My beautiful 5 year old irish setter has been ill on and off for over a year, with a variety of symptoms which have puzzled the vets. They suspected Lyme's disease, but that has now been ruled out.
I feel let down by the vets as sometimes my concerns about things like random lameness, and her seeming unwell have been dismissed and too many things tried, with no referral on. I feel guilty about this too as I had wanted to ask for a second opinion, but was persuaded out of it, and did trust the vet, who has a good reputation locally. One of the vets in particular has been very concerned about her. She would get better after a course of antibiotics, then worse. Anyway, no point in recriminations now,
Now Ddog is really a lot worse, and losing ability to use back left leg. She hasn't really eaten for about a week unless spoon fed, but really enjoys her food when she gets it.
The vet has now told me that there is nothing more they can do for her. They could refer her for a CT scan at a place a considerable distance away at a total cost of about £2,000 to see if it's an infection or something in a disc in the spine. Other than that they are talking about putting her to sleep ??
Sorry for the rambling, I just don't know what to do. She is quite sentient so it seems just too hard to Pts. But is it cruel to start all these investigations with travelling now when she is so poorly?
We don't have insurance but could scrape up the cash, thanks to my lovely dh: thought he would say it was too expensive, but he is keen to try to save her too. WWYD?
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Terrible dilemma
SadSetter · 05/11/2014 11:02
Guess what?! They think they know what it is,and it's treatable!
They think she has some kind of ?auto immune? inflammatory arthritis. Her spinal fluid was "very abnormal" so that points to this, apparently.
Anyway, they are starting her on steroids today, and all being well, we can pick her up tomorrow 
I know there's a long way to go, but at least have hope now, and am happy that there is a diagnosis and treatment available.
Thanks all again
Oh that sounds like good news, so glad for you
It's so hard when they are I'll and can't tell us, but I really do think they make it very clear when they've had enough, and your girl wasn't doing that, so glad you went for the referral and have got something to try and deal with now x
Ooh, that sounds interesting, basildon, sounds very similar indeed at a quick google. It was just a quick call from the vet today, so I will ask more when I collect her.
It's funny in a way,as our vet had diagnosed her with hip dysplasia, but vet hospital thinks she does not have that, so again sounds likely.
It would just be so good if she can be treated successfully, she's only five; I could cope better (maybe) if she were an old girl who'd had a good innings.
Oh that is good news! My springer has an autoimmune condition (SRMA) and ther steroids work like magic for her, as they do with my own autoimmune joint problems. You'll hopefully see an improvement very quickly now! 
She's home!
And seems perkier.
It's really good to hear the positive stories too- (dogs and people!) and the vet was also positive, and was talking of actual recovery if these steroids work
So the week has ended a lot better than it began for Ddog and us. Hopefully, next week will be less eventful...
Phew!!!! How really lovely for you, and her!! Well done for being so brave. 
. Cheers to a long an uneventful life!
for sadsetterdogArgh that should of course be dog not dig 
Are you maybe thinking of changing vets now?
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Well. Ddog has been eating by herself, and been for couple of wee walks! Three meals today.
Know it will be a long road, but so far,so good....She has a check up back at vet hospital next week.
I have been agonising about changing vets, but think I am going to. I was feeling bad, but not sure I will trust their opinion again, which is really no good. There's a vet nearer to us anyway, which would be more convenient, so think will move. Need my girl to get the best treatment possible now after all this.
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