[Yorkie Rescue]

For those of you who have asked me what this little guy's name is, well he is appropriately called "Baby."

I spoke to the Vet today and I am not sure if I will have all of this technically correct but he does indeed have Strabismus and Hydrocephalus. He also has two significant open fontanels (which basically mean holes or openings in the skull)

The Vet will take some x-rays tomorrow because Baby is not walking properly but he suspects that this is caused by the hydrocephalus. He also has a moderate amount of brain damage, but he is eating well and he is not having seizures which is a good thing.

Dogs that have this type of significant challenges do not live a long life. My Vet said he would do well to live 6 years. He is a year and a half now. I will pick him up tomorrow and make an appointment with a Neurologist. Then it will be a matter of time while he is here to see how he behaves, how he eats and interacts and how social he seems to be. It will take weeks to put some weight on him and asses his personality, but suffice to say this little guy may be a permanent foster child with Florida Yorkie Rescue.

Please continue to pray for Baby. He got a bath and he smells so much better. He is resting comfortably at the Animal Hospital and during the day the staff carries him around so he is not lonely.

Thanks for all who responded. I didn't get many answers, but I got a whole lot of support and prayers and that is worth their weight in gold... I love this place. What a wonderful group of ladies you all are!

God bless. More pictures to come tomorrow.

Kit
Florida Yorkie Rescue


Yorkie Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, a neurological disease common among toy breeds like Yorkies. The disease causes excess fluid within the brain, and is seen in both younger and older dogs. Some fluid in the brain is normal, and in fact protects the brain. But with hydrocephalus, the excess fluid can cause the skull to bulge and lead to brain damage. The condition can be caused by infection, congenital defects, trauma or tumor. Puppies can be born with this condition and tend to look a little shocky in the eyes if you know what you are looking for and is also common with open fontanels on the skull.

Symptoms:
May vary according to the cause, but can include crying, difficulty walking, problems with sight and hearing, abnormal movements of the eyes, tilting or pressing the head, hyperexcitability or dullness, circling, coma and seizures.

Diagnosis:
The veterinarian may want to perform an ultrasound, CT scan, blood work, radiographs and electroencephalogram. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, but could include either medication or surgery. If the condition is untreated it usually results in death, and some animals may have symptoms too severe to be controlled by medical intervention. Other animals, however, respond well to medication or surgery and can remain stable for many years.