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Comment by sarah stravinska on June 30, 2009 at 7:17pm

Oh. Sam.The word "blow" was mine. The vet used the word "rupture". She also did not directly tell me that Panny would need to by euthanized. She cited a similar case of another dog who DID have to be euthanized. She was just probably preparing me for the worst, and perhaps wanting to impress upon me how serious Penny's problem could be.

Comment by sarah stravinska on June 30, 2009 at 9:38am

Penny is doing better. She stays on the meds for another two weeks, but is out of super-max. She has also lost the weight as the vet suggested. She has a waist! Just have to keep her from horsing around with Frodo who likes to slam into her from the side!!!

Comment by Beth on June 20, 2009 at 8:13am

I would think that in general, Corgis would be a good breed to make use of a cart. They are smart, adaptable, and their stout and low-to-the-ground physique gives them a low center-of-gravity, which would make learning to balance perhaps easier than for a leggy and lean dog.

IF the worst happens and she is paralyzed, she really shouldn't feel any pain, or anything at all, below the site of the injury. Phantom pain usually comes from amputations, not paralysis, at least how I understand it.

Also, my admittedly limited cart understanding is that paralyzed dogs lose bowel/bladder control, and so need to be kept to washable surfaces.

I concur with the suggestion that it might be worthwhile to check with an orthopedic doctor. They would have more direct experience with this sort of thing. I would think the prognosis, as in people, would depend not only on the severity of the bulging disk, but also on its location. The higher up towards the neck it is, the more it controls.

Comment by Sam on June 20, 2009 at 5:23am

I have to say I think I may consider finding an orthopedic vet. While many general vets do a great job I have been far more successful involving a specialist when you are dealing with something this serious. Not sure how extensive his exam was or if x-rays were done. Not sure a vet should be making that sort of statement regarding a disk about to "blow" unless there is some sort of diagnostic proof. I am sure the medication and rest are exactly the right thing to do. Timing is of great importance with any injury of this nature. To predict that your dog will have to be euthanized is not good professional wisdom. Many people on the ever wonderful Wheelcorgis group have dogs that live good long lives with the help of their cart. This is a yahoo group which I highly suggest you join. They are full of great information and support. I am a member since having a corgi with DM who relied on a cart to enrich his life. I urge you to find a vet that is familiar with spine/bone issues. Best of luck!

Comment by sarah stravinska on June 20, 2009 at 5:19am

I love MyCorgi! All this support and good suggestions would only come from folks who appreciate how we adore our babies. I would consider the wheels thing if I could be positive that the dog would not be in pain. I think it would be selfish of me to condemn Penny to a lifetime of pain just because I can't bear to let her go.

Comment by Mochi on June 20, 2009 at 4:43am

Would you really have to put her down? Would she be completely paralyzed or just her back end? Seems like that may be a bit extreme. Maybe not but couldn't you just get her one of those little carts with the wheels for her back legs?
I also agree about getting a second Or even third opinion. A completely different kind of situation but I had a vet tell me it would cost me $500 to stitch up a gash in the underside of my cats tail. So I took him to a second supposedly more affordable vet that ended up telling me my cats tail needed to be amputated. He said there was no viability in the end of the tail. In shock I took him home instead of leaving him and scheduling the surgery. His tail ended up being completely fine! I gave him antibiotics and kept him inside and it healed as good as new. Anyways long story short when it comes to your pets life it is worth it to stay positive hope for the best and get a second opinion.
Good luck!

Comment by Cindi on June 19, 2009 at 9:49pm

Our prayers are with you and Penny. Do get a 2nd opinion. Many of our corgi kids can function quite well on wheels!

Comment by Susan Stanton on June 19, 2009 at 8:51pm

oh gosh, we wish Penny all the best, and definitely get a second opinion. There's also a group for "corgis on wheels" on Yahoo, I think -- they might have thoughts for you too, about what care to seek out. Let us know how she is doing! We will visualize her healed and better!

Comment by Beth on June 19, 2009 at 8:37pm

Poor Penny. I will think positive thoughts. I hope she is ok. :-(
How old is your Penny?

Comment by Zach and Lisa on June 19, 2009 at 8:27pm

I'm so sorry to hear about Penny. Our prayers are with you and Penny.

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