No good news for our little Micah :(

[Povodny]

I'm putting the cat among the pigeons here, but I'm not sorry, I'm actually happy Micah has you Rosemary, not everyone would do what you're doing to help her. Xx

[Devildust76]

This is a bit long winded, but need to talk it through ...........

We took Micah for a second opinion on her hip today. And the news is not good at all.

The vet we saw, says Micah (who is just over 3 years old) has an extreme malformation - so much so that it looks as if she had been in an accident (struck by a car or something similar). We said no, we re-homed her when she was five months old and she was fine and has never been in an accident or injured herself. She asked a lot of questions, like how long she has been showing symptoms - we told her about 4 months and that she was under the care of another vet.

She said with a malformation like Micah has, it is amazing that she is as agile as she is and that she hasn't shown more severe signs long, long before now

She asked us about her diet, we told her she was on a Prey Model raw diet with ACV, kelp and Omega 3 Fish, and Omega 3 Flax oil supplements and has been on this diet from the day she arrived at our home at 5 months old. She asked for a detailed breakdown of what she eats every day. She was quiet for a while just looking at the x-rays and said, she is putting her neck on the line here, but she wouldn't be at all surprised if the 100% balanced raw diet in conjunction with the oils is the reason why Micah has kept this crippling condition at bay for so long.

Anyway, the vet is not comfortable with doing any corrective/replacement surgery and has now referred us to a specialist. There are quite a few options open to us apparently, but we will see what the specialist has to say first, before we know in what direction we will take it.

The worst part of it all is that we had no idea - none whatsoever She regularly went on 5km runs with Monty for about a year, until he stopped running competitively a few months ago. If we had known or even suspected that there was a problem, we would never have allowed it, because it did worsen the situation, without a doubt.

Monty and I were discussing this this afternoon -

If Micah and Ozzy were on a Hills, Science Plan or Mera Dog diet, which is the type of food we get in SA, and not a raw diet, we would probably have picked this up earlier and we would have been able to do something sooner. So maybe the raw diet did her no favours

It feels as if we have failed her somehow, I just hope we can give her a comfortable life from here forward. Monty is taking this very badly, Micah is his little girl, wherever he is, you will find Micah

[ATTACH=CONFIG]67834[/ATTACH]

So sorry to hear about Micah How could you have failed her? You took her in when she needed a home and have loved and cared for her every day since then. She is a very lucky girl and, whatever you and the specialist decide is the best course of action, she can rest easy knowing she has you both looking out for her.

[Sarah]

Oh rosemary I'm so sorry but please do not blame yourselves I think you did the best for her being on the diet and I know you will both love and support her and give her everything she needs and more x x

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[Candie]

So sorry for to read this but after reading your story I do not think you have anything to feel bad about. I have no doubt that if you would have known about the condition you would have treated it earlier. Just think of all the happy days she had out running and exploring.

[Ron Tao&Sky]

Rosemary please don't take it to heart as you have done nothing wrong with Micah, in fact you shave done more good than harm. I will keep you Micah and Monty in my prayers and pray that some sort of treatment can be found soon..........Ron

[Rosemary]

I have been wondering. Some time ago Elyse @SolitaryHowl posted a thread about Carpal pads, and I was wondering if this was perhaps a sign we should have taken note of. Gigi @sutsibe, what do you think, could this be an indication of a possible problem ? Is it something I should discuss with the specialist?

It was in this thread:

http://www.husky-owners.com/forum/showthread.php/39429-carpal-pads?highlight=calcium

[Storm Angel n Auroras Mum]

I have been wondering. Some time ago Elyse @SolitaryHowl posted a thread about Carpal pads' date=' and I was wondering if this was perhaps a sign we should have taken note of. Gigi @sutsibe, what do you think, could this be an indication of a possible problem ? Is it something I should discuss with the specialist?

It was in this thread:

http://www.husky-owners.com/forum/showthread.php/39429-carpal-pads?highlight=calcium

rosemary please stop beating yourself up. theres 4 pages of love and support here. x

[elenamarie]

I have been wondering. Some time ago Elyse @SolitaryHowl posted a thread about Carpal pads, and I was wondering if this was perhaps a sign we should have taken note of. Gigi @sutsibe, what do you think, could this be an indication of a possible problem ? Is it something I should discuss with the specialist?

It was in this thread:

http://www.husky-owners.com/forum/showthread.php/39429-carpal-pads?highlight=calcium

Gigi is far more experienced than I but IMO the two are completely unrelated. I've seen dogs with HD and none ran or walked like that--my dad's didn't. Like all things canine the idea of calcium levels affecting HD is debated but researchers have determined that HD is a 100% polygenic (darn autocorrect!) problem. The environment plays a role determining when and how severe the condition presents symptoms but if a dog does have the genetics it WILL get it regardless. Conversely, if a dog doesn't have the genetics it won't get HD regardless of the environment.

Given the extent of MICAH'S genetically-determined joint deformation, the environment you provided her went a long way toward preventing the disease from presenting as long as it did. I know, I'm just some non-veterinarian stranger on the internet and it'll be much more convincing hearing it from a specialist, but I really do believe what I'm telling you and I'll bet the vets will too. Heck, one already did!

Here's a good paper on the issue for you, Rosemary. It's non-technical and very thorough.

http://siriusdog.com/brief-introduction-to-genetics

I know it's perfectly natural for you and Monty to be second-guessing yourselves right now, it's part of the process of adapting to a terrible shock, but don't do it any longer than required ok?

EDIT: When we decided to get a dog I went into a frenzy of research on HD. Watching my dad's dog struggle with it impacted me more than I knew at the time and I wanted to do everything I possibly could to prevent it in our future dog. Back in the late 1980s vets didn't really know what caused it and in my dad's dog's case his size played a role, but answers to the question why were scarce.

In light of what I learned I decided to remove Sarah from the higher-calcium puppy diet at age 5 months, and I delayed spaying her until I was sure the growth plates on the femurs were completely closed (I drove poor Gigi @sutsibe nuts with this!) Other than finding a breeder with HD-free breeding lines there's little else I can do. THEN I find out that even the certification isn't a guarantee that my dog won't have it! HD-free dogs can still create offspring with the genes to cause HD and forget the xrays.

Honestly, there's nothing you can do but your very best to help Micah deal with this.

Write this down and repeat it several times a day:

"It's a genetic issue, we couldn't have stopped it. It's a genetic issue, we couldn't have stopped it. It's a genetic issue, we couldn't have stopped it."

Edited January 8, 2013 by elenamarie

[Rosemary]

Micah is back to normal after her tests and x-rays yesterday. She has been on Mobi-Flex (a supplement wih MSM) for the past month or so which keeps her relatively comfortable, it is only in the morning when she wakes up that she is stiff legged. She is playing with Ozzy and being her normal cheeky self, so Ozzy is happy and so are we Sorry I was so down yesterday.

Write this down and repeat it several times a day:

"It's a genetic issue, we couldn't have stopped it. It's a genetic issue, we couldn't have stopped it. It's a genetic issue, we couldn't have stopped it."

You are right, and thank you for the information.

I had to laugh though, you said,

Here's a good paper on the issue for you, Rosemary. It's non-technical and very thorough.

Thorough yes, but it lost me in quite a few places. but an excellent read nonetheless. Very, very informative

Maybe you should put together a thread explaining HD and have it made a 'sticky'

[elenamarie]

Micah is back to normal after her tests and x-rays yesterday. She has been on Mobi-Flex (a supplement wih MSM) for the past month or so which keeps her relatively comfortable, it is only in the morning when she wakes up that she is stiff legged. She is playing with Ozzy and being her normal cheeky self, so Ozzy is happy and so are we Sorry I was so down yesterday.

Yay! So glad she's feeling better! I have kids and Sarah and honestly, when Sarah is ill I am just as fretful and worried as when one of my kids are ill.

I meant it about second-guessing being a normal part of accepting a new reality, especially a new reality that ISN'T what you want.

You are right, and thank you for the information.

I'm glad you got a laugh out of it. Honestly, I've had to do that very thing myself on occasion and sometimes it even works!

I had to laugh though, you said,

Here's a good paper on the issue for you, Rosemary. It's non-technical and very thorough.

Thorough yes, but it lost me in quite a few places. but an excellent read nonetheless. Very, very informative

:shrug:Maybe I need to redefine my version of non-technical? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to send you somewhere you wouldn't find usable information.

Maybe you should put together a thread explaining HD and have it made a 'sticky'

I don't know, I'm not a vet or anything. @Sarah would have to decide whether that's a good idea. I'm happy to oblige if it's decided though.

Chin up as HO's across the pond say. I know it was a terrible shock and you're worried sick about Micah's future but she is in the absolute best place she can be--with YOU--and she'll be okay. She may not be the same as she was but then, who of us is the same as we were as teenagers/young adults?

I had a bad accident that broke my spine and changed literally everything about my life forever. Before the accident I would've said I didn't want to live like this but when it actually happened I realized that even with the problems and pain and such, life is a rare gift. The same goes for MICAH. (Sorry, following Shiloh's problem too, from Gone to the Snow Dogs) She's in a bit of a fix at the moment but both she and you will learn to adapt to the new reality and will find many beautiful, happy days waiting for you all in the future. (((((Rosemary & MICAH & Monty)))))

Edited January 8, 2013 by elenamarie

[elenamarie]

Rosemary, for a couple of years after the accident I spent a lot of time play the If Only game. If Only I'd done this, If Only I'd have done that. It's perfectly normal but you can get caught in a rut with it. Allow yourself to work through it and play the If Only game for a while but know that if you get in that rut you lose the ability to continue adapting to a new reality. (((((Rosemary))))) You're perfectly normal, I promise.

[Leyka&Diva]

sorry to hear about micah you are in no way shape or form a failure to her :grouphug:xx

[Mazz]

Rosemary, I am so sorry to read this. I have no idea how you and your husband may feel, but above all, you have done what any good Husky Owner would do, and that is to provide your home, your love, and your companionship to your two beloved Huskies. If anyone who owns a Husky would do even half of what you two do for yours, this world would be a much better place for all. You have our support, our love, and our understanding. Husky Hugs to you and Micah, from Sally, myself, and of course, Zoya and Eisa. Here's for better days.

[Rosemary]

Rosemary, I am so sorry to read this. I have no idea how you and your husband may feel, but above all, you have done what any good Husky Owner would do, and that is to provide your home, your love, and your companionship to your two beloved Huskies. If anyone who owns a Husky would do even half of what you two do for yours, this world would be a much better place for all. You have our support, our love, and our understanding. Husky Hugs to you and Micah, from Sally, myself, and of course, Zoya and Eisa. Here's for better days.

Thanks Dave and Sally, we firmly believe that things will get better for Micah. She is a strong girl in so many ways, she will be fine, we will see to that With all the help and support we have received on HO, how can we go wrong

[Sarah]

Yay! So glad she's feeling better! I have kids and Sarah and honestly, when Sarah is ill I am just as fretful and worried as when one of my kids are ill.

I meant it about second-guessing being a normal part of accepting a new reality, especially a new reality that ISN'T what you want.

I'm glad you got a laugh out of it. Honestly, I've had to do that very thing myself on occasion and sometimes it even works!

:shrug:Maybe I need to redefine my version of non-technical? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to send you somewhere you wouldn't find usable information.

I don't know, I'm not a vet or anything. @Sarah would have to decide whether that's a good idea. I'm happy to oblige if it's decided though.

Chin up as HO's across the pond say. I know it was a terrible shock and you're worried sick about Micah's future but she is in the absolute best place she can be--with YOU--and she'll be okay. She may not be the same as she was but then, who of us is the same as we were as teenagers/young adults?

I had a bad accident that broke my spine and changed literally everything about my life forever. Before the accident I would've said I didn't want to live like this but when it actually happened I realized that even with the problems and pain and such, life is a rare gift. The same goes for MICAH. (Sorry, following Shiloh's problem too, from Gone to the Snow Dogs) She's in a bit of a fix at the moment but both she and you will learn to adapt to the new reality and will find many beautiful, happy days waiting for you all in the future. (((((Rosemary & MICAH & Monty)))))

I have no issues at all with you making a thread so i can put it as a sticky - i'd just put on that it's advice and not something to take on instead of veterinary advice though just to cover your back really x

[elenamarie]

Okay, I'll work something up with links to authoritative sources.

[HuskyCouture]

I'm sorry to hear about Micah, Rosemary. I really hope the specialist can off you all some help

[sutsibe]

Rosemary, I'm so very sorry that I didn't see and respond to this sooner - my work schedule has been keeping my busy... I join the chorus singing your praises as Husky parents! I have no doubts that you have taken the best care of both of your fur-kids possible! While Micah's problems might have become more evident earlier had she been on a kibble diet, I feel that the raw diet is likely to be more beneficial in the long run to her health and well-being!

I also am inclined to think that the fact that she uses her carpal pad is probably not something connected to the hip dysplasia. While I suppose it might be a mechanism she uses to take more weight off her hind quarters, what I've seen in dysplastic dogs that would be indicative of the disease is an "oddness" of gait in the rear. It's been a while since I've seen it, so I can't even describe it, but it has had more to do with how the rear-end moves than with how the dog has used it's front end.

If you can get her to swim more, it will probably be the most beneficial exercise she can get! Swimming removes the weight (obviously) from the damaged joints, and allows her to use the surrounding muscles without the added stress to the afflicted joints posed by her weight resting on it while exercising. If you can build her up a bit, and make sure that the pain is under control, walking and eventually running may help build up the muscles around the hips in the future. When you see the specialist, have a conversation with him or her about the best form(s) of exercise. S/he may also be able to help you determine how much exercise, for how long she should be able to do, and at what rate it might be able to be increased...

Good luck - hugs!!!

[Rosemary]

Thank you Gigi [MENTION=1869]sutsibe[/MENTION], I value your input. We will definitely get her swimming more, the problem we have is Micah's insistence on running the crazy husky laps when she gets out of the pool. What is it with huskies going crazy when they swim, it seems to energize them.

I have a list of question for the specialist, hopfully I will get answers to them all.

Micah and Ozzy were running chasing each other, in the house last night , for the first time in ages. I never had the heart to stop them as they both seemed so happy, but I did keep a close eye on them. Oz was so happy to be able to play with his girl

[aronoiiel]

Micah and Ozzy are darned blessed you are in their lives. No matter the future look at those faces every day and remind yourself they are happy and loved which is more than alot of creatures and even people have right now. Itbreaks my heart to hear the diagnosis but warms it all the same reading through the love and devotion you have to your pack and that they in turn return to you.never second guess what ypu are doing for them nothing can change what is but you are working to better her future thats what really counts. Sorry for the typos my phone is being a jerk. My heart is with you four I hope to read good news from the specialist and I wish I could over more than a virtual hug and support.

[elenamarie]

Thank you Gigi @sutsibe, I value your input. We will definitely get her swimming more, the problem we have is Micah's insistence on running the crazy husky laps when she gets out of the pool. What is it with huskies going crazy when they swim, it seems to energize them.

Sarah does that too! I think it's because she feels cool, which isn't normally the case. She behaves the same way when it's 10°F outside, which is rare. Anyhow, that's my guess for the post-swim laps.

Micah and Ozzy were running chasing each other, in the house last night , for the first time in ages. I never had the heart to stop them as they both seemed so happy, but I did keep a close eye on them. Oz was so happy to be able to play with his girl

Good sign!!! She won't play like that if she's hurting.

[Biggles]

Rosemary I am so sorry to hear this news. Micah is extremely lucky to have you and Monty as you will always do what is best for her no matter what. Swimming is definitely the best exercise. Years ago I unfortunately had to have a major bone graft into my spine and the exercise regime to get me walking again after prolonged bed rest and limited exercise was hydro-therapy. The National Spinal Hospital has a specialist swimming pool and prior to having a new cruciate ligament put in my knee last year I regularly went there to build up my leg muscles in a non weight bearing manner. It is amazing the amount of exercise that you can do, which I would not have been able to do without the support of the water, and therefore the support that it gives the joints.

[elenamarie]

Rosemary I am so sorry to hear this news. Micah is extremely lucky to have you and Monty as you will always do what is best for her no matter what. Swimming is definitely the best exercise. Years ago I unfortunately had to have a major bone graft into my spine and the exercise regime to get me walking again after prolonged bed rest and limited exercise was hydro-therapy. The National Spinal Hospital has a specialist swimming pool and prior to having a new cruciate ligament put in my knee last year I regularly went there to build up my leg muscles in a non weight bearing manner. It is amazing the amount of exercise that you can do, which I would not have been able to do without the support of the water, and therefore the support that it gives the joints.

As a spinal patient swimming was recommended by a physical therapist post-op. Come to find out the kicking required to swim makes my entire lower back seize up in one giant spasm. I damn near drowned. I never take advice from PTs now.

But Micah will probably benefit enormously from swimming.

[Biggles]

I am not allowed to swim, but what I did was exercises in warm water, often with buoyancy aids and then gradually increased what I was doing. You must have been in agony. Your PT should be put up against a wall and shot. However, I had a really bad experience with an osteopath in Harley Street (for those overseas the most prestigious address in the UK where you visit top medical people). I came away and was physically sick on the way home and found out that a serious amount of damage had been done to my spine as if the Osteopath had taken pictures before they attempt to manipulate my back they wouldn't have touched me with a barge pole. I won't see osteopaths or chiropractors but I do know that some people really rate them.

[elenamarie]

Hi [MENTION=1262]Rosemary[/MENTION]! How is Micah today? How are you and Monty and dear Ozzy? I've been thinking of you all, hope you are all safe and well and Micah has had a pain-free day.

I am not allowed to swim, but what I did was exercises in warm water, often with buoyancy aids and then gradually increased what I was doing. You must have been in agony. Your PT should be put up against a wall and shot.

I've considered that twice! Once for the "go swimming" guy, and once for the guy who refused to listen to me over the course of 12 1-hour long sessions during which I repeatedly told him he was hurting me severely and making it worse--I lost my "good leg" to this guy, it became my "less bad" leg. At the end of the treatment course he wrote a report to my regular doctor saying they had made me much worse and that I should not be sent to physical therapy again. I couldn't believe it.

However, I had a really bad experience with an osteopath in Harley Street (for those overseas the most prestigious address in the UK where you visit top medical people). I came away and was physically sick on the way home and found out that a serious amount of damage had been done to my spine as if the Osteopath had taken pictures before they attempt to manipulate my back they wouldn't have touched me with a barge pole. I won't see osteopaths or chiropractors but I do know that some people really rate them.

:eek: Holy cow, that's insane! I've had many people suggest I see a chiro but I refuse. I know my spine and I know what has been done to and for me over the course of ten years. I've no doubt their twisting and pushing would send me straight to a wheelchair.

Micah can join our "don't you dare touch me today" club!