking and excited because I had her ball ready to play which she did. But about thirty minuets in instead of running like a greyhound she started to just stroll, and since then she has been whining and pacing about, even through the night when I tried to comfort her she wanted to just sit at the bottom of the garden. She also tries to lay down and then stops so she either sits or paces. She would normally jump on my lap or go upstairs like a rocket.But she just looks at both as though they were aliens and the paces up and down again. I took her to the vet who checked her legs feet and spine and said everything seems fine. She then gave her an injection for pain relief and I have to take her back tomorrow. Does anyone have any ideas please. 

[rubybella]

Sorry to hear Lulu isn't herself.

My first thought was pain in her spine or muscle spasm but if she has been checked there maybe not!

Did the vet check her tummy at all? Is she bowing at all - by this I mean going down on her front legs? Does she struggle to get up ? One thought I had was tummy pain, maybe pancreatitis ?

Keep an eye on her and if she causes you more concern go straight back to the vet today.

Hope she feels better soon.

[ziglu]

Thanks rubybella for you reply, Lulu has no trouble getting up from the sitting position or laid down position (when she manages to lay down)
But mainly she is sitting or pacing. Her appetite is as usual very good and no problems with her wee or poo!!

[rubybella]

If no better tomorrow and no sign of limping, no temp, and toiletting is all fine I would probably be going down the route of a spinal xray!

I don't want to worry you and it may not be related at all, but the reason I say this is that a friends dog had a disc problem which presented itself in a similar manner.

Hope you get to the bottom of the problem.

[MIN]

sending Lulu   

[Sheryl]

No idea what it can be but if it is a spinal problem only an MRI or dye injection can give a definitive answer. Did the vet do the proprioception test?

[ziglu]

Update on Lulu is tomorrow morning she is going for an x ray on her spine, might know more then. It doesn't help matters that she gets very agitated when she goes to the vets.   

[MacTavish Boys]

Sending over calm and positive thoughts for Lulu tomorrow at the Vets, will be thinking of you both 
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx

[Sheryl]

Even if the disc is a problem, which it may not be, often it can be corrected with painkillers and crate rest. Not every case ends in an operation. Try not to worry too much, I know it is easier said than done but worst case scenario is an op and there are many wonderful spinal experts out there.

[Catty_G]

You must be beside yourself with worry, we'll keep all fingers and paws crossed here for you both

[Jaysmumagain]

Thinking of you and trusting tomorrow will bring good news.

Julie

[rubybella]

I hope you get more answers tomorrow and that Lulu isn't too stressed by the whole experience.

Based on my friends experience I would recommend that if it is an issue with the spine or discs I would be pushing for an immediate referral to a specialist. You will need to be prepared for costs involved though as an MRI is likely too.

I will be thinking about Lulu tomorrow.

Take care.

[Sheryl]

I have sent you a pm chick. Seeing as Lylas original experience (and subsequent disc leaks) are etched on my brain, if I can help, I will. I agree that if it is a spinal problem then you need a referral but not all disc leaks require surgery. I really hope that it is something less serious for both your sakes.

[Helen]

I hope she's ok - I'm trying to find an article on ball chasing/fetching which I saw online a couple of weeks ago but am failing miserably so I'll precis it from memory!

It's very likely she injured herself fetching her ball - the motion of running flat out and then braking, twisting and turning to get the ball is not a natural movement for a dog and they do place massive stresses on their joints and can cause many injuries.  Retrieving in water is better and less stress on them, or restrict to only a few ball throws per walk.

It's much better for them to 'find' things and slow down and use their nose rather than chasing a ball.

I hope she's ok and has just twisted something that is easily fixed

[Patp]

Really hope Lulu is better soon.  Could it be her tail?