Amber update

Amber spent all day yesterday at the vets, having a general anaesthetic then having an MRI scan, X-Ray, more blood tests, but not the follow up ultrascan we had also hoped for. I think they just ran out of time with all they were doing!!
The good news - she does not have any tumours and there is no sign of cancer (No guarantee of anything, of course)
The less good news - the whole of her spine from T12 to S1 has severe spondylosis, with at least 6 protruding discs. The L7/S1 disc is pressing onto the spinal cord, which could account for some of the slight loss of reflex nerve action. At L1 the spine has a bone infection, possibly already into the blood stream, though the blood tests showed nothing as yet. This area is close to the intestines, and the infection could have spread there, causing the weight loss and vomiting. The entire length of her intestines is inflamed - should be about 0.4cm but actually is about 0.8 at the worst parts. She has Irritable Bowel Disease as a result of the intestinal infection, and is not utilising what food manages to make its way through the system, which again is why she is vomiting and why she has lost about 1.4Kg in weight. She also has a cyst near her liver which is about 5cm in diameter.
So, what happens now? She continues to take the 2 stomach medications and antibiotics and sensitivity diet in order to get the intestinal inflammation under control. She also has stronger antibiotics to take for the next 6 weeks to bring the spinal infection under control, as well as Tramadol to relieve the pain of the protruding disc(s). Meal times are fun, making sure that the ones to be given on an empty stomach are taken first, then making sure she takes all the rest and doesn't miss any!!!
She's a bit subdued still, but rallying fast. She is physically weaker than in the past as she is losing muscle tone with the weight loss. If/when the infections are under control the vet and I can begin to discuss what surgery might be appropriate. I'm hoping that, as my vet is a top key-hole orthopaedic specialist at our local vet hospital, any surgery will be as un-intrusive as possible.
The best news? My vet says that none of the conditions are lif-threatening providing they are treated - which is what we are doing.
Just love my little, feisty, red girl.

Poorly

Why do things always seem to happen at the same time, making it impossible to deal with them effectively?

Amber has started bringing up her food about 7 to 9 hours after a meal. I have done all the usual things over the weekend - starvation, withdrawing all meds etc but it is still happening. So she really needs a trip to the vet.

BUT the car is poorly too and in the garage being diagnosed. It lost all power while I was driving home on the M62 yesterday, and is making a funny whirring sound.

So the problem is: what to do? Amber seems happy enough in herself, so I guess I have to wait for the garage to tell me how long they are going to need to keep the car before I know that I can a) attend the evening vet surgery tonight, or b) book a pet taxi to get there in the morning....