[GracieJane]

Does anyone have any experience with this? Our Millie has been diagnosed after three episodes of severe (scared us to death) pain in her neck. It is a congenital malformation of the first two cervical vertebrae which can cause pain, paralysis, and death. Surgery is recommended, and we are willing to go there, but the surgeon's report also mentions an open fontanel and possible Chiari-like malformation, which in simple terms is that the brain is too large for the skull. That would put the whole situation over the top--surgery for the Chiari problem is incredibly expensive and I understand that results are iffy. The vet is following up with us on Tuesday with more definitive info about the "ifs."

Millie is eight months old now, and if possible, any orthopedic surgery needs to be delayed until she is a little older for growth plates to close.

For any of you who are on here routinely, you may recall that our other baby, Gracie, has had two significant surgeries before she was one (LP and liver biopsy with diagnosis of MVD). I cannot believe that we have another new dog with significant health issues. Just did not expect this. The breeder has offered to return what we paid for her to help with the medical expenses, and if it is just the one, we are totally game. I just can't hang in there if the little sweetie has two life-threatening issues--we would probably just love her as long as she is comfortable.


I hope this makes sense--we have come at this slowly, with a diagnosis taking several weeks. Now we have the two girls totally separated to protect Millie's neck.

Thanks for anything you know. . . we love these babies and just want them to be healthy and comfortable.