We're having a very tough weekend. Tristan had back surgery on Wednesday and I brought him home yesterday. He's hurting a lot and it's really tough to watch him suffer.
In mid-January I noticed Tristan suddenly started to hesitate to jump into the Xterra. Then I saw that his gait would shift between a normal GSD trot to more of a bunny hop where he would bring both back legs up as he ran. We made several trips to the vet but it was hard to tell what was going on. As the vet noted, Tristan is so strong that he just powered through any problems. We did x-rays but they didn't show too much except a possible narrowing between vertebrae. Even that wasn't certain as it could be a normal variation.
Initially I was absolutely devastated thinking about and researching all the possibilities. Because Tristan hips are rated OFA excellent I had thought we were pretty immune from hip and rear end issues. We hadn't been training for at least three weeks so I didn't think he had suffered some injury.
Next step was a consultation with a neurologist who thought the most likely problem was an issue with his spine. I could either do a MRI or conservative therapy which meant keeping him quiet and treating him with medication. The MRI would show what was going on and if surgery was indicated. I decided to give rest a chance and give myself some time to make a decision. From what I had heard of spine surgery previously I wasn't sure I wanted to put Tristan through it.
During this time Tristan did okay. He didn't get worst but he wasn't getting any better. Finally I opted for the MRI. At least I would know more about the problem and the best way to treat Tristan.
The MRI was really bad news but with hope. Tristan had a herniated disk. His spinal cord was compressed down to 20%. The neurologist was amazed Tristan was able to manage as well as he did. The prognosis with surgery was excellent.
Again I gave myself some time to decide but the decision wasn't really hard. He's my Tristan. It might have been more difficult if the outcome was more uncertain, if Tristan were older with other issues or if I wasn't assured that he would make a rapid recovery. Tristan's vets were very encouraging and my friends very helpful in listening and talking through it with me.
The surgery went very well. The official diagnosis is Hansen's Type 1 intervertebral disk disease. The surgeon's notes says "A right sided hemilaminectomy was performed at T13-L1 and a large amount of herniated disk material was removed from the spinal canal. The spinal cord appeared normal."
I brought Tristan home yesterday afternoon and it's been very hard. He's really hurting - more than I expected especially since he was sent home earlier than estimated because he was doing so well. He can hardly walk but I managed to get him in the house. He just wants me to be by him. I spent the evening reading "Marley and Me" aloud to him. There's method to my madness. I knew he would be comforted by hearing me talk to him. Although I've read it before the book seem appropriate. Last night I slept next to him on the floor and that seemed to help.
Today we spent the afternoon in the backyard. I took him out to do his business (which he wouldn't do) and I stayed outside with him as it's so hard for him to get in and out. It was a beautiful day and he loves being outside so I sat out with him.
So that's where we are. I'm glad I have the weekend to be with him. He has to be kept very quiet and confined for two weeks. Then we can start short five to ten minute walks. I certainly hope Tristan remembers staying in a crate during the day. Right now it's not an issue as he's not moving at all but I'll need to keep him there during the next several weeks.
I joked about Tristan getting a reverse mohawk but that's exactly what he has. That and a lot of stitches that have a very Frankenstein look to them. I hate to have such a grim post so I'm posting some pics of my goofball in his normal mode.
