Scout Diagnosis and Treatment

Scout did attend his neurology appointment in Scarborough, ME.  We learned so much that day, some good, some not too good.
We were prepared to do X-rays, that would examine the size of his heart.  We had to have this because the vet had read his previous x-rays and in her opinion was not satisfied with the way his heart looked on the films.  His heart appeared to be larger than normal, however with the way he was photographed, she mentioned it could be the way he was laying on the table.  It was hard to tell from the films taken at the first vet visit.
To be able to safely put him under anesthesia we needed to know exactly what was going on with Scout's heart. So that sunny day in July, Scout had a blood panel taken, x-rays of his chest and when the vet was satisfied he could be sedated, he was off for a MRI.  We were to leave Scout for approx. 3 hours while Dr Eifler examined the results.
I received a call from the vet while out.  She explained she had found some very rare abnormalities in the MRI.  She really needed to do a CAT scan to get to the bottom of what was going on with the disks in Scout's neck.  Our vet bills at this time had been calculated to 1900.00!  Through the Friends of Homeless Animals, INC of RI who was the rescue that I foster with, they had received approx. 1900.00 in donations for Scout!  What a wonderful thing for Scout.  We were able to get his testing completed.  Now a curve ball. I discussed the cost of the CAT scan with Dr Eifler, sure I would have to bring Scout back at a later date to continue the testing.  I would have to be allowed to raise more money or find grants, sponsorships, etc.
Dr Eifler gave me the amount which was WAY over the budget I had for Scout.
I had to tell her I could not do this at this time, we would have to bring him back.  That was a bad thing because he was already under with anethesia and bringing him back a second time meant another round of anethesia and more expenses!  Dr Eifler is one of the most caring vets I have met.  She explained she had to have the test to make a thorough exam and be certain of what she was seeing on MRI.  She offered to take payments and lowered the cost of the CAT scan to almost in half!  Not only did she help with the CAT scan expenses, she gave us discounts on almost all the exams Scout had that day.  We left her office owing 900.00 in additional bills...I had no idea how we would pay.  We do not use credit cards and I had no income to earmark for Scout.  I had to put this into the hands of  a Higher Authority to help me through this day.

after months of worry...the results!

This is the email I sent out to everyone who was concerned and worried for Scout:

Atlanto-axial subluxation, and for Scout it occurs at a very hard place to diagnose, or even see.  It is the first and second vertebrae of his cervical spine.  The subluxation is when the two vertebrae do not  'fit' together and are constantly slipping out of place.  #2, comes and goes into place and pinches the spinal column this causes him to have nerve problems with all four legs. Not to mention a lot of pain!  I know I've seen when this has actually pinched very badly on him.  He goes into a state of almost like shock.  It only lasts for a few moments, but I would have to say, this is probably when he feels the most pain.

This condition can be helped with the use of splints on his neck.  The hope is, the neck stays stable and creates scar tissue in that area to help hold the vertebrae in place.  He will have to wear a brace for 8 wks.  It is not like I can take it off either to give relief a little time..another vet must place the brace or it will harm him.The brace is a 'no-bite' collar that is velcroed around his neck, holding his head high and neck straight.  It has a strap that goes around under his front leg and snaps to hold the collar in place.  There is danger of choking, over heating, getting mis-placed on his neck.  So he must have complete NO activity for 8wks.  He should not walk around, play, or run.  In fact, they suggest putting him in a crate for 8wks, only 5mins at a time out for potty breaks.  

 We also have to go to hand feeding and a syringe for water again!  We did this when he first came because he couldn't hold his head up that long.  

He also is being given more meds to help the pain.  He takes tramadol everyday, he's getting that plus Prednisone and Gabapetin for nerve pain.  So it will be a long 8 wks for Scout, I am sure.  He threw his tantrum this morning as every good Diva should.  He wanted it off and he tried his best until Momma made him stop!This is Scout's best hope for a brighter tomorrow.  Surgery as explained to me is very risky at best.  The pins needed to hold the vertebrae in place go so close to the spinal column that he could even die from the surgery.

Not a good diagnosis, but one we had to live with.  He was not a good candidate for surgery and had to rely on the brace to cause the scar tissue to form and 'hold' his disks in place.  This will last until such time as he has a fall in a bad way, the tissue will give loose.  We can only pray for Scout and hope he has many, many tomorrows...