Originally Posted by kjc  You have my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your sweet DaVinci.
I will attempt to explain:
Occipital dysplasia: Is basicly a hole in the skull, is very common in round-headed toy breeds. A small hole may go unnoticed, but a larger hole will be uncomfortable as the brain cannot shift without interference. One symptom is that the dog will lower it's front end, and walk backwards, possibly seeking some kind of relief.
hydrocephalus: This is a neurological disease in which there is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the malfunction of drainage system of the brain responsible for evacuating the cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the circulatory system. When this occurs with Occipital dysplasia, the brain cannot shift to accommodate the excess fluid build-up, causing, pressure, pain, and seizures.
C1/Atlas malpositioned: unlike other vertebrae, which interlock one to the next, the Atlas (also known as C-1) relies solely upon soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) to maintain alignment; therefore is uniquely vulnerable to displacement. Displacement of C-1 can occur without pain and thus, often goes undetected and untreated. It can be congenital or acquired.
From your description of events in both threads, I believe DaVinci was experiencing some kind of pressure from the excess fluid build-up and/or the Atlas malposition when your DH picked him up, hence his struggle to be put down. There can also be a congenital defect between the Atlas (last vertebra, top of the spine) and the Dens (place the two meet and fit together. If the dens was congenitally malformed, DaVinci would be predisposed to this disaster occuring at any point in his life, from any reason ie: turning his head to the side quickly could cause it, or shaking his head too.
I hope this helps. Also, I would like to add that getting an xray would more than likely have caused more damage. Many don't survive just the xray as positioning is critical and it doesn't take much of a slip to be catastrophic. Treatment involves emergency neuro surgery to shunt the cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain, to relieve the pressure, and ortho surgery to stabilize the C1 and the Dens.
I think the best way to determine 'why' would be a necropsy.
Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts, prayers, and my heart are with you and your family during this devastingly sad time...
Kathy |