More doctor visits

Mr. Lava-Java is now about 6 weeks post-op and has had a busy couple of weeks! 

It was thought that the pain Lava has been experiencing was due to an injured disc in his neck.  Because he’s not a good candidate for surgery, GEGR decided to try an acupuncture visit with Dr. Feldhaus of Three Notch Vet.  Here is a summary from Lava’s foster mom after the first visit:

The needles stayed in place for 15 minutes.  Toward the end I could see he was really starting to relax. He wouldn’t lay down but I was afraid he would fall over.  The last few minutes his head was totally resting on my arm.  He slept very deeply and soundly last night.  We heard more yelps than we had the past few days.  Although his pain seemed more intense, it seemed fleeting and he appeared to be comfortable between episodes of pain spasms.  His skin seemed a little more “twitchy” and irritable today which makes sense that the increased blood flow would make the entire area hypersensitive.   Dr. Feldhaus said we would notice improvement in 2-3 days IF there was improvement with the first treatment.  He goes back for his second treatment a week from Friday and will have a treatment every week for 6-8 weeks.

Lava’s Acupuncture

After further discussions with Dr. Feldhaus, it was decided that Lava should be evaluated by a neurologist.  Lava and his crew trooped up to Leesburg on October 1st for an evaluation with Dr. Tiches at Bush Veterinary Neurological Service.

 

He had an MRI, spinal tap, blood work, and many other diagnostic tests.  The MRI was clear – no disc problem!  We’re still waiting for some other test results, but in the meantime, Lava is back on antibiotics for a possible spinal infection and some different pain meds.

Some more pictures of the Lava Man:

Lava’s New Ruffwear Vest!

Relaxing at Home

(What do you notice about the last photo???  Another first for Lava… *wink*)

Lava Java continues to improve, especially over the last week or so.  Thanks again for all of your support!