GatorRay
I am in total control....I think
- Feb 25, 2011
- 3,432
- 227
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Gator & Lucy Goosey, the Basset and Gigi (AKA Gypsy)
As some of you know, Gator has had some problems with his front left leg. Over the time that he was "resting" it has only gotten worse. He actually woke up at 2 in the morning one night breathing fast and heavy with intermittent panting. I gave him a pain pill and massaged his neck, shoulder and leg and after about 40 minutes the breathing slowed and he went back to sleep. The theory that he sprained something is now out the window. We have seen the best orto vet in town twice now. At his last exam, after taking 9 x-rays of his leg, shoulder and neck he has still not found anything on the x-rays to indicate a problem. He twisted and turned him every which way, watched him walk and run up and down the hallways many times and his conclusion is that he thinks there is a neuro issue meaning with the nerves & muscles. He would like to send us to get an MRI and the place that does it is going to call on Tuesday after the holiday to schedule the appt. They will have to put him under to do the MRI and I am really nervous about that. The ortho said to wait two weeks before doing the MRI to see if anything changes with strict rest.
Part of what he is concerned about is how he drags his front feet which I have found by reading here is a common thing for a bulldog. He seems pretty knowledgeable about the breed but I am wondering if I should take him to Shively to the "bulldog" vet and get another opinion? So far, this has cost us over $1,000 and the MRI will be another $800 and then another $100 for the visit back to the ortho afterwards. This doesn't include any treatment (if there is any) or maintenance of an issue. I do have to say, that we WILL pay it if it is necessary. He is a very young boy (9 months) and we will do whatever we can to make sure he has a long, happy, healthy life. BUT what if it is something that the bulldog vet might recognize more readily? Ack....not sure what to do here. He is still limping. It comes and goes after he lays down for a while. Once he starts moving around, it gets better. The ortho stated that he felt is was a weakness in his front leg and is affecting his back leg on the same side as well but to a lesser degree.
Any advice? Thoughts?
Part of what he is concerned about is how he drags his front feet which I have found by reading here is a common thing for a bulldog. He seems pretty knowledgeable about the breed but I am wondering if I should take him to Shively to the "bulldog" vet and get another opinion? So far, this has cost us over $1,000 and the MRI will be another $800 and then another $100 for the visit back to the ortho afterwards. This doesn't include any treatment (if there is any) or maintenance of an issue. I do have to say, that we WILL pay it if it is necessary. He is a very young boy (9 months) and we will do whatever we can to make sure he has a long, happy, healthy life. BUT what if it is something that the bulldog vet might recognize more readily? Ack....not sure what to do here. He is still limping. It comes and goes after he lays down for a while. Once he starts moving around, it gets better. The ortho stated that he felt is was a weakness in his front leg and is affecting his back leg on the same side as well but to a lesser degree.
Any advice? Thoughts?