Sherbert Time!

Sherbert went back to NC State Tuesday for some more testing. His doctors have been able to rule a lot of things out but still have no definitive diagnosis.



He went through Neuro and was rechecked and they deemed him to be doing the same. They then anesthetized him and did an Electromyogram.

An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of the muscle activity. An EMG is also referred to as a myogram.
EMGs can be used to detect abnormal electrical activity of muscle that can occur in many diseases and conditions, including muscular dystrophy, inflammation of muscles, pinched nerves, peripheral nerve damage (damage to nerves in the arms and legs), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, disc herniation, and others.

An EMG is often performed when patients have unexplained muscle weakness. The EMG helps to distinguish between muscle conditions in which the problem begins in the muscle and muscle weakness due to nerve disorders. The EMG can also be used to detect true weakness, as opposed to weakness from reduced use because of pain or lack of motivation. EMGs can also be used to isolate the level of nerve irritation or injury.

We, the neurosurgeon and I, had already discussed if they would take biopsies of the nerves and the muscle. Taking a biopsy of the nerves can often cause permanent damage and leave the animal worse off than before the biopsy. Taking muscle biopsies causes little to no problems. I chose not to have nerve biopsies done and they seemed to be on the same page. Muscle biopsies were done once they got in there b/c his muscles did look a little odd. Those biopsy results should be back later this week.

If you look close you can see one incision on his shoulder..



and one on his knee...



Sherbert spent Tuesday night, after the procedure and surgery, at State and I was able to pick him up late Wednesday. This little jaunt cost $709.08 :-( bringing Sherbert's bill to $3710.00.

Where are we now? We just know what he does not have, which is a very long list of things. I may, or may not, know more when his doctor calls me. For now, Sherbert is enjoying bathing in the sun at the adoption center and is accepting visitors! We have raised a little over $2200 towards his tests and treatment. YAY!!! Thank you for your prayers, donations, and support!

Sherbert sends his love!