[LBH]

Hello,

I have a healthy 9 year old make Yorkie (weight 5lbs) who had a sudden onset of possible neck/disc/luxation pain last Sunday. Totally normal day with food/water/play, no recent trauma/injury. Moose was laying on his side resting and went to stretch and cried out in pain. Also noticed "jerk" spasms around his neck/shoulder area. Visibly in pain and somewhat wobbly/confused after the episode. Rushed to the ER vet who noticed reaction to neck palpitation, otherwise normal in all other aspects of vitals, etc. Placed on 0.15 Meticam dose and sent home with appointment to see regular vet next day.

During the next day Moose reluctant to hold head up normally, some back hunching, restlessness. Eating/drinking/potty normal. Saw regular vet at 2PM, again noticed reaction to neck palpitation- also agreed it could be slipped disc, herniation, pinched nerve. All other exams normal including bloodwork panel which was normal. Saw no reason to perform CT scan and sent home with pain management Metican and 1/4pill Diazepam with strict rest instructions.

5PM same day- Moose resting on side with legs stretched out, heard garage door open and moved neck, all of sudden VIOLENT shrieking and not moving. As if he could not move. Picked him up, continued shrieking. Once he stopped he looked disoriented, confused, wobbly and didn't appear to be able to walk. Rushed him to ER Vet, more shrieking in the car, was terrified we were going to lose him, wasn't very responsive, did not seem aware.

ER Vet said he was stable in all aspects but just appeared to be in a lot of pain. Vitals normal. She didn't believe he had a seizure but I do based on his head tilt, tongue hanging out, unfocused stare and disorientation. She would not page NEURO because his vitals were normal/stable.

Saw NEURO the next day and these were the findings:
Problem/Diagnosis: Cervical hyperesthesia/Open Rule outs: IVDD, A-A luxation, meningitis, less likely neoplasia
Neurological Examination. Mentation; QBR. Cranial nerves; Normal Gait and Posture; Mild ataxia in all four limbs. Keeping head down. Postural reactions; Normal. Spinal reflexes; Normal; Nociception; Normal. Palpation; mild neck pain. Localization: Cervical spine. But cannot completely rule out intracranial
Radiology. We discussed the potential need for MRI.
Summary & Recommendations. Moose’s signs are most consistent with an issue affecting his neck. The most likely issue is an intervertebral disc herniation, but other possibilities include atlantoaxial subluxation, meningitis, or less likely neoplasia or discospondylitis. Although less likely we are unable to rule out an atypical partial seizure. In the event of a disc herniation, surgery is typically very successful in resolving the issue. Some dogs with disc problems can spontaneously resolve with medical management but start to show improvement in comfort and/or gait within a week.

The Dr. explained the risks associated with CT/spinal tap on 9 year old, 5lb dog that must be anesthetized. I am both terrified not to do the CT and terrified to do it. I am scared that it could be menengitis or tumor as those were both mentioned as less likely but not ruled out.

Since the neuro exam he has had less shrieking episodes, only 4 total since Wednesday and none as violent as Monday. He doesn't seem confused/disoriented or wobbly after any of them and can walk normally after. He is still very restless at night- up/down, looking around staring.

Any similar experiences? Please help if you can shed light on next steps. Thank you-