More episodes last night..
I was hoping they were going away since most were so mild yesterday... but no, she was shaking the bed like a coin operated vibrating bed.. ha ha ha
Ok, so we went to the vet today...
I explained the history that I knew and gave her age, as I knew it... I showed them the videos.. They were quite shocked at the videos and acted as if they had never seen anything like it. They said they were pretty certain it was not seizures, but they had no clue as to what might be causing it. They also said that if nothing turned up at today's visit, the next step would be to a vet neurologist. I said I already knew that but wanted to check for the common before I look for the rare. I told them my concerns about thyroid, sugar levels, central nervous system disorders, dehydration, allergies, liver and kidney function, possible parasites and anything else I could think of. I also explained that funds were extremely limited and that I would probably not be able to afford vaccines today... they understood and didn't probe or judge about that, for which I was grateful. I also question about how skinny her middle is... They seemed unconcerned about that.. I asked why I could feel her spine and ribs so easily and they didn't have an answer.. just that her weight is fine (41lb) and that her fat layer is good and that it's just they way her build is.... ok, fine. So then they go out and come back with a lit of recommended tests (keeping budget in mind) and ask me what I want to do...
Blood work (more than what they usually do "in house" so it was more costly and would take 2-3 days since they have to send it out)
Urinalysis, for which they would have to perform a Cystocentesis (costly and invasive sounding)
Fecal test (no big deal)...
and Some Rx ear cleaner.. she might have a very mild infection in her right ear... I already have ear cleaner left over from Pudge.. and they weren't positive about the ear infection anyway. So I went with the blood work and the fecal test... I said I would do more but only if they would let me pay for it by cleaning kennels or mowing or something... they laughed until they saw I wasn't lauging... then it was just awkward and the subject was changed...
Good news.. the fecal test showed no signs of parasites or anything else unusual. I'll have to wait for the blood work, but I was sure to ask if I could have a printed copy of the results so I can post it here when I get it...
Here is what really irked me though...
The only physical touching (besides petting) was when they looked in her ears and listened to her heart.. no palpation of belly, head, neck, abdomen, lymph nodes, no looking inside the mouth or nose, no bristling of the fur to check skin condition or anything.. They never even asked me what or how much I was feeding her, only if she was eating and drinking normally. When I asked about hydration, they checked her gums and said they were moist enough and she seemed to be fine. When I asked about sugar levels and if they thought it would be a good idea to actually check her blood sugar levels at home, they said adult dogs (except for toy breeds) rarely have a problem with sugar levels and can even go a few days without food and still not show significant change in blood glucose (by this time, I have lost all confidence)... So, then I just accept that I will just have to wait for the test results and then find a new vet (already have one in mind, but he was still out for the holiday today)..
So, now a little good news... I also asked them to scan her to see if she had a microchip. This was just in case she was lost or stolen. When I got her, I scoured craiglslist and all missing and stolen bulldog reports to see if anyone was searching for her. I found nothing, but have always been a little worried about it in the wee back of my mind, mostly because I am so clueless about her history. Also I would want the same courtesy if my babies were seperated from me for any reason... As it turns out, she does have a Home Again microchip. (the 10 minutes they went to research owner or vet info for the microchip were the longest of my life) but no information has ever been registered to it. They even called Homa Again just to be sure... and Home Again said I could just register my information with her chip number... Yippie!
So, now it is just a game of "wait and see." My plans are to switch her from Fromm classic to Fromm 4star (a friend whose dog passed a few weeks ago is giving me what she has left over to try), feed her the same amout of food but spread it over the course of the day, suppliment with yogurt honey eggs and banannas, hydrate like crazy (she got sick of me trying to squirt water in her mouth so now I put a couple teaspoons of chicken broth in about 2 cups of water and it all dissapears like magic).
I have looked at all the links and read every single word of advice, suggestions, and encouragement... And I will keep doing so.. keep it coming. I am so greatful for the feedback, knowlege and support... I'll keep updating.
