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Hans Health - page 2
Hans' Health
Here's Hans after returning home from the vet school
Delightfully foggy - Hans likes to stand at the door while I am showering - this is what I see...
Hans' visit to LSU April/2005
We are trying to figure out why Hans is weaker in his back end lately and why he loses control of his bowels at times.  Hans' problem may be neurological, he could have a disk pressing against his spinal cord. So Hans went to LSU's vet school to meet all the smart people that could help him, plus he met a lot of girls, which he loved. He went there for 3 days of exams and procedures to try to find out how we can make him more comfortable. His bloodwork, urinalysis, radiographs and lumbosacral CT showed no significant abnormalities. CT scan did not show any compression of the lower lumbar spinal cord/nerves by protruded disc material, nor did it indicate any neoplastic bony changes. Spinal tap showed slightly elevated protein. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is not indicative of an infectious inflammatory process, but a neoplastic process can not be excluded completely. EMG results: supportive of lumbosacral junction or low lumbar canal lesion, abnormal potentials in the left lower limb. EMG changes are most consistent with a caudal lumbar lesion, but multifocal neuromuscular disease cannot be excluded completely.  Physical examination findings:  moderate hind limb ataxia, hyporeflexia of the rear limbs, bilateral hind limb muscle atrophy, mild left fore limb muscle atrophy, discomfort upon epaxial palpation of L7-S1 and upon elevation of the tail, moderate to mild loss of rectal tone, diminished hearing, some panting, urinary and fecal incontinence. Hans was required to stay overnight in the ICU on the day that he was given anesthesia for some procedures so they could monitor him.  He was then going to return home, and the plan was to schedule an MRI next in order to continue trying to pinpoint exactly what his problems are. This is where the plot thickens....
Hans with his favorite vet student, Kristen!
Hans in ICU with aspirate pneumonia
Hans has had a history of aspirate pneumonia because of his abnormal laryngeal function due to his old age. He has not had pneumonia in quite some time. He was coughing some on the morning that he was to be discharged. Sometimes dogs will cough because the tube used in their throat will irritate them a little, but because of Hans' history, a radiograph was done and it revealed that Hans had aspirate pneumonia in his left lung. Instead of coming home, Hans was treated for aspirate pneumonia in ICU for 9 days. He got excellent care and lots of love and attention from everyone. He seemed depressed for a couple of days, and he did not seem interested in eating for a day or so, but after a few days got his appetite back but remained picky and stubborn about what he would eat for a while. He stayed in ICU at LSU and was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, oxygen treatment, nebulization and coupage. I was able to visit him often and take him all his essentials, like his scooby pillow, cool stickers for his e-collar, and some of his favorite snacks.
I do not plan to have him anesthetized again for any further tests regarding his back end weakness, since the risk is too great for him to develop aspirate pneumonia again. We will figure out some treatment options with the information that has been gathered from the tests that have been done so far. Hans was taken out of his cage multiple times a day to go to the bathroom and to just sniff around and stretch his legs so he doesn't get stiff. At first he had to be coaxed to eat and was very picky, refusing canned dog food and opting for an array of things such as donut holes, meatballs, chicken chunks, turkey lunch meat, doggie biscuits, and vienna sausages. Hans loved all the attention he got at the vet school!  He especially enjoyed laying in his cage and resting, and watching everything that was going on around him, and watching all the people walk by and say hi to him. He adores everyone at the vet school for pampering him and taking such awesome care of him!
Hans with his oxygen tank during my visit with him
He may have tubes up his nose but he can still enjoy a meatball!
Here's Hans with his pal Kristen, who took excellent care of him!!
Hans resting in ICU
Hans in his oxygen cage - feeling better already...
Hans eating and feeling better!
Hans is home!!!
The day Hans returned home, he simply could not get enough of sniffing around the yard and going in and out the doggie door again, he was so happy to be home!  His siblings had been very worried about him and they were excited to see that he is okay and chilling at the crib once again!
Donut action
Hans with Dr. Lauer and Kristen Difulco
Hans' plan
Hans' neurologic workup did not indicate presence of any lesions compressing his spinal cord, his doctors at the vet school recommend providing supportive symptomatic therapy at this time. Due to Hans' neurologic deficits, he cannot empty his bladder completely. So I will express his bladder when he goes outside and monitor him for urinary tract infections. Hans continues to get nebulization, antibiotics, coupage and rest until his infection clears. He gets multiple slow daily walks in the yard. He continues his arthritis supplements, along with Metacam and Tramadol as instructed by his local vet.  Will try Adequan if his arthritis worsens. Next appointment is April 26, 2005...click here for details!

 

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