Mollie lost the battle. The pinched nerves continued up her spine to almost her neck. She began losing control of her front limbs. Justin and I had to make a very tough decision. While we have been pulling for her and have been being strong for her, there is only so much pain you can watch your friend go through. So Mollie made her way to Heaven a little after midnight.
While I feel horrible for losing one of my best friends, I am relieved that she is no longer suffering.
Rest in peace Mollie.You have touched more lives than you can think.
I noticed her limping when I took her out to go potty. She seemed slower. I figured it was because of some of the ice & snow left in my driveway. But when we got inside, that's when I knew that she had a relapse of her IVDD.
Less than an hour later, she lost all use of her legs....
I still have to go to work today, but as soon as it's 8:00, I am calling the vet to see if I can start the drug regimen that she was on last time.
She got through this last time. With strict crate rest and the drugs (this is called conservative treatment) she made a full recovery.
It doesn't make this any easier. I hate seeing her in pain. I hate seeing her shake and cry.
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Update:
We just got back from the vet and the prognosis isn't very good for a full recovery. Basically, Mollie has lost deep tissue sensation. Once that point is reached, the probability for paralysis is extremely high. At this point, she cannot use her hind quarters. Since it is so early, all we can do is the drug regimen that she had last time and hope she will recover, or at least start to be comfortable. Once the inflammation goes down in her spine, if paralysis were to happen, it would be pain-free.
Because paralysis has a higher probability now, we will probably have to get her a little cart and some bum pads to prevent her hiney from chafing (she will have to walk by dragging her hind legs).
We have a lot of hope for Mollie to have a full and happy life, even after paralysis.
My new brother, Frankie, arrived yesterday. Mommy and Daddy woke up very early and got me all harnesses up and took me with them to get Mr. Frankie at some rest stop. He was in crate, so I couldn't get to know him like I wanted to!! I was barking and whining the entire car ride home.
When we got home, we got to sniff each other. I was a little bit wary of him so I kept my distance. He isn't as hyper as I am, and that bugged me! How can you not want to jump about and carry on and be awesome??
Mommy and Daddy were nice, though. They kept telling me how much they loved me and that I was still their special little girl.
I think I like him. He's quiet and nice. He likes to give Mommy and Daddy kisses, and that kinda makes me jealous because I like to give them kisses.
But I think this will work out. Welcome to the family, big brother!
If you are interested in pictures, please see my blog here.
