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Dakota is in hospital

3K views 55 replies 39 participants last post by  Harley & Dakotas Mum 
#1 ·
On Thursday night Dakota was playing with her bird friends as usual. I have posted videos of her doing it here before so some of you have seen her in action - and have seen how she stalks the birds, almost cat-like, and very, very slowly. Well, she ran this time and something?? happened, and she started screaming!! She came towards me dragging her back leg. I scooped her up & we came inside. I was freaking. I gave myself 5 minutes to calm down & call the vet ... they closed at 7 pm, it was then 7.10 pm.

So off to the ER vet we went. By this stage, she had started to lose movement in her rear. I had initially thought it was her knee, but at this point, I was starting to think spine. ER vet did a thorough exam and was a bit at a loss - Dakota was not indicating any pain points. ER vet sent us home after giving a shot for pain (Dakota was panting & shaking), and told us to see our regular vet in the morning for an x-ray.

Friday morning I had to admit Dakota to our regular vet for an X-Ray. After an anxious wait of about 3 hours, I got a call from our local vet that the x-ray was not showing much and that I had a choice - leave her & see how she did, or consult with a specialist down in Sydney (3 hour round trip) and get a CT scan done.

I called the specialist centre (SASH - Small Animal Specialty Hospital) and got an appointment for 2.30 yesterday (Friday). She was admitted to SASH at about 3.30 yesterday afternoon. I then got the call from the surgeon at about 6 pm last night - he had done the CT, and he thought she would need surgery, but he wanted the scans to be seen by a radiologist before he went ahead. At this point, he suspected a slipped disk. He told me that he would call me this morning, but if I hadn't heard from him by 10 am, to call him.

I called at 10 am - he was busy, so I left a message. I sat fretting for 2 hours still not knowing if she needed surgery or not and at 12 noon, I called again ... I was on hold for what felt like forever, before being told he was still busy - this is an emergency centre, so I had to *try* to remain calm, and remind myself that Dakota must be considered more stable than some other poor animals.

The surgeon called me back at 1 pm today. He offered me 2 options - 1) Keep her confined, and see how she goes. If she didn't improve in about a week, surgery would be needed. Or 2) Do the surgery now to relieve the compression on her spine. I asked him to do the surgery.

Its now 2.45 pm Saturday - he told me not to expect to hear back from him until at least 4 pm.

I am now playing the 'wait for the phone to ring' game again .... I have a wait of at least an hour, but although he said 4 pm, I think that's the earliest I will hear anything ... so it could be 2 or more hours before I hear.

I will update as soon as I know anything.

To anyone considering pet insurance - do it! I dont have it, but really wish now that I did. Vet explained to me that a slipped disc can happen pretty much any time. A dog could be just sitting there doing nothing and it can happen. Although the horse has already bolted, Im going to get insurance now.
 
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#27 ·
Jacqui, I know how your heart must have skipped a beat and your adrenaline started surging when you heard Dakota scream. You are fortunate that your vet referred you to a specialist and that you were able to get in right away. I admire you for having the courage to go ahead with the surgery. For Dakota it was definitely the right decision and sped up the recovery process by at least a week. Praying that Dakota is back in your arms very soon and heals quickly.
 
#33 ·
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts & wishes for my baby girl.

Its now 5 am Sunday. I crashed & burned at 6.30pm last night & put myself to bed. I had a full 10 hours sleep. I did wake a couple of times, missed her in my bed, but was glad to have Harley there to cuddle.

I haven't called to check on her yet. I will leave it a few more hours. The surgeon explained it would probably be Monday before he makes a decision on when she can come home. He said it could be 7 - 10 days, or it could be as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. I will just have to wait & see.

I washed all the pups bedding yesterday & gave the crate a wipe down, so we are all ready for her when she is allowed to come home. I imagine it will be strict crate rest for some time.
 
#39 ·
Jacqui -- saw this on FB and have been praying for you and Dakota. Hope she's doing well. Do you know when she will get to come home?

Continuing prayers and sending lots of hugs your way.
Thanks Lynn. No, I dont know when she can come home yet. I dont expect to know until tomorrow (Monday). Its not yet 7.30 am Sunday morning, so I havent called to check on her yet. I will probably call in another hour or so.
 
#43 ·
Dakota Update - Sunday 12:30pm. Wooohoooo!! :chili: GREAT news :chili:... "She is recovering WELL above the curve" - she is up & about, she has done a wee of her own accord (which is awesome!), she is eating & she has exceeded expectations!!! They are going to take her out for a little walk a little later. She is still wobbly, which is to be expected, but Dr expects a full recovery!!! When I asked how long she needs to stay, he said it depends on her pain relief needs. He said it could be tomorrow, but most likely either Tuesday or Wednesday!!

I asked about visiting – he said I could if I wanted – I said I was concerned she might get a bit worked up – he said if that’s the case, it’s probably best not to visit today. As much as I want to see her, I have to do what’s best for her recovery, so I will not go down to visit today.

I am SO RELIEVED!!! Oh, he also said she is very bright eyed & alert!! :wub:

Thank you again everyone for your support, its been a rough few days! We did NOT have a happy Valentines this year, thats for sure!
 
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