NKlein
Member
Several months ago I posted about Byron experiencing paralysis in his rear legs. We rushed him to a canine neurologist and had an MRI and spinal tap done, which revealed nothing except inflammation in his spinal cord fluid. After having every titer under the sun done, we decided to treat the inflammation with a combination of steroids and chemotherapy injections in hopes that he would regain mobility and the inflammation would not recur.
After two months of treatment (three rounds of chemo) with only slight improvement, our neurologist finally diagnosed Byron with GME. GME is very difficult to diagnose--a brain sample is needed for definitive diagnosis--however it was sort of a "last resort" diagnosis. Just to cover our basis, we sought the opinion of a second neurologist and he agreed that it was GME.
GME is nearly always fatal, so we are doing everything in our power to keep Byron happy and healthy in the time we have left with him. He is on a combination of 5 drugs right now and is somewhat mobile--he is still able to potty outside and on his "good" days, he even brings me a toy when I come through the door, which literally makes me cry.
I have decided that instead of being sad during his last weeks/months with us, I am going to appreciate every minute I have with him. I do find myself looking back at Byron's life and feeling guilty over all the times a scolded him for something that seems meaningless now. Or for not giving him more attention when he was excited to see me. But I'm grateful that I can make up for lost time now and let him know truly how much he means to me. I can't even express how much he means to me--it's simply something that can't be described.
Anyway, I just wanted to give an update since so many of you were very helpful when I had no idea what was happening and was looking for advice. Even though this is a terrible diagnosis, I do feel some closure in knowing what we're up against.
After two months of treatment (three rounds of chemo) with only slight improvement, our neurologist finally diagnosed Byron with GME. GME is very difficult to diagnose--a brain sample is needed for definitive diagnosis--however it was sort of a "last resort" diagnosis. Just to cover our basis, we sought the opinion of a second neurologist and he agreed that it was GME.
GME is nearly always fatal, so we are doing everything in our power to keep Byron happy and healthy in the time we have left with him. He is on a combination of 5 drugs right now and is somewhat mobile--he is still able to potty outside and on his "good" days, he even brings me a toy when I come through the door, which literally makes me cry.
I have decided that instead of being sad during his last weeks/months with us, I am going to appreciate every minute I have with him. I do find myself looking back at Byron's life and feeling guilty over all the times a scolded him for something that seems meaningless now. Or for not giving him more attention when he was excited to see me. But I'm grateful that I can make up for lost time now and let him know truly how much he means to me. I can't even express how much he means to me--it's simply something that can't be described.
Anyway, I just wanted to give an update since so many of you were very helpful when I had no idea what was happening and was looking for advice. Even though this is a terrible diagnosis, I do feel some closure in knowing what we're up against.
He doesn't know he's sick though so have fun with him and keep up your good attitude. Many hugs from me and my crew.
