OK....here's the scoop on this little man. When I got to the shelter, they put me in a room with him so that I could take pictures and get a better look at him. He was unstable on his feet and it concerned me that he looked a bit like he had some neuro issues. Further checking him out found what looked like a possible impacted anal gland. So...I asked the shelter if I could take him to my vet for an exam. I did not want to send him to someone without knowing more about what was going on.
Oh my....did we find a lot of issues. On physical exam, the vet noted the dental disease (which we of course knew about...and also grade 4 LP which also was obvious). He also feels that he has bilateral KCS. He has a perianal hernia. Respiratory wheezing which could be referred sounds as he does have sniffles which could be from his teeth. Muscle atrophy in rear limbs with delayed proprioception.
Now...for the shocker....he has atlanto axial subluxation. That came as a total surprise to us. We had decided to do an xray on him because usually a perianal hernia is only in intact males and this little guy is neutered. The vet was concerned about a possible mass in the abdomen. I had talked with the vet about this little one having some hypermetric movements in his front legs...but on exam, the rear legs seemed more of an issue so he honestly suspected some arthritis. He did comment that he had only seen what I showed him in an AAI pup that he currently cares for. When the xray was developed there was no arthritis. They did another xray and found the neck problem. There really is not another group locally that could take this little one and trying to get him transported out of state would have been a problem; so he is staying with us.
We are honestly not sure of his age. Could be anywhere from 7 - 12.
Anyway.....I have him at my vet now. He will be boarded there for probably about 10 days because he may have kennel cough and I just cannot take a sick one in right now. Then, he will come to my home until the dog show in July and Jen and John will take him back to NC then.
My vet was out today. We did lab work on him and when she calls me tomorrow with that report I will speak with her about a possible dental. I don't know if she will want to do it, but it will need to be done prior to any ortho surgery for sure. His teeth are dreadful. He would definitely need a neck brace and be handled with extreme caution. She may end up advising a veterinary dentist. We shall see.
He already knows me and I felt terrible leaving him alone at the vet; but it beats the streets or the shelter. (although we do have a nice one here
) I am posting some pics....in spite of the bath I gave him yesterday, he is in need of some TLC. I just spoke with my groomer and she is going to groom him tomorrow. I will get some better pics then...but isn't he cute?