Been following this thread, what can I say, imagine I was in your shoes and can't think of anything that would comfort except that the vet will phone with an answer and that it is good news. So, I wish you that, good news and a quick return of your beloved girl.

Fingers Toes and paws crossed down here in Somerset for you and your girl Dearlady. Hope the outcome is good.
Aileen and the girlies.XXXX

Still have everything crossed here for Leah and shes still getting tons of Reiki from various friends of mine, hope they come up with some kind of concrete diagnosis for you, its bad enough having an ill dog but to not know what it  IS thats making her ill is horrendous.. you are doing so well at staying strong for her, you are allowed to have wobbles though, this is so cruel and SO unfair on you both.

Gis a ring wehn you have a mo and update me and ill tell you what her dear daughter has done today (badness and more badness!!)

Hope you have some better news soon

I have just caught up with this thread. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girl.

fingers crossed for some good news for your girl dearlady.
praying for her.

xxxx

quick update - the vets in Chester are very happy with her (and also somewhat smitten, femme fatale that she is!!;) )
she had a mild sedation whilst they catheterised her, and they did a quick scan of her spine, a full MRI will take 2 hours and will need full GA so they are planning that for Thurs now.
They think she has some compression of discs in her neck, and also something going on near her tail, they really need to do the MRI to be sure
They are still concerned about her liver, the vets here seem to think it's on the small side, but are unsure whether that's breed related. They have an expert coming to look at her scans etc in that dept tomorrow
They describe her as "patchwork-quilted" regards the clipping that they've been doing, I did remind them that she is a Deerhound and not a Poodle, but as I've promised no more shows for her I really don't mind what they do as long as she comes home....
they said she had some urine burn on her nether regions and on one thigh, so I guess that is from the other vets, but as she is catheterised they assure me she will be fine.
She is bright in herself, sitting up to be petted, and moving and turning around in her kennel without assistance.
Oh and she has 2 mattresses and 2 duvets.......they are obviously doing all they can to make her as comfortable as possible
I'm popping over tomorrow for a visit, seeing as she isn't having any sedation, my Mum is coming with me to give her the family hugs, I don't care how far away she is, it's worth the journey
Fingers crossed we can finally start getting some answers

I might actually sleep tonight :)

really hoping that this gets sorted for you and your girl. i'm so sorry your going through this. sending hopeful vibes to you both.

Saying Prayers for your dear girl.
Sending warm hugs for you.
regards

Jonelle

DEARLADY, my thoughts are with you and I pray that the absence of any update doesn't mean that your baby is more poorly than we feared. Stay strong xxx

so glad this vet is doing something for you!  And that they are making her as comfortable as possible, seems they like to spoil their patients, with all the blankets she has!  GOOD for them. 

Hopefully you now can get the answers, and the treatment can be started.

Still sending prayers

Relieved to read your update-must have crossed with my last post! Sounds like things are improving thankfully. Big hug x

Well she sounds like she's getting the best care possible and responding well too :) :) :)  Great stuff, please God she's on the right track for diagnosis and speedy treatment.

Enjoy your visit tomorrow and I hope you get the answers you need to give you some peace of mind until she's home again in your arms.

Sleep well - you deserve it :)

God bless, Teri x

I hope she feels better soon and pulls through  prayers (((hugs)))

Hi Dearlady
How is your darling girl

Sounds like she is making progress. That is such good news. All the good vibesa dn crossed fingers/paws must be working :-)
Our fingers and paws will remain crossed until your little girl gets home.

she has had her MRI, and there appears to be no narrowing of the spinal cord etc

the steroids that my vet gave her last Friday have skewed a lot of her results, but the feeling is that she has meningitis, and it is treatable

If this is comfirmed from CSF tests (due back Fri pm) then she might be home by the weekend!!!!

The vet says she is making some progress with her walking, and we can treat her with oral medication....

my only concern is that the vet thinks it may be auto-immune related, but I'm sure we can deal with that, and it's not hereditary so I don't have to worry about her pups, though I  shall be letting them know

I dare not feel relieved just yet, but my Mum says we will celebrate by having a cup of tea :)  

Well, although not out of the woods entirely, there seems to be a brighter look all round here :)  Poor baby has been through the mill but great to hear she may get home soon and that her MRI turned out well.

Please God she's back in your arms for the weekend and with lots of TLC will be back to her usual self very soon.  Sounds like you need some TLC too so take mum up on that cup of char and have something tasty to go with it!  Lots of suggestions on the comfort food thread :)

Thanks for update, Teri x

Sounds like you could have a mini celebration and take a little sigh of relief - the full sigh of relief will be when she is home and with you :-)
At least now the vet has an idea of what they are dealing with.
please keep us updated.x

Holding my breath and crossing my fingers and dareing to hope this may not so bad as first imagined.

> If this is comfirmed from CSF tests (due back Fri pm)

Oh that's great news and the result of that could give a definitive result and therefore treatment. Things are looking good.
Best of luck.

So glad its looking good for her, its such a relief. :-)

Looks like she's in the best place possible.  Still keeping everything crossed and hope they get this sorted out quickly.

Sarah.

Oh thank goodness it is better news-the auto-immune related isn't brilliant but not the worst news

Everything still crossed here & Wukee sends his bestest kisses

Oh good to hear that you have a theory now, and soon to be confirmed with test results. 
I have been checking this thread religiously to see if there have been updates on your sweet girl. 
Let us hope and pray, that the results come back with an answer, and that your baby can get the treatment she needs, and she can be home with you. 

When you are celebrating, a welcome home puppy party of sorts, let us know, and we can celebrate with ya!  Worldwide celebration for your baby!  Definately have a tea for her! 

Still sending lots of prayers!!!!!

Kory

At least things are moving in the right direction.

Whishing you and your girl lots of love and luck for a good recovery.

Hallo Dearlady. I've been following your story with thoughts of what may be wrong with your girl, and when i saw your post talking about immune mediated meningitis, Are the vets are talking about meningoencephelytis (GME) ? I just want to say if thats what they diagnose, don't get down too much. My girl was diagnosed with it last year, and she's still going and doing very well. Still on her treatment but i do feel optamistic for her prognosis.
I do hope its not this condition but if it is, don't despair ok
My thoughts and good wishes are sent to you and your girl.
Lets us know how it goes
X

That's certainly very hopeful news. I'll keep everything crossed that your girl will be home this weekend and that you have all the answers. Wishing her a speedy recovery. :)

That's great news. Keep us informed won't you.

well the theories keep coming.....

latest call from vet tonight - NOT believed to be meningitis as her CSF results were clear....

the opinion now is that she has had a spinal stroke, it has been known in Wolfhounds, but in her case it has affected both rear legs, and she literally has to learn to walk again.

she has also been refusing food today, the staff think maybe due to homesickness, so I am going over again tomorrow with a selection of her usual food, such as raw green tripe, raw mince and veg meal, and some raw chicken....hopefully I can get her to eat. They have been walking her about, putting mats down on the floor to stop her sliding, and they say she is improving...I am hoping to have her back home at the beginning of next week

Gosh this is turning into a real mystery

Good news that they have got her walking

You must be going through absolute hell. At least the prognosis sounds fairly positive. I hope she eats her goodies tomorrow. If my dogs won't eat I give them hot buttered toast with pate, they can't resist it. They also love cottage cheese. Give her big hugs from us all. we are all thinking of you. xxx

well hell is certainly one word for it :( 

hopefully we can get hold of a vet tomorrow and get some answers, and something written down!! As I always seem to understand what they tell me over the phone, yet 5 minutes later I can't remember what terminology they use, and I feel really stupid :(

I just hope hubby doesn't get too upset, he hasn't seen her since I took her to the vets last Friday morning...and yes it was Fri 13th...maybe that's the problem :(

oh my, looks like you are on a roller coaster, that has so far, not ended.  Ups and downs, twists and turns.

Hopefully, your vet can get a handle on these theories, and get the right one!  Its such a downer, when as an owner, there isnt much we can do in the way of helping our babies feel better. 

I am still sending lots of prayers, your way.  They wont stop, until your girl is back home fully recouped. 

Poor baby girl!!!!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Just wanted to say good luck with your girl,
My border collie had a spinal stroke the end of march, She has now nearly 100% back to normal.
If you want anymore info you can pm me
Joanne

well I am pleased to say that Leah is looking a lot lot better!! She walked into the waiting room unassisted, although with a distinct wobble, and she happily sat with us. She is still quite whiny, so am hoping she is not in too much discomfort generally.
Her catheter has been removed, and I took her out for a widdle which she managed, albeit her crouch was a bit awkward.
Both her hocks are well bandaged, and her elbows still look sore, but not as bad...
She greedily ate some cheese that hubby sneaked in to the bag, and I gave the nurse the food I had prepared, so she should be happy with that
The staff seemed quite busy, a couple of unexpected appts were there so they didn't have time to talk to us, and we had to leave by 3pm as I am back at work now and needed to get to bed at some point!
I am really hopeful that we may have her home soon, she seems worn out, bless her, it really takes it out of her walking, but as long as it doesn't cause her any pain to walk we can keep it up, little and often
Oh and her side is completely shaved, as well as the back of her head now, she does look a sorry state, what with the bandages too, but she's my girl and I'm just glad to be able to cuddle her
I probably won't get any proper answers until Monday, tho I will try and call tomorrow to speak to whichever vet is there...

and the little tinker walked off quite happily with the nurse when we left, without a backward glance!! Tho the nurse did have the boxes of food under her arm...

:)

DEARLADY I am so so sorry I havent got back to you before. I have been watching Leah's progress every day but havent written to you. Please give a big hug to your darling dog when you see her next and a get well woof from Amber. Amber is nearly back to normal now and last week seems like a bad dream. This time next week I hope you will be feeling the same. Just having her home with you will soon be here ,I'm sure. And then you can spoil her rotten again. take care xxxxxxxx

I'm sooooo pleased she's making progress. Hugs and kisses for her from me please.

thank you ALL for your well wishes and healing thoughts, I am sure it makes a difference...

and I hope Amber continues to improve, I feel at times I am so wrapped up in Leah and getting her better, I don't want to appear rude or uncaring for others :(

It's nice to know that people care, and if someone else reads this who has similar symtoms in a precious dog, then I hope it helps too

Thank Goodness for Champdogs :) 

Your girl may benefit from some hydrotherapy to aid the recovery of her walking...I hear it is really helpful.

Really pleased that Leah is improving, that is good news.  I'm keeping everything crossed for her.

I am so pleased to read that Leah is on the mend.

So pleased to hear that she's on the mend!

I don't know whether you remember but just over a year ago my 13 year old (at that time) collapsed and couldn't walk.  Was ready to have her PTS three times and phoned to make the time etc. twice.  She is still with me today and is fitter than every.  Vets and I haven't a clue what it was but it took her almost 3 months to get back to being up and about properly again, but there's been no turning back since.

Hope all continues to go in the right directin for your girl too.

So glad Leah is improving!  Hope it all goes OK.

she's coming home tomorrow - can't wait! :)

the vets wanted me to go over today, but I actually remembered to take my medication for my jaw when I finished work this morning, and I have literally perked up enough now, after getting up at 1pm and snoozing on the sofa all afternoon, there's no way I would have been able to drive across today, and the route across the M62 is a mare at the best of times....

so tomorrow morning I will go across and get my girl, and she'll be back home where she belongs :)

I'm hopeful she will continue to improve, and I have some details of an holistic vet to consult as well, as I want her to get well with limited drugs, if that makes sense, I will let yiu know how she gets on

Thank you all so much for your support, I don't think I could have coped without your help 

DEARLADY, thats great news she's coming home where she will be more relaxed and comfortable with you! :) :)

Great news (((hugs))))

DEARLADY I am so pleased your baby will soon be home with you. Fingers crossed now she will get better and better as the days go by. It is such a relief isnt it. Give her a big hug from me and Amber and Ben both say woof woof to her.

Brilliant news!

wonderful news for you both.
i hope things keep improving.
xxx

Wonderful news Dearlady - so glad for you :) Hugs to you and Leah. xx