My foster, Sammy, who many of you are familiar with (he is the one who had the two surgeries for perineal hernias) just returned from Texas A&M this evening.
About two weeks ago I had taken him to a local neurologist for evaluation of his neuro signs (very spastic walking, intention tremors and some other things) and she had suggested surgery. We already were aware that he had atlanto-axial subluxation based on xrays that were done by my regular vet when he started having issues with the hernia. I had asked the neurologist about an MRI but she said it was not needed. and it was a cut and dry case. I told her I was unsure about surgery so she gave me prednisone and told me to return in two weeks. I left there with an unsettled feeling and decided that I would take him to A&M for a second opinion. Thank God I did that. I don't want to think what might have happened if that surgery had been attempted.
At A&M yesterday they said that they felt there was more to his problems than the atlanto-axial subluxation. They suggested a complete medical workup including xrays, u/s, blood work....and then a MRI if all of those were ok. They did the MRI today and the results were shocking. Keep in mind that Sammy is probably 10-12 years of age and we are all amazed that he is alive. He was diagnosed with the following conditions:
1. chiari-like malformation
2. chronic atlanto-axial subluxation
3. hydrocephalus
4. syringohydromyelia
5. cervical intervertebral disc disease
6. subarachnoid cyst
He has had much of this all of his life. Sammy is adorable ... loves to eat and loves squeaky toys. Comes to me when I call him and gives kisses! Top it off with the fact that he is food aggressive...and loud as he can be when he wants a treat. The only clue that he is ill is the spastic walking and keeping his head down all of the time.
They gave me omeprazole to help with the fluid...and they want to follow up in four weeks to see if there is any improvement. He does not seem to be in pain...but he has been a mess all of his life and pain may be a normal thing for him.
Hopefully this information is going to help someone some day....so much is said about AAI being diagnosed by xray. The one thing that the first neuro said to me that made me think long and hard later on was that holding his head down was not typical for that condition...they usually hold their heads up....And, someone I know has a chiari pup that holds her head down. So...I was just really not comfortable. I know that a lot of people hesitate to do MRIs because of the cost....all I can say is that this MRI saved Sammy's life. I am sure if they had just gone in to operate, he would have been a goner. Always trust your instincts...and also go for second opinions!