Seeking answers

22 June 2014

I realize that it has been a very long time since the last update about Milo which has a lot to do with too much work and a lot to do with the fact that he's been not doing very well physically with mobility.  Not sure why he's been declining but have been giving him supportive care with massage, chiropractic and acupuncture.

We are going to the U of MN Vet School tomorrow to see the neurologist and hopefully get some answers for our boy.

This is a photo from late May where Milo found a cool and picturesque spot to hang out in the shade.

Pain in the neck

7 May 2014

Milo's appointment today with Dr; Choi went really well. We discussed the concern over Milo's weak hind end including the fear of this being neurological. She also suggested the an MRI or CT scan might reveal disc problems. Several manual tests were performed at the start of the appointment. Turning over the toes on the hind feet was once of them. His response time to right the toes was very slow.

We also discussed his diet and Dr. Choi determined that the protein he's been on - fish - is not right for his disposition which is damp heat.; So we will add duck and turkey.

Then Milo was given acupuncture which he tolerates very well. He is always up for being touched. He had a bit of anxiety about 1/2 way when the electricity was added. Electroacupuncture provides a tiny current to the needles so they are more effective.

Following the acupuncture, Dr. Choi gave Milo some tui na massage. She determined through manipulation that Milo is having some neck problems and acupuncture may very well do the trick for him. She will also order more custom herbs for him.

 After the exam Milo rose much easier and the manual test with flipping his rear toes was again administered. His response time was immediate. It was really great to be able to help him. He looks more alert already. We have another appointment next week for more accupuncture and Dr. Choi feels that this may do the trick. We can hold off on MRI and CT for now.  Oh, and he immediately pooped when we went outside. I guess he really did feel good!

Back again

29 April 2014

On Sunday Milo, Sabrina and Leo visited our friend Kathy the canine massage therapist with Canine Massage For Movement.  Kathy has been instrumental in helping Milo and Sabrina with feeling more comfortable and able to move more freely and comfortably.

She worked on Milo first.  He was very happy to be touched and massaged.

Milo has had a pretty rough week. The relief he was receiving from the herbs prescribed by Dr. Choi at the U of MN was evident when they ran out and he was demonstrating a great deal of discomfort with standing and walking. He began having accidents in the house and found it too difficult to keep up with our strolls around the yard. He has been my little shadow since the day he arrived so this change in behavior was very startling.

After his massage therapist discovered that his sloped posture seemed to be generated from his caudal sacral area two vets suggested that an x-ray of the area would help diagnose the issue. Yesterday at the U of MN he was lightly sedated and given a pain injection for the imaging procedure. He had a really rough time with the drugs and could barely walk even into the late afternoon. Last evening he was still "drunk". I was relieved that by this morning he was back to himself.

The x-rays revealed that his pelvic skelton is normal. So... we know he is in pain but we don't yet know why. Dr. Choi wants to see him next week. In the meantime, I am giving him 81 mg baby aspirin AM and PM which seems to give him some relief. So frustrating.

Life's full of ups and downs

22 April 2014

Last week Milo accompanied Sabrina for a visit with Dr. Choi at the U of MN Vet School.  Milo was getting close to finishing his herbs and is still very weak in the hind end and doing a lot of "sloping" when standing.  More and more it has become difficult for him to keep up with us at the dog park and people have been asking if he is an old dog.

Dr. Choi had several sophomore veterinary students observing her appointments for the morning and both Milo and Sabrina took full advantage of their attention.

Milo's blood work shows that his monocytes although still in the normal range are at the very high end of normal and have risen significantly from his last test.   Dr. Choi did not like that he did not respond the way that she had hoped with the herbs to help his back.   Another round of herbs is being developed for Milo. 

Milo Montage

1 April 2014

Some photos of Milo (and friends) out and about over the last couple of weeks.

At the park. 

In the back yard

Nice ears! 

2 collies who need attention.  Now. 

Milo and Mao napping. 

Nice sky at the park.  A little weak in the hind end.  

Leo tastes like chicken! 

Nice sun at the park. 

Electric blue

18 March 2014

Milo visited with students and one of them had lovely BLUE nails.   He enjoyed himself immensely and took his first ride in an elevator.  Head tilt at the "ding!" sound.   Handled it like a pro. 

Just touch me! 

Vicious news circle?

14 March 2014

Milo is in the news and you can read it here.

The circle is that the news article links up to this blog in some places - so don't get dizzy!