CT update for Kitzel

[edelweiss]

Yesterday afternoon Kitzi had his CAT scan---we spent several hours there & they ended up doing almost a full body scan. The two young doctors (one a surgeon & one a radiologist) were incredibly nice & knowledgeable.
They took Kitzi outside for a little trot to see his limp (he can walk mostly without a limp, but not trot, he can run like a bunny, and he can dance on his back legs!) This last week he was playing w/Lisi & holding up his left back leg like he did before surgery #1.
The vet was impressed w/his history & all that we have tried to "fix" him. They did validate the limping, but in the end were at a loss as to what more we can do to help him.
The spine shows no overt issues (although they did say there could be something smaller which isn't apparent on the CT scan---but we don't think so). His back does hump to some extent & they can not explain the limp. They feel (as did A & M) that the LP surgery was done (in an old fashion way) but successful. The patella was where it should be.

They did say that a partial tear would require a CT scan by a pediatric machine since their's could not determine this issue on such a tiny dog.

We are not sorry to have had this news although the vet felt sad that he was unable to help w/his limp. He said it is "a very difficult case." Tell me about it!
Kitzi was glad to come home & get a special dinner!

[Yogi's Mom]

Kitzi,Maybe No News Is Good News,And This Might Pass. Sure Hope So Sweetie!-Nickee In Pa*

[MalteseJane]

Sandi my daughter has a chihuahua who is limping. We had x-rays done under anesthesia and there is nothing wrong with his leg or hip. Vet thought first it could be the hip. So we are at a loss too. He is not limping all the time. He runs, he jumps, he goes hiking with them. I wonder since he came from a rescue group if he was not hurt when he was a stray and it has become a habit now.

[maltese manica]

Originally Posted by Yogi's Mom

Kitzi,Maybe No News Is Good News,And This Might Pass. Sure Hope So Sweetie!-Nickee In Pa*

I agree with Nickee at least Kitzi was happy to go home for dinner

[edelweiss]

Originally Posted by MalteseJane

Sandi my daughter has a chihuahua who is limping. We had x-rays done under anesthesia and there is nothing wrong with his leg or hip. Vet thought first it could be the hip. So we are at a loss too. He is not limping all the time. He runs, he jumps, he goes hiking with them. I wonder since he came from a rescue group if he was not hurt when he was a stray and it has become a habit now.

If Kitzi held up the back leg all the time & did not alternate between them, I would be inclined to think it might be a habit w/him too, but it is so irregular that I can't make myself believe it is w/him.
Yesterday the vet felt at first that it might be the way the head of the bone fits into the pelvic area, and when he moves it causes pain. He has become somewhat bow-legged in the back legs and that was why he thought this may be a problem. He also has muscle loss on the left side.
He called it a real conundrum.

[Sylie]

Poor wittle Kitzi. At least you (sort of) ruled out any major problem. It might be something that you all just have to live with... as long as he isn't in terrible pain. Give him a hug for me.

Should I send some Sonoma County pinot noir and some Sharffenberger chocolate?

[dntdelay]

So is there anything else you guys are going to do about it? Maybe not doing anything is the best thing. Just wondering

[edelweiss]

Originally Posted by Sylie

Poor wittle Kitzi. At least you (sort of) ruled out any major problem. It might be something that you all just have to live with... as long as he isn't in terrible pain. Give him a hug for me.

Should I send some Sonoma County pinot noir and some Sharffenberger chocolate?

Very tempting!
Maybe we will meet up when I come to visit daughter #2 & enjoy that together!

[edelweiss]

Originally Posted by dntdelay

So is there anything else you guys are going to do about it? Maybe not doing anything is the best thing. Just wondering

Audrey, not now, maybe never!
I told the vet when he picked up Kitzi to give him anesthesia yesterday "be careful that dog is literally worth his weight in gold" (in terms of the investment we have in him)! and may I say. . . truly worth every cent!

[Zoe's Mom88]

Sandi, I guess not finding anything was a good thing but I know how you must feel not having an answer. I bet he was happy to get home and have a special dinner. Poor baby!