UT vet services?

Since we were talking about getting some other subjects on the board, here's something that is in my life right now. My husband and I got a German Shepherd puppy last year (on our due date of the baby I lost). She has been having a lot of neurological problems since about December. She was diagnosed with epilepsy and has been on phenobarbitol since then. However, instead of getting better, she has gotten worse. We found her lifeless in the backyard a week ago yesterday. We rushed her to the vet and they brought her back, but now we have to take her to UT for an MRI and spinal tap among other things. Has anyone ever taken a pet to UT for these types of services? Our vet has does all types of tests and can't figure out what is going on with her. I know it is going to be really expensive (our vet told us around 1,500), but I'm worried that even they won't be able to tell what the real problem is (they have pretty much ruled out a brain tumor). I have to take her, we don't have any children and treat our dogs like they are our babies. I guess I'm just scared and don't know what to expect for her. Anybody else been to UT? Thanks, Marian

MARIAN, I HAVE NOT BUT I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS. HER DOG HAD SOME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE HIP AND HAD A METAL PIECE PUT IN THE HIP AREA. SHE SWEARS BY UT. SAID SHE DIDN'T CARE IF SHE HAD TO DRIVE FROM MURFREESBORO TO KNOXVILLE ,THE TRIP IS WORTH THE CARE THE DOG GETS. HOPE EVERYTHING WILL BE OK WITH YOUR PUPPY. I KNOW I WOULD DO ABOUT ANYTHING FOR MY PETS.... GOOD LUCK

Hi Marion So sorry to hear about your puppy I know how you feel about dogs being like your kids because I have four of them and I could'nt imagine any of them not being here. What does your veteranarian think about all of this?? I just dont have any answers for you but I sure do feel for you!! I truly hope that everything will work out for you & your puppy. Good Luck!! Missy Lea