Sadie is suddenly paralyzed

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Sadie had a pretty good night. She was immediately frustrated with being carried so the use of the sling and boots made a big difference.

These are the boots I got her, only her's are black. I would have got pink if they had them!

http://www.bloomingtailsdogboutique.com/item_1628/Paw-Tectors-Dog-Boots.htm

This I think is a newer version of the sling. As it works out the one I have is rounder, which works better for Sadie.

http://www.healthandsafetystore.com/p-5668-jolly-jumper-walk-eze.aspx

I heard her moving around in her crate around 3am so I got up to let her out. My vet said that the prednisone would make her thirsty and drink twice as much, so I'd have to take her out more often for a while. She drank a gallon of water, when outside and had a big pee, then turned and smiled at me. She seems so completely proud of herself for going on her own and we're giving her big praise.

This morning when I got up Sadie was sleeping on her back with her feet up in the air. Glad she was able to get comfortable, I know its hard for her to move around. I'm very glad that her crate is a bit oversized. She does not like sleeping in her crate but is too used to sleeping on our bed to be trusted on the floor at night. I'll be glad when she can have a bit more freedom.

My parent's were really sweet and offered to take Sadie for the week so I wouldn't have to look after her up north. It was more my Dad's idea, as he's one of those who doesn't quite understand the pet attachment. I said thanks but no, it wouldn't be much of a vacation without her, as I'd feel guilty and worry about her the whole time.

Looking forward to swimming with her in the swimming pond!

My cold feels slightly less miserable today so I'm hoping the day won't seem too long.
 
OntarioSheltie said:
Sadie had a pretty good night. She was immediately frustrated with being carried so the use of the sling and boots made a big difference.

These are the boots I got her, only her's are black. I would have got pink if they had them!

http://www.bloomingtailsdogboutique.com/item_1628/Paw-Tectors-Dog-Boots.htm

This I think is a newer version of the sling. As it works out the one I have is rounder, which works better for Sadie.

http://www.healthandsafetystore.com/p-5668-jolly-jumper-walk-eze.aspx

I heard her moving around in her crate around 3am so I got up to let her out. My vet said that the prednisone would make her thirsty and drink twice as much, so I'd have to take her out more often for a while. She drank a gallon of water, when outside and had a big pee, then turned and smiled at me. She seems so completely proud of herself for going on her own and we're giving her big praise.

This morning when I got up Sadie was sleeping on her back with her feet up in the air. Glad she was able to get comfortable, I know its hard for her to move around. I'm very glad that her crate is a bit oversized. She does not like sleeping in her crate but is too used to sleeping on our bed to be trusted on the floor at night. I'll be glad when she can have a bit more freedom.

My parent's were really sweet and offered to take Sadie for the week so I wouldn't have to look after her up north. It was more my Dad's idea, as he's one of those who doesn't quite understand the pet attachment. I said thanks but no, it wouldn't be much of a vacation without her, as I'd feel guilty and worry about her the whole time.

Looking forward to swimming with her in the swimming pond!

My cold feels slightly less miserable today so I'm hoping the day won't seem too long.
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Wow oh wow!! This is such fabulous news to wake up to :yes:. So many of us here have been praying and rooting for Sadie from afar! Thank you for the updates, so, so very glad she is improving.
 
OntarioSheltie said:
I heard her moving around in her crate around 3am so I got up to let her out. My vet said that the prednisone would make her thirsty and drink twice as much, so I'd have to take her out more often for a while. She drank a gallon of water, when outside and had a big pee, then turned and smiled at me. She seems so completely proud of herself for going on her own and we're giving her big praise.
Click to expand...

Prednisone is a steroid, right? I believe Cali is taking it as part of her cancer treatment. Cali has been urinating like crazy. Be prepared to take Sadie out a lot. Cali must pee at least 10 times a day, so don't be concerned if Sadie is peeing way more than normal.
 
take4roll10 said:
Prednisone is a steroid, right? I believe Cali is taking it as part of her cancer treatment. Cali has been urinating like crazy. Be prepared to take Sadie out a lot. Cali must pee at least 10 times a day, so don't be concerned if Sadie is peeing way more than normal.
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Yeah, thats what the vet said. She said I should be prepared to be getting up every night to let her out. Hey, if the medication improves her mobility, I don't mind some sleepless nights. I was actually up already anyway, my cough is almost non existent during the day but wakes me up EVERY night.

She's not been too bad so far. She didn't want to pee for the first 6 hours she was home, but then again maybe they limited her water at the vets for the ride home. She's been peeing every 3-4 hours since.
 
OntarioSheltie said:
Yeah, thats what the vet said. She said I should be prepared to be getting up every night to let her out. Hey, if the medication improves her mobility, I don't mind some sleepless nights. I was actually up already anyway, my cough is almost non existent during the day but wakes me up EVERY night.

She's not been too bad so far. She didn't want to pee for the first 6 hours she was home, but then again maybe they limited her water at the vets for the ride home. She's been peeing every 3-4 hours since.
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It did take a few days before Cali started peeing more than normal. She also makes on a wee wee pad, so she probably doesn't have as much bladder control as a dog, who has to be walked. She is used to going as often as she wants. I'd says she pees every 1-3 hours. This morning, she peed, ate her breakfast and then peed again.
 
Sounds like pretty good news. Hopefully Ginnie is being nice to her and giving buddy licks but nothing else. Maybe by the time you are back you and her can be on the mend even more.
 
What great news and that is so good that she is adjusting to the sling and her new boots. I would not be able to leave her behind and go on vacation either but that was nice of your parents to ask to keep her- you would miss her so much and she needs her mom right now. Thanks for the update.
 
Oh Melissa - my heart is breaking for you and Sadie.

Once again, I am late to chime in, but am devastated to hear what you are going through. It's sad to admit, but so many of us have been through difficult things with our babies lately that there is a wave of understanding, love and support going out to you right now.

The information you have gotten is exceptional. I myself don't have anything of medical value to add, but I am sending love and ton of prayers your way. I understand how you feel about the expense. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for Kai'a. I am a responsible pet owner who understands the financial responsibility of owning a dog. But even with insurance, the price tag of a $2500 MRI or CAT scan and a $12,000 surgery seem so completely impractical to me - and out of my financial reach. I have had to find my way through faith, knowing that I will do everything reasonably possible for my girl and ensure, above all else, that she is comfortable, happy and not in pain.

It sounds as if you have rallied. You are moving forward with a plan of action and are giving Sadie what she needs from you ... which above all else is love, kindness and understanding. Please let me know if there is anything I can do (even in another country!!). I will add Sadie, and your family, to my prayers.

We are thinking of you ....
 
Hugs to you and enjoy your vacation as best as you can!

It tears our hearts when our pups are sick because they can't communicate with us and let us know how they are really feeling.

My only final advice is that my vet told me that Shelties have a very high pain threshold (very stoic, our babies), so even if she seems to be doing ok, she may not be. So don't push her limits too far.

Ta for now!
 
Hi I'm so glad to here she is progressing so nicely. I took a look at the boots you purchased they look like neoprene. I have found they slip down easily. My boyfriend found me a pair that are rubber and they have about a 1/2" elastic band that wraps around the ankle and snaps. Since they are a little sturdier they have not slipped down very often. They are made by Four Paws item #1952. I will ask where he found them because they fit that skinny sheltie leg nicely.
I'm not completely sure if Chandler is scared or in Pain. He was never afraid to get off the bed before and this just started happening this week when he started jumping up on the bed again. He always has been very skiddish of things mostly noises and recently has become more frightened of many things he hears on tv. People cheering, a horn beep,he's always run and hid if he hears the whistles during sports events so it's a good thing I don't like football.
Sorry for rambling...........So did you end up doing the MRI ? I talked to both my vet and the neurologist and they say they would do that next for Chandler since he is turning away from dogfood completely and will only eat jerky type treats,maybe a biscuit or 2, he did eat 2 lambchops last week but has turned away from all other meats and wouldn't eat the last lambchops I made him on different occasions. Atleast the Jerky I give him is 100 % pure meat and has Chondroytin and Glucosomine in it.
Definitely be prepared with plenty of water and many potty trips. I measured Chandlers daily water intake out of curiosity and he was avg. 3 qts. to a gallon per day. He couldn't hold his bladder for longer than 3 hours at most.
I'll let you know how we do after I see the neurologist on Tuesday and looking forward to hearing more progress.
I hope you all can get some much needed rest on your vacation :sleepy: and just enjoying loving each other and being together. That's what life is really all about. It was really nice of your parents to offer but I could never have left her behind either.
Keeping you all in our prayers,
Dawn,Chandler and Gypsy:winkgrin:
 
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