Our veterinary surgeon in Spokane, Dr. Howard Lawrence, called this afternoon at 2:30. Kodiak was on the operating table with his back opened up. What he had found wasn't good.
There is a sheath or membrane of connective tissue called the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord and holds the spinal fluid. It's basically a watertight sack that protects the cord. This sheath had completely calcified in one spot ... the surgeon said it was almost solid bone 2 millimeters thick ... and was compressing the cord.
The condition is called dural ossification. Dr. Lawrence said this is the first case he's seen where it is so severe that it compresses the spinal cord. This is why Kodiak can't get up on his own and why he falls down once he starts walking for more than a short distance.
Unfortunately, there isn't anything he can do to relieve the pressure. Trying to chip away at the calcified sheath could damage the spinal cord itself. Kodiak has multiple areas along the spine where the dural ossification is occurring, but only one area where it's causing cord compression.
He will most likely get worse as the ossification continues. Given the prognosis, Dr. Lawrence said we should consider not bringing Kodiak out of anesthesia but putting him to sleep while he was still on the operating table.
I didn't know what to think or even say. We had already scheduled euthanasia for this dog once before. I wasn't ready then to let him go then. I finally decided this wasn't the time either. I just see too much happiness in this dog's face ... despite his problems, he still enjoys life.
I asked Dr. Lawrence to close Kodiak up and bring him out of anesthesia. I told him that I want Kodiak at least to get a chance to enjoy the rest of summer, laying on his bed on the porch. If we see a rapid decline, or any sign of suffering, then we'll let him go.
But not yet. He's coming home in a couple of days.
To Jan and Wayne in Seattle, who paid for the myelogram and surgery, thank you for letting us give him this chance.
After seeing and meeting Kodiak a couple of weeks ago when visiting, I too fell in love with him...have tears which are sad, but happy he is with you at the Rolling Dog Ranch where he is happy and possibly can enjoy the rest of summer. There will be a point where it may be best to let him rest, but until then he is in a wonderful place with people who truly love him!!! Bless you guys
Posted by: Rosie Pechta | September 01, 2005 at 11:25 PM
I rescued a beautiful little bird called a nighthawk from being run over here at work last night. It has a injured leg. It is still alive this a.m. When I tried to examine the leg the pain is too great. So, a little cardboard box, in a cool location, predator-free, ant-free (the ants are torture in Texas) with food and water in reach.....it is the best we can do. Nature will have to do the rest. It is the cycle of life, and not an easy road for any creature. It can be made a lot better with kindness and caring and company. But I do not believe in euthanasia unless there is so much pain and suffering that there is a great need for medication. Just as we treat humans, all the creatures should be treated. I am so proud of your courage, dedication to all the hard work, and proud to "know" you all at Rolling Dog Ranch(electronically anyway...)
Posted by: Karen/SA | August 24, 2005 at 06:11 PM
*tears*, sad and happy
Sad for Kodiak, because surgery could of provided him a certain long, active life
Happy, because you are wonderful for letting him live out his days in a happy place and he will be able to live life smiling on the porch
I'll look forward to a picture of him grinning at the camera
Posted by: Mandy, Laramie, WY | August 24, 2005 at 12:11 PM
Continued prayers to Kodiak. All I can say is thank you for loving these animals like you do at RDRAS. Kodiak can get lots of loving and attention on his comfy bed on the porch, he deserves it.
Posted by: Roz | August 23, 2005 at 08:09 PM
Please send my love to Kodiak. May he enjoy the rest of his time on his bed and finally knowing what love is.
Posted by: Leigh | August 23, 2005 at 07:58 PM
Excellent decision, I just see the same beauty in his eyes as the others do. That wild Alaskan call-of-the-wild, if you will.
The results are tough, but at least we now know for sure. He is well worth all the effort....it is up to nature now.
Posted by: Karen/SA | August 23, 2005 at 07:00 PM