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Originally Posted by sashajade  does anyone know anything about these please? ive been searching on the internet to try and find out whats wrong with annie and ive just read about these and wondered if anyone on here has or had a yorkie with them? thanks |
I know a person whose dog was affected... Do you have specific questions? How old is Annie?
These are a few links to info:
http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/avhc/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=586486&pageID=1&sk=&date=
Diagnostic approach to patients with signs of encephalopathy (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare
From:
Oddball neurologic disorders: dogs (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare Chiari Malformations (Syringomyelia, Caudal Occipital Malformation Syndrome)
Chiari malformations are developmental disorders of the occipital bone mesoderm, most likely genetically transmitted. Dysplasia of the occipital bone results in a malformation of the caudal fossa causing crowding of the structures of the caudal fossa. The end result is herniation of the cerebellar tonsils with compression of the underlying brain stem, and syringohydromyelia in the cervical spinal cord. Syringomyelia refers to abnormal cavities filled with liquid within in the substance of the spinal cord. A "syrinx" refers to one of these cavities. Hydromyelia refers to a pathologic condition characterized by accumulation of fluid within an enlarged central canal of the spinal cord. In both of these instances, the fluid that accumulates is similar, if not identical, to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Chiari malformations, first recognized in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, are now being recognized in many different toy breed dogs. Oddly enough, the primary initial clinical sign is scratching at the neck or shoulder area. This is believed to result from compression of the decussating spinothalamic tracts within the spinal cord by the syrinx. As the lesion progresses, other signs such as ataxia, weakness and neck pain develop in some patients.
Diagnosis is by MRI of the caudal fossa and cervical spinal cord. Initial treatment for mild cases has been glucocorticoids and/or gabapentin. Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) procedure may allow the discontinuation of life-long steroids.
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Originally Posted by magnoliamommy I am interested in knowing if you have found out more information on Hydrocephalus in the Yorkshire Terrier. My 8 month old yorkie has just been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. Two weeks ago she started having difficulty walking, then she had a loss of appetite, she didnot want to turn her head to the left side, and her personality changed drastically. We have just gotten the resulty of her tests and a CT Scan. We are hoping to be able to control her condition with medication, but would love to hear from someone else who has experienced this. |
Did your vet determine a cause for the hydrocephalus? Many conditions exist in which hydrocephalus is a symptom...