My first Yorkie, Laciebug had a very rare form of Hydrocephalus. It was so rare that my vet had NEVER EVER seen a living dog with the condition. He said it was almost always diagnosed in a necropsy. This is Laciebug's story...
My first Yorkie had a nuerological problem. Her problem manifested itself primarly in her gait..... she tended to stumble and walk like she was confused or in pain. My local vet thought she might have a spine issue so we off we went to the University of Georgia Vet School for testing. After one look the vet decided that her problem looked like a neurological one and ordered a cat scan. The cat scan revealed leisions on the lining of the brain which caused swelling and fluid and who knows what other problems. The condition was so very rare, that almost 100% of the time it is diagnosised in a necropsy. My local vet had NEVER seen a living dog with the condition.
Anyway, Laciebug was given two weeks worth of meds and I was told to go to my regular vet for long term directions. Bottom line, the UG vets did not believe that she would outlive the two weeks worth of meds.
With medication and careful attention, Laciebug lived
FIVE years after the diagnosis. Some days she showed severe confusion others she seemed normal. My local vet was always amazed and pleased to see Laciebug. My vet was so wonderful during the whole time. Each time we would go in for checkups I would tearfully ask is it time? he would reply, Laciebug will tell you when she is ready to go and she isn't ready yet.
Laciebug retained her dignity until the end. The last few weeks she would try to wander off when I let her outside to potty. I would have to keep my eyes on her every second. One day, she managed to slip off and I never saw her again.... I searched our rural neighborhood for weeks on end. That was five years ago, I still search for remains..... Rest well my Laciebug
It was almost 10 years before I was ready to open my heart to another Yorkie -- I am sorry I waited so long to let Chattie fill the hole in my heart.