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Sick shi-tzu
Sent to Pet Experts October 05 08:45 PM

Our 12 year old shi-tzu was diagnosed with a calcium build up on his neck. Was given steroids and was doing better but now he seems to be walking funny again and his tongue keeps hanging out. We were told that he (our vet) could do no more but he would send us to a surgeon in Phoenix as he was not very optimistic. He is our baby, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Lana

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Info Request
October 5 10:05 PM (1 hour and 20 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
A few questions first..."calcium build up on his neck" do you mean on his Cervical vertebra? And if so your vet was suggesting a surgery to remove or stabilize the vertebra?
Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian
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Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 991 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine
Answer
October 6 5:07 AM (7 hours and 1 minute and 59 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

  Get a second opinion right away. Go to an old pro who does not need the money.
STay away from the whippersnappers.
Get an X-Ray of the back , neck, and head. Ask the doc. to sit down with you
and review the pictures in detail .
Have him put the answers in layperson terms so we all understand.
Ask him if a blood test  is necessary.
Get a folder and collect all records of your babies health
and combine them with the new X-rays and other reccommended tests
along with the doctor explination and summery.

Remember all the x-rays and records are yours you paid for the service
and you want all the stuff. Keep the folder up to date to show it to the
next doctor if necessary.

Don't beleave them: I had a brain tumer at 16 and here I am 30 years later ,
one in a million. I have two Shi-tzu's one named micky aftyer Mikail GOrbichof
and the other named Clinton because of his birthday. They are mature but in good health .

I feel confident that something can be done with your baby.
Don't give up' Keep your head up.

All the best to you, Thanks for your question

Monika



Dr. Monika List, DVM
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Critter doctor -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 17 Pet Accepts
Veterinarian with experience in small animal clinic and exotics. Currently working with Zoo Ave.
Reply
October 6 2:31 PM (9 hours and 23 minutes and 56 seconds later)
         
Response to DanaDVM's Post: I will give you a condensed version as it is a long story.Took him on vacation with us in my parent's coach. We carried him down the steps put him down to go potty and he cried out for no reason we thought. We were sure he got stung by a bee as there were a lot of them around. He carried his front leg and would not walk on it. After 3 days and he was no better we took him to a Vet in Oregon that was his vet for 7 years before moving to Arizona. It was a weekend and it was a vet tech on call and she was stumped as when she examined him he was perfect for her and with us he would cry out if you touched him in a certain way. He still had a great appetite (still does) but she gave him some mild muscle relaxers till we could get him back home. We drove straight through 17 hours and he was getting worse all the way home. His tongue was hanging out and he was so weak he could not stand on his own. Our vet took X-rays and said there was a spot on his neck that looked like an old injury that was calcified ? He put him on steroids and we had to keep him imobile which consisted of carrying him around 24/7 for a week. He was slowly getting better but still not the perky pup he has always been but the last 2 days he has strted to walk almost crooked and wants to be held all the time. Which is just not him. The vet said if the steroids did not work that he would have to refer us to a surgeon as he would not be able to help him any further. He is a great vet and we really like him but we both felt like he was completely stumped by this one. I so much appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks again.Lana
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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