“Murphy” Homersham–Terrier Mix
Pain can cripple the best, dogs included. Add the inability to function to this handicap and a great family member’s life can be forever changed. Murphy presented to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology for help. Murphy underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging study for progressive spinal cord dysfunction and pain. Following the diagnosis of an intervertebral disc extrusion, Murphy underwent successful surgical therapy. Murphy is now enjoying life again with his parents. You look dapper in your RMVN chest harness, Murphy!
“Eukie” Tarry – Malamute
We are often asked to define happiness for our pets. Eukie’s owners, Holly and Jason, allowed Eukie to dictate this pleasure for himself and his parents. They had no idea they were his vehicle. The picture cannot provide insight to the personality this dog had. Eukie greeted Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology with a friendly and helpful attitude, despite the inability to walk without weakness, discomfort and collapse. His family knew he was failing and asked for help.
Eukie underwent further testing which allowed for the diagnosis of idiopathic femoral thrombosis. Eukie had blockages of the main blood vessels providing blood flow to his rear legs. This resulted in inadequate delivery of energy molecules and the removal of toxic by-products from muscle function. The result, failure of muscle function and pain.
Aggressive management was implemented to thin his blood and increase blood flow to his muscles. Eukie never complained. After going home with his family, Eukie experienced a sudden lung complication from his disease resulting in respiratory difficulty and hospitalization. Even when fighting to breathe, Eukie found time to bay and howl! Sadly, Eukie slipped farther from our care despite a strong effort. Holly and Jason were asked to look inside and make the most difficult decision of their lives for their life-long companion. The Tarrys made this decision out of love as well as in thanks for all that Eukie had done for them and for the people he touched.
Your beautiful photograph demonstrates the joy he had with you both. Many of us will never begin to enjoy that which you gave to Eukie, and he returned to you 10 fold! We must also believe Eukie is still at the summit waiting. Eukie will be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts are with you both and your companion.
“Ebony” Golaszewski
Ebony always has a smile on her face, despite adversity. Ebony enjoys running with her 4-legged family members above all else. Suddenly unable to walk on all legs and in pain, Ebony was referred to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology for diagnosis and therapy. Ebony’s mom had only one question, “Will she be able to run with her family again?” Diagnosed with an acute intervertebral disc extrusion in her lower neck, emergent surgery removed the pressure off of her spinal cord. A rapid recovery ensued and Ebony is now running and playing with her housemates Roxy and Angel again. Better yet, she is pain free!
Rajah, the angelic-appearing Pomeranian in this photo has always enjoyed an active and outgoing lifestyle. Crippled by severe neck pain, Rajah was unable to enjoy racing up the stairs with BJ. Despite excellent medical care, Rajah was unable to function. Rajah was referred to RMVN and with magnetic resonance imaging, was diagnosed with a ruptured (herniated) disc. Dr. Lane performed surgery; with immediate relief of the neck pain Rajah was experiencing. Rajah now waits for the go ahead to race up the stairs again with BJ. On your mark, get set…
Dylan arrived to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology with the ability to win over the hearts of the hospital staff. This not only demonstrated his intellect, but his uncanny ability to find a way into our hearts. Dylan was battling a spinal cord disease that was destroying the function of his cervical (within his neck) spinal cord. Dylan had progressed to the point where he could no longer walk before presenting for further assessment and help. Following the neurological examination, Dylan underwent magnetic resonance imaging to define the cause and extent of his spinal cord dysfunction. Multiple compressions were found to be present in his neck. Surgical decompression followed with steady neurologic recovery noted. Dylan was discharged with a very promising future.
Despite the supportive efforts of his devoted owner, Dylan developed sudden and painful spinal cord dysfunction. Repeat imaging defined his problem to be caused by infection at his surgery site with reactive tissue compression of his spinal cord. Dylan again underwent surgery and the helping hands of the neurology staff. If it is true that lifelong bonds are defined by adversity and challenge, Dylan has many ties to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. As your picture demonstrates Dylan, you are again a force to be reckoned with.
After experiencing sudden onset of seizures, Shadow began a life-long association with Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. Through the adversity of seizures and repeated hospitalizations, Shadow always maintained a loving personality and strong desire to return home to her caring family. Mrs. Zonker commented that she watched Dr. Lane grow up after the many years of professional care given to Shadow. These years were good to Shadow and her family. She was loved, and knew it. She also gave back to her family. While we often talk of our successes to cure, Shadow is a testament to our ability to provide quality of life. Shadow experienced recurrent seizures due to epilepsy for over 9 years. Her parents allowed her to receive forefront care and medications, to help control her seizures and give her a greater quality of life. She utilized this gift afforded her by her family, and reciprocated 10-fold. For this we are happy. We all loved Shadow. She will be missed. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge March 24, 2010.
Buddy was an active part of the Helling family until a sudden onset of severe pain stopped his days of fun. Buddy was referred to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology for diagnosis and therapy. Buddy underwent magnetic resonance imaging and was diagnosed with a lateralized cervical (neck) intervertebral disc extrusion. Two surgeries later, Buddy is back at home with his family, pain free and enjoying walks and running with out pain. We admire your courage Buddy and your family’s dedication to a wonderful dog. Here’s to many more romps in the park.
Rosie enjoyed a wonderful lifestyle with her parents until she began to slow down and become painful. In late March, Rosie was reluctant to move, which quickly turned into dragging of her back legs. Rosie’s caring parents brought her to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology at VRCC. Rosie underwent MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and a ruptured intervertebral disc was diagnosed. Rosie underwent surgery and is once again getting the spring back in her step. Rosie is being fitted with RMVN’s summer striped polo and harness attire for her discharge from the hospital. “You look marvelous” Rosie!
Gracie, a 5-year old Dachshund rests quietly at home after experiencing sudden pelvic limb dysfunction, following an intervertebral disc extrusion in the middle of her back. Immediately following her MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Dr. Lane removed Gracie’s ruptured disc surgically. Gracie quickly recovered, then happily displayed herself in her pillow-palace, once home.
It’s a dog’s life after all!
Racing and playing with the other dogs one moment, unable to walk on all legs the next. What a stress! What a face! Noelle presented to Dr. Lane unable to walk and painful. Noelle was diagnosed with a type-3 disc extrusion in her neck. Following surgery, Noelle recovered quickly with return to an ambulatory status and without pain. Noelle is now home, active, energetic and pain free. Who can resist this face!
Nessie was an active, energetic dog, keeping the Lewis family moving at all times. Nessie experienced a sudden onset of pelvic limb dysfunction and dragging her rear limbs. In pain, Nessie presented to RMVN for help. An acute intervertebral disc extrusion was identified in her mid-back on MRI testing. Following successful decompressive surgery, mom reports that Nessie is ‘bouncing’ once again and proud to pose in her dapper vest provided by RMVN. Our staff fell in love with Nessie. What a cutie pie!
Macho is truly a lucky cat at home with his family. Macho is fortunate to have loving owners who are willing to provide the care an epileptic requires. Despite having to take medications twice a day, Macho takes everything in stride. When things get too hectic, a quick retreat to the forest keeps things in perspective.
An appetite for good biscuits is not a question for Casey and his housemate. If mom cannot make them quick enough, Casey is always happy to open the bag for her. Casey continues to enjoy life with a supportive mother and competitive housemate. Always looking for something to do, Casey has officially informed his mother that he loves WagPak biscuits. More please is correct!
Presenting his owners with the uneasy task of understanding how their dog’s rear legs stopped working, 4-Year old Buddy Cochran issued this challenge. They responded quickly by getting Buddy to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. Following neurologic examination, emergent magnetic resonance imaging and decompressive surgery we are happy to see Buddy pain free, walking and enjoying life “as a dog” again.
We could not resist adding Bree to our February Pet of the Month. Bree embraced her neurologic challenge with the tenacity of a pit bull! Bree experienced a sudden onset of mental, behavioral and functional change characterized by depression, imbalance and difficulty walking with frequent falling to her side. Bree underwent magnetic imaging study and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Diagnosed with encephalitis, therapy has resulted in a happy, outgoing family member. With continued therapy, Bree will enjoy many more photo opportunities with her family.
Is it hot in here or is it just me? Actually, I am just waiting for more chilled de-ionized water. Where else can you get 5-Star treatment from a specialty neurology service? Foxy Lady is recovering from an unusual antibiotic induced reaction affecting her coordination center of her brain. With a full recovery expected, Foxy is now at home with her mother. Life is now looking better.