Update on Murphy:
Hello everyone….I first want to say thank you for all the prayers and thoughts everyone has been sending my and Murphy’s way.
We went to visit a new Vet today and absolutely LOVED him.
He was GREAT and just adored Murphy. He took his shaking, body tremors and little seizures very seriously. He even took time to watch the video I had taped of Murphy having one of his fits. The Doctor took some blood work and he is going to get back with me on the results but until than he thinks what Murphy has is called “White Shaker Dog Syndrome”. It is called this because it is most common in white dogs like Westies and Maltese’s but Yorkshire Terriers have been know to have it too. The Doctor also gave him Prednisone to treat him for now. I am giving him one pill a day until the Doctor calls me for an update in 7 days. We are than going to reevaluate and try to decrease his medicine as needed.
Here is a little information I was given on the disease so far:
Basically dogs with this disease have a fine tremor of the entire body. Young dogs (9 months to 3 years old) of either sex are most frequently affected. Other clinical signs associated with a neurological system abnormality, such as head tilts, limb weakness and seizures, and are occasionally seen.
This disease is most often associated with a mild central nervous system inflammation This inflammation commonly affects the cerebellum, and dysfunction of this part of the brain may be one of the initiators of the tremor.
White Shaker Dog Syndrome is usually treated effectively with corticosteroids. The corticosteroids are given in relatively high dosages initially, and then the dose is decreased as the clinical signs improve.
Many dogs, after being treated for three to six months with corticosteroids, may be normal and may not require additional treatment. Some dogs may require low doses of corticosteroids every other day to keep clinical signs under control. Overall, the disease is rarely fatal.
Again, I have to tell you how wonderful you all are and how much I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers and helpfulness. Murphy is dong great right now and just sleeping since I think the medicine has made him just a little tiered. I am looking forward to a successful road to recovery for my precious baby boy.
Murphy sends hugs and kisses to everyone!
