I can be fixed right?
We went to see Dr Lye today, a highly respected and experienced vet, about my draggy hind legs. Mother wet my back when she cried into my fur.
Me: “Mother, what did the vet say?”
Mother: “He said you were born broken.”
Me: “Broken? How?”
Mother: “You have a congenital spinal nerve problem boy. It has no cure, but Dr Lye has suggested some things like swimming 3 times a day and giving you vitamin B and ginkgo biloba supplements, which could improve the dragging legs.”
Me: “So I can be fixed right? Why are you so sad then?”
Mother: “Because my dear, mummy googled your problem and read up about “degenerative myelopathy”. If swimming and supplements don’t help, and tofu, green tea, and the other things suggested by the various websites can’t improve your problem, your legs will become weak and you may even end up with your hind legs paralysed. The websites say DM’s onset is usually when the dog is in their middle ages, 5 or 6 years of age. The earliest I read was 3. You are only 1, my baby. What does that say?”
Me: “Oh. Hmm. Well, I hate swimming but I guess I’ll give it a go. And I’ll wear that awful life jacket you got me. Promise! We can go to Club4Paws tomorrow.”
Mother: “I can’t take you to the pool 3 times a week because I have to work and all the doggy pools will be closed by the time I’m done. So, I’m going to bring the pool to you. I will get an above ground pool for you so that you can swim at least a bit every day. We’re going to fight this ok Romeo? You are going to live forever.”
Me: “Yes Mother. I’m going to live forever.”
MoMo is born deformed, pes varus grade 2.
Surgery is not necessary but recommended, vet suggest swimming but not walking on hard ground for too long.
max 30mins a day.
Oh my!
be brave romeo! you will get thru this!
be strong Romeo!! I can volunteer to take him swimming on mummy’s off days…cuz mummy has off days on week days…we’ll be keeping u in our prayers lil one
Hey… remember me?? Lorrie from petschannel!
Romeo…. you are so strong! We’re on the same boat. I have a back problem… I need to swim more too! But we’ll pull through together. Won’t we? I’ll be praying for you everyday. Be strong! =D
Sometimes I wonder… if I would give up my own two legs to get that strong spirit of yours.
My dearest brother,
You will be fine. Think positive. Do and eat the things Dr Lye adviced. You are a strong boy. Let’s do this together ok? You are still young. Don’t worry, yea? Your big brother’s here to help you!
Swimming is going to help a lot. Swimming is the best exercise. Tell your mummy not to worry too much too. You will pull through this one.
I love you little brother!
Thanks for your thoughts everyone! I will be strong don’t worry. I’m Mother’s brave little warrior. I have to be strong for Mother because she’s about ready to crumble all the time. She thinks I won’t have long to live. She really is a pessimistic one!
Poor Momo! Has she been swimming alot? You tell her I think she still look kawaii cute ok?
Kayla, you’re so sweet to offer! Mother has ordered a big tub which will be delivered tomorrow. She plans on putting me in it daily to get some swimming in so she won’t have to bother you! Kayla’s welcome to use the “pool” if she wants of course!
Carol, hi!! I’m so sorry to hear you have a back problem! Swim more! Make it go away! You have a strong spirit too girlie. We’ll be strong together!
Taylor brother, I heart you to no end.
so sorry to hear about this, stay strong romeo we will all be here for you, if you need any help just let us know
with love : Diva, ruthie, fraser, mambo and mebo !
I’m so sorry to hear you are having trouble with draggy hind legs!! DM at one year of age is almost unheard of, though, and this is a very difficult disease to diagnose correctly. There are a number of other things that can cause similar symptoms, and some of them ARE fixable through surgery. Have you had an MRI to rule out other problems? If not, it might be well worth it!
My 10 year old shepherd mix, Z, was diagnosed with DM 9 months ago, but the DNA test for DM that we did (http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/ancmntDM.htm) came back as “carrier”. His symptoms have not progressed over the course of the past 9 months, which would not be typical for DM. Even though his MRI didn’t show anything impinging on his spinal cord, we now think that his severe spondylosis is perhaps iminging on peripheral nerves, rather than DM. We still swim twice a week and do acupuncture once a month.
ooh me wanna come swim with u…we can have a swimming pawty and get the rest to come too! but ur house will be filled with drenched shelties muahahaha
Be brave romeo! Things will be fine, you will see.
I watched your video for the levels training contest (sorry, can’t remember the name of the contest) and you’re awesome.
Best wishes to you and your mom.
Thanks you guys! Mother is feeling better but I’m tired! I’ve been dragged to go swimming and walking up hills and all.
Mother intends on finding out more and getting second (sorry, THIRD) opinion on me if she can find a vet she trusts. She’s just preparing herself for the worse. Pessimistic woman that one. She’s keeping her fingers crossed that my condition doesn’t get worse. She’s can deal with it the way it is and try and help me improve but if it gets bad.. well. Let’s hope it doesn’t!
We want to say that we truly and deeply appreciate the support and well wishers of all of you, our doggy friends. You guys are great.
)
=D I’m glad you’re mother is relieved Romeo! Hope you get better soon too! I’ll cheer you on *waves banner* Here’s a website which has some good advice: http://home.ivillage.com/pets/symsolve/0,,ljl6,00.html
But maybe you’ve read it before! Anyways, jiayous to getting better!
Oh yes, feel free to drop me an email when you need! Always know we love you Romeo!
go for it! Romeo, we noe u can go it!
be brave, fight it till the end!
we’ll pray for you too!
get well soon!