The vet listened to Scout's symtom's and felt around his pelvis area. His pelvis seemed to be in alignment. His symtoms actually matched a motor skill defect more than a skeletel issue. The vet had a suspicion of the neurological function being at fault due to a birth defect.
The vet ran all the tests on Scout, then took xrays and there it was..a gap in the bones between the base of the skull and spine. It seems the atlas and the disc's of the neck need to be fused to try and correct Scout's problem with walking and motor skills.
The estimate to do this surgery was 4000. to 5000.00. The vet being a orthopaedic surgeon could not even do the surgery, he would have to refer Scout to a Neurological Surgeon.
At that point, all I could do is take Scout home and promise him I would make sure he got the surgery he needed. Unfortunately, I don't have the money needed for a neuro surgery like that for Scout. I do know, somehow, someway, we will get him the surgery needed.
Scout is 2yrs 4mo old. He has lived his entire life so far in pain. He gets into a seizure like fit and starts shaking his head, tearing at his mouth, and forcefully rubbing his jaws on the floor. All the while he is whining and crying from the pain. He will be sound asleep and suddenly kick his legs out which results in him throwing himself backwards. He was in constant frustration when he first came to live with me.
The vet prescribed him Metacam to give him once per day. This is not the way he is in pain. He usually has an attaack in the morning and then again in at night around 11pm. When I first got him he would wake up almost every night at 2am in frustration and pain.
My major concern for Scout is to first get him out of pain. I don't know if there is anything slow release for pain for dogs, but I will find out. The next step is to get a commited estimate from a Neurosurgeon Vet. We have an appointment setup for this Friday to get another estimate.
I have been looking at several different sites for funding, grants, and possible pro bono surgeries from vets. There are a few sites that I will be able to apply for grants for Scout, so I don't feel completely out on the streets yet. They are very reputable places that will fund people who do not have the funds to pay for their pet surgeries. I am beginning to feel better for Scout!
His appointment is set for this Friday and we will have a new written estimate and hopefully an amount to begin our applying for funding.
Mary ~ How sad. You are a saint & I applaud you for taking on Scout's care.I wish you and Scout the very best. I'll stay tuned for the feedback from the visit to the specialist. I hope Scout's story will make people think twice before they give $ to a puppy mill. It's disgusting what they do. Hugs, Janine
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