Shelby's Health Update
After church, Shelby only had one small spastic episode. I still decided to have her looked at. So we took off for Santa Rosa Monday morning to see the vet at CCI. She had one more episode that morning and another while I was at CCI. They were also able to trigger it while she was on the x-ray table. They did a thorough exam and took x-rays and blood as well. The report is basically that they have never seen x-rays that were so clean, especially on a Golden Retriever that will be 14 on May 3. They could have been pictures of a 5 year old dog. They saw no indication of arthritis or pinched nerves in the spine or hips. They are sending the films to a specialist to see if he can find anything in them. We talked about getting an MRI but decided against it for the time being. Though it would bring me some peace of mind, perhaps knowing what we are dealing with, they would have to anesthetize her to make it happen which they don't like to do at her age if avoidable. Shelby is not experiencing any pain from the episodes. For this I am grateful. She does kind of look at her legs afterward like she's wondering where that kick came from. So we will wait and see. The update from the vet is that the blood work is normal, the x-rays clean and the neurologist equates the symptoms to a condition in humans called "busy legs syndrome." The legs get a tingle and the spasms are an uncontrollable way to try to rid the body of the tingle. I am scheduled to attend team training from May 10 to 21 with graduation on May 22. More on Team Training. While I am in class, Shelby will spend time with Vicki and Frank Munoz. They are wonderful, experienced puppy raisers for CCI that live nearby. When Kent was in the hospital, Frank would come pick Shelby up on Fridays and give her a bath and some time to socialize. She'll spend a couple of weeks after my return there to allow me time to bond with the new dog. An interesting turn to this event is that after Kent died in May 2002,, there was an "S" litter born in San Jose. They wanted to honor him by naming one of the pups "Simcoe" but there was already a Simcoe in training in Chicago. We believe that there is also a service dog "Sally" in active service right now. So they asked if there were any other significant "S" names. Kent's oldest daughter is Sherri so they suggested that name and it was accepted. Well, Sherri is finishing up her training and we got to see her in a training session. Wouldn't that be something if I got her?
God bless you all for your friendship and support. Keep those prayers coming. Sally & Shelby |
For those that don't know what's
happening, Shelby started having strong spasms in her hind legs
early Sunday morning, April 4, 2004. In some cases, they were so
strong they kicked her off her feet. They lasted only a few seconds
and then she would be fine for hours. It happened several times
during and after church. I was thinking they may have been
seizures, but indications are that they are not. She experienced no
disorientation and there was no change in her face while it
happened. 
With
heavy heart, I have decided to retire Shelby after the first of May
so she can still perform in the Singer's concerts. She has given me
almost 12 years of faithful service. I am going to try to keep
Shelby if we can both manage it. Above all else, I will do
what's best for Shelby's well being.