Phoenix, was brought in this morning at Hospital Veterinario JG by Peter Singh and Jean.
The neurologist Juan Manuel Griñan met them & Phoenix and did an anamnesis and tested in their presence the reactions of Phoenix using a mosquito (like pinching you) to check on nerves and muscles too. As Phoenix was dehydrated and was not moving at all when he arrived, first thing was to make some tests before doing any MRI (like taken x-rays and an ultrasound of the heart). First Phoenix underwent X-rays of his whole spine, organs & body.
Then Juan called for the heart specialist Jose Griñan who did an ultrasound of the heart and discovered an important heart enlargement. After that, all internal organs were checked with the ultrasound...spleen, liver, etc...(results were given to Peter&Jean). After Juan had checked all the previous blood results, he took a bloodsample because he thought there could be another problem and indeed... Phoenix tested poitive for Filarias in his blood. Then Juan did a complete manual check like checking all the vertebra's, neck, thorax, lumbar and sacral area, spine and marrow were tested and were OK.
That is where a very special test could be done with a certain type of medication to see if it was indeed a nerve problem (apart from a muscle problem because of the muscle atrophy). Juan did the injection and we just had to wait a few minutes.
Of course, Phoenix was never alone, he had a whole team of people around him to take care of him and watch out for him. Exactly 5 minutes after the injection, Juan stood up to watch the reaction in Phoenix... and yes... Phoenix started to move, lifting this head. A few vets helped to get Phoenix in balance and helped to coordinate his movements. As you can see on the video, Phoenix started to walk. (PS. The salivating is a consequence of the medication). Phoenix was tested extensively and as all tests were negative for spine damage etc... and the injection confirmed he could walk, no MRI was necessary any more.
Peter and Jean were shown which medication to give for the next 2 weeks and the exact physio to do with Phoenix, meaning massage, extention and flexion of all legs and the exercise of standing up for 10 minutes 3 times a day. In 2 weeks time they are expected back at the clinic with Phoenix, but Juan already wants an update in 3 days of the evolution and gave his email so Peter could contact him any time. In the end, Juan worries more about the bad condition of Phoenix heart, then that he would walk again. Phoenix was dehydrated although drinking all the time as Peter said.
Conclusion: Phoenix is a very old dog with severe arthritis, spondilyosis, has an important heart problem, was dehydrated and has atrophied muscles. With the new medication, lots of chicken soup and the soft physio Juan prescribed without any ball or so, Phoenix should be walking at home as he did in the clinic very soon.
See you in 2 weeks Phoenix xxxxx
Album with story and pics at: https://www.facebook.com/eva.servais/media_set?set=a.10152554238736050.1073741889.562521049&type=1&pnref=story
