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Topic: My Polly has a big problem.... (Read 325 times) |
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DonnaHar
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At least that what the Vet told me.
She has been crying out in pain, just yelping and cringing, holding up her left leg quite high with the paw dropped down. This only lasts about 15 seconds, but seems like an hour because it just breaks my heart to hear her cry like this. It's happened 6 times in 10 days.
The Vet did complete blood work and said all of her organs were very healthy.....her liver enzymes were nil..she appears in perfect health.....but probably has what is known as CVI, a cervical vertebre and pinched nerve problem that is usually heriditary.
I've looked all over the web for these symptoms, but when looking for CVI, I find that it is also known as Wobble Syndrome which has symptoms that don't match. She hasn't lost any function in her hind quarters.
CVI, according to our Vet, paralyzes an animal and they die in a rather short time. Polly is just 2 years and 8 months old!
Has anyone ever heard of this?
How I wish I had health insurance on her. I'll sell my house if I have to! I love this little girl doggie so much!
If you happen to know about this disease and where I can find peer reviewed information, please let me know.
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PollyPocket
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #1 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:25pm » |
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Donna,
I don't know anything about that condition but I am so sorry that your Polly is ill. I hope you find something to help her. Keep us posted on how she is, ok?
Hugs,
Jen
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noneya
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #2 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:36pm » |
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I'm so sorry to hear about this. My two dogs are a part of my family and I would give up everything for them...I know how you feel!
I've heard of Wobblers Syndrome as it's very common in the breed that I own (Doberman). This doesn't sound like wobblers to me (although I'm not a vet).
Wobblers is usually associated with larger breed dogs.
Find another vet...he should have been able to give you a definitive answer or at least let you know what needs to be done to figure out exactly what the affliction is.
Here's some info on Wobblers...
(if you've already read this info on the net...disregard)
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| « Last Edit: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:39pm by noneya » |
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noneya
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #3 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:36pm » |
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Description
Wobblers syndrome is caused by a narrowing or malformation of the spinal cervical (neck) vertebrae which causes pressure on the spinal cord by the lower cervical (neck) vertebrae due to either a malformation of the vertebra or a malocclusion (when the vertebrae do not come together properly). This causes anywhere from a mild, to a severe affect in the dogs gait.. Other conditions can mimic the symptoms. The only definitive diagnosis of Wobblers Syndrome or Spondololithesis, is a mylogram where dye is injected into the spinal column and then the neck is flexed and x-rayed.
Breeds affected: - Dobermans and Great Danes primarily - young Danes more commonly affected. Dobermans - young and old, can grow through the problem as youngsters, more commonly seen in middle aged to older Dobermans (3 to 9 years of age) Other breeds who have a similar if not identical syndrome described include the Boxer, Basset, Bull Mastiff, St. Bernard, Weimeraner, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dalmatian, Samoyed, Old English Sheepdog, Irish Setter, and the Borzoi. Males are affected more often, in a ratio of 2:1
Cause
The cause of Wobblers Syndrome is unknown, although a link to fast growth and genetics is suspected. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, "The cause is unknown, although rapid growth rates and nutrition, mechanical factors, and genetics may be implicated." Some breeders say that there has been a marked decrease in the incidence of not only Wobblers Syndrome, but other diseases that occur during the early, fast growth stages of Great Danes, when weight is kept down and growth rate has been slowed nutritionally.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear first in the rear legs as a mild uncoordination in gait (ataxia) and can escalate to involvement of the forelegs as well. The severely affected dog moves like a drunk and the uncoordination shows up most when the dog is walked and then moved sharply into a turn. An unsuspecting owner might simply conclude that his older puppy was just clumsy. Overly clumsy young Great Danes should be Wobbler suspects.
In Great Danes, Wobblers Syndrome most commonly appears from 10 months to a year and a half of age although it can manifest as old as 4 or 5 years, and as young as 5 weeks. In Doberman Pinschers it usually doesn't appear until the dog is 4 or 5 years old.
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noneya
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #4 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:37pm » |
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Diagnosis
A veterinarian will do a neurological work up on the dog and this often includes not only cervical spine x-rays, but a mylogram x-ray. A mylogram is not only dangerous to the dog, but is expensive. The owner should thoroughly investigate the advisability of this procedure, especially since if it is Wobblers Syndrome, surgery may not be the best option.
Treatment
Treatment of Wobblers Syndrome can include the use of corticosteroids, a neck brace and surgery. The surgery fuses the 2 unstable vertebrae which relieves the pressure on the spinal cord. Unfortunately this also puts further stress on adjoining vertebrae which can cause instability to recur in them. Many Wobblers can live a long and pain free life with little or no treatment. Others deteriorate quickly and euthanasia then becomes the only kind choice.
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kissmyglass
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #5 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:48pm » |
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I have a Dobermann and it is usually a Dobermann disease.
I know of a Dobie who had it, had surgery on his spine, wora a neck brace for 8 weeks (I think) and was fine after that.
Hey Dis, got any pics of your dog(s)?
Kev
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purpleydog
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #6 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 9:50pm » |
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Donna, see if there is a large University nearby that has an animal clinic that your vet can refer you to.
Years ago, when my weimaraner, Maggi, was diagnosed with cancer, our vet suggested we take her to the University of Illinois veternary oncology clinic in Champaign, ILL (Hi Ruthie!!). When I took her there, I found out they do all kinds of work on large (farm sized) and small animals. Othopedics, oncology, skin diseases, behavior, you name it.
We chose for her to have radiation therapy, which got rid of the cancer, and she lived for 7 more years (until she was 11 1/2, well past the expected age for her breed).
The U of I is 90 miles from me, but I would have driven much farther, and I'm sure you feel the same way. See if there is something similar nearby, they will have lot's of experience, and suggestions for treatment.
I hope Polly gets better.
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DonnaHar
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #7 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 10:56pm » |
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Thank you all for your concern and information. I appreciate it so much!
I've just found more contradictory information between what symptoms Polly has and Wobblers. They say heavy headed dogs and horses are candidates and also include Bassets, but Polly is a small Beagle with a small head.
I do have an appointment with another Vet for a second opinion in a couple of days and I will keep you all posted.
I can't imagine why she crys out and holds her leg up like she does. Anyone have any ideas I can research? I'd like to go to the second Vet better armed.
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Sean_C
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #8 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 11:04pm » |
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I hope Polly comes around soon Donna 
I'd sell my house too for my pets. They're definately family
Keep us posted.
Sean...........................................
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Charlie
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #9 on: Jul 17th, 2006, 11:26pm » |
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Sorry to learn this Donna.
I'm hoping this is something entirely different that needs only a little time to heal. It is possible, you know.
Just wanted to add this in hope that she'll snap out of whatever it is that has her down.
Charlie 
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noneya
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #10 on: Jul 18th, 2006, 12:12am » |
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Yeah I've got a million pics of "Gator". This is an older pic...he's about 130lbs now. Hey Donna, do you have any pics of Polly that you can post? I really hope it's something more along the lines of a sprained leg or even a broken bone (something that can heal quickly)!
At construction site of our house...
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| « Last Edit: Jul 18th, 2006, 12:13am by noneya » |
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kissmyglass
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Re: My Polly has a big problem....
« Reply #11 on: Jul 18th, 2006, 12:25am » |
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Wow, he's a beauty! 130 lbs? LOL he's huge! Doesn't look like am American dobie, did you ge him in the US? I imported my boy "Bud" from Hungary.
Thanks for the pics
Kev
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