She was rushed to an emergency hospital late one eve in Dec 05, as she was crying and could not use her back legs. Four days of tests, X-Rays, MRI, CT Scan including Brain, blood work. They had no significant diagnosis, they recommended I put her to SLEEP. She was weak and could barely walk the evening I took her out of the hospital.

Beyond Frustration I took her to a Holistic Vet in NY, Smithridge Vet Hospital, they were FANTASTIC. The Dr, upon a hands on exam clearly could see that in the L5-L7 area of her spine there was sensitivity and gave her an Acupuncture treatment, some aquapuncture and we discussed homeopathics and supplements. They ran another blood panel. She was very relaxed for the first time in a long time....Still not getting up with out the use of a sling and the help of some great friends... I kept her in my Retail shop that has private rooms for massage, energy work, etc. I used crib pads, lots of towels, wipes, powder and adult depends, and disposable large diapers....The result was she had Equine Erlichiosis, which causes Anemia, Neurological issues and can paralyze hind legs. That day I started feeding her liver each day and she was placed on 21 days of antibiotic. The liver and later a supplement helped with her strenght and alertness. After the antibiotics she still was only using about 70 % of her left rear leg and very little of her right rear. I ordered a back harness (handicapped pets). That was a life saver...and a back saver for me.

I searched and found a Holistic vet in RI who uses acupuncture and chiropractic modalities. She started going to her the middle of January 06. It is now almost the end of March and she has full use of her left rear leg and 70% of her right rear. Today she actually got up on all fours and took 6-8 steps behind my counter. I them waited and took her our side where she walked on her own. Her right rear a little shaky so I am there to steady her and will keep the harness on just for that reason and to help her up and down stairs and in and out of the car and of course in and out of MY bed.. I also massage her legs and full body to maintain muscle tone, use arnica and warm heating pads.

It was clear to the Holistic vet that the area L5 to L7 on the spine was compressed and pressing on the nerves that ran to her right rear leg including the sciatic. Her chiropractic and acupuncture treatments have clearly given Mercedes the ability to walk again. She does have arthritis in her knees and is on many supplements for inflammation,antioxidants, and an all natural RAW diet. I can not tell you all this was easy, It is exhausting both mentally and physically, and expensive, but when I took her home at 8 weeks old she became part of my family and that means throught the good and the bad... I am so happy to have her in my life that I cherish every moment she is with me. She is turning 11 in April and I think her hearing is diminishing a little and yesterday was diagnosed with the early stages of cushings-pituatiary dependant. So she is on another supplement to support her adrenals and another for the Function of the brain cells. As long as she is happy and healthy, not in pain or suffering I will continue with the holistic approach, chiropractic and acupuncture treatments. I would recommend this approach to any one, just be sure the vet is Holistic and has had the PROPER training in both modalities not a weekend course. --Stonebridge 18:41, 22 March 2006 (EST)Bonnie & Mercedes