This is 'Mummy' borrowing Oakley's login to post an update.
Michael, the Guide Dogs Care and Welfare chap came at 7.30 this morning to take Oaks to the specialist vet in Hereford. Oaks went off perfectly happily - just perhaps a bit miffed and bewildered at not getting his breakfast!!
I got a call a few minutes ago from Michael to say that the vet has given my lad a very thorough examination. He picked up on a few very minor things that add together to suggest something neurological going on:
1. His eyes were slightly slower than they should be in reacting to tests
2. Evidence of him scuffing the top/front surfaces of his nails on back paws indicating dragging
3. Sitting upright but almost nodding off.
4. Staring blankly into space for a few moments, then coming back to full attention again
So, the plan is for him to go under anaesthetic this afternoon for an MRI scan. If this reveals any obvious clues (brain tumour being perhps the most likely), then that will be conclusive enough and a plan can be formulated from that. If the scan doesn't show anything helpful, then, whilst under anaesthetic, he will have spinal fluid taken for analysis for possible infection or other abnormalities.
So, Oaks will be staying in hospital overnight to recover from the anaesthetic.
My hope and prayer is that he doesn't have to undergo the spinal fluid test. From my own personal experience, I know this is a truly horrible procedure that leaves a VERY nasty headache and other unpleasant symptoms for several days/weeks afterwards.
Hopefully, we will get another call later this afternoon with further news.
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