UPDATE on Murphy! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

sims822257 · 08-10-2007, 12:34 PM

Update on Murphy:

Hello everyone….I first want to say thank you for all the prayers and thoughts everyone has been sending my and Murphy’s way.

We went to visit a new Vet today and absolutely LOVED him.

He was GREAT and just adored Murphy. He took his shaking, body tremors and little seizures very seriously. He even took time to watch the video I had taped of Murphy having one of his fits. The Doctor took some blood work and he is going to get back with me on the results but until than he thinks what Murphy has is called “White Shaker Dog Syndrome”. It is called this because it is most common in white dogs like Westies and Maltese’s but Yorkshire Terriers have been know to have it too. The Doctor also gave him Prednisone to treat him for now. I am giving him one pill a day until the Doctor calls me for an update in 7 days. We are than going to reevaluate and try to decrease his medicine as needed.

Here is a little information I was given on the disease so far:
Basically dogs with this disease have a fine tremor of the entire body. Young dogs (9 months to 3 years old) of either sex are most frequently affected. Other clinical signs associated with a neurological system abnormality, such as head tilts, limb weakness and seizures, and are occasionally seen.
This disease is most often associated with a mild central nervous system inflammation This inflammation commonly affects the cerebellum, and dysfunction of this part of the brain may be one of the initiators of the tremor.
White Shaker Dog Syndrome is usually treated effectively with corticosteroids. The corticosteroids are given in relatively high dosages initially, and then the dose is decreased as the clinical signs improve.
Many dogs, after being treated for three to six months with corticosteroids, may be normal and may not require additional treatment. Some dogs may require low doses of corticosteroids every other day to keep clinical signs under control. Overall, the disease is rarely fatal.

Again, I have to tell you how wonderful you all are and how much I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers and helpfulness. Murphy is dong great right now and just sleeping since I think the medicine has made him just a little tiered. I am looking forward to a successful road to recovery for my precious baby boy.

Murphy sends hugs and kisses to everyone!

Wylie's Mom · 08-10-2007, 12:36 PM

Oh, I'm so happy you found this vet! All my best to 'lil Murph as he feels better each day!!!!!

RLC12345678 · 08-10-2007, 12:51 PM

YAY! I am SO HAPPY that your new vet is so wonderful and that he got to the bottom of what is going on with little Murphy!!!!!!!!!! I hope and pray he continues to improve and that after 6 months, he'll be cured!!!!!!! HUGS & KISSES!!!!!!!!

Yorkiekids · 08-10-2007, 12:52 PM

I'm happy you found a good vet, and will keep praying for you.

For My Coby · 08-10-2007, 12:52 PM

While it's not ever wonderful to get any kind of diagnosis, it's great to perhaps know what the culprit is. Knowledge is power!!

It sounds like you're on your way to a solution and have a new vet. Hopefully you can all sleep easier tonight........

Nikki+2 · 08-10-2007, 12:56 PM

Yay! That is such great news! I can't imagine how relieved you must be feeling to finally know what your dealing with and know it's not serious and it sounds like it is easily treated. Sounds like your new vet is on the ball. Get well soon Murphy! We need a playdate soon!

bornnygurl · 08-10-2007, 01:00 PM

Whew, I am so glad about this. I'm also grateful that it is treatable and not serious. Thank you so much for the update. Kudos to his new Vet and you for taking such good care of him!

Miss Q. sends him tons of kisses and hugs

.

nvnvgirl · 08-10-2007, 01:03 PM

I'm so happy for you and Murphy! It really broke my heart to watch the video, but I think it was an excellent thing to have on tape to show someone...like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

I had a feeling it was something neurologic and not a seizure per se. He looked and acted (he totally responded to your voice and commands while this was taking place, so that's why I didn't think it was a seizure), more like it was something going on with his nervous system, but I didn't want to say anything since I knew you were going to see a new vet. It sounds like you found a really good one too, and who cares and LISTENS! It sounds also like it's something very treatable and maybe will even eliminate his symptoms totally, even if he does have to be on medication. I have been worried about you guys ever since I watched the video, but when I woke up this morning, I was telling myself that you didnt' have an appt til Monday for some reason....glad you got in this soon and you maybe can relax a little bit! I know it had to be hell on you having to see your baby go thru that! All the best to you and darling little Murphy!

LuvMySissy · 08-10-2007, 01:04 PM

Caren - I'm so glad the new vet took you and Murphy's condition seriously. Lets hope the Prednisone works for him and he'll be good as new real soon!!!!

drawlins27 · 08-10-2007, 01:12 PM

I'm so glad that he is doing okay. Ask your vet about starting him on valium as well. It should give him some immediate relief.

My vet has mentioned that he thinks Lily has this as well. It is difficult to know exactly what her tremors are due to because she also has Hydrocephalus and MVD, both of which can cause shaking. But her's is worse when she is tired, stressed, or when you try to pet her. Its almost like she is scared. This makes him think that her shaking is due to a combination of Hydrocephalus and Shaker Dog Syndrome.

If her next Bile Acid test is normal, we are going to start her on a combination of steroids and valium. My vet says that this is the best treatment. I did some research which suggests the same thing. I'm so happy for you that its nothing worse!

red98vett · 08-10-2007, 01:16 PM

WHOOOO HOOOO !! Amazing what a good vet can do for us and I'm SO HAPPY FOR the Murph !! That's the best news I've heard all day and sending lots of kisses and will be hoping this is the answer for you all -

that's so great and while I'm sorry he has this - if it can be controlled thru medication then you're baby will be A-OK !!! I know this has to be such a load off your mind to at least have an idea what could be happening and a vet that cared enough to listen to you.

Judy in Waco · 08-10-2007, 01:18 PM

I am so glad that he is on the road to recovery. I'm glad you found a vet who would listen to you.

Jeri Cunningham · 08-10-2007, 01:32 PM

I'm so happy you found a good vet. and he is taking care of Murphy. I know we all feeling much better now

Dina_Nichole · 08-10-2007, 01:33 PM

Aww, what wonderful news. I'm so happy you know whats going on and can help him.

Yippie to little Murphy.......

Holly_QD · 08-10-2007, 01:38 PM

I'm so glad you are getting some answers and that this new vet is really going the distance to figure out what's wrong with little Murphy. It's always hard to get someone to care for your babies as much as we do ourselves, but it's always nice when someone shows some concern and is determined to help you. Good Luck and I hope Murphy feels much better.

08-10-2007, 12:34 PM	#1
sims822257 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,436	UPDATE on Murphy! Update on Murphy: Hello everyone….I first want to say thank you for all the prayers and thoughts everyone has been sending my and Murphy’s way. We went to visit a new Vet today and absolutely LOVED him. He was GREAT and just adored Murphy. He took his shaking, body tremors and little seizures very seriously. He even took time to watch the video I had taped of Murphy having one of his fits. The Doctor took some blood work and he is going to get back with me on the results but until than he thinks what Murphy has is called “White Shaker Dog Syndrome”. It is called this because it is most common in white dogs like Westies and Maltese’s but Yorkshire Terriers have been know to have it too. The Doctor also gave him Prednisone to treat him for now. I am giving him one pill a day until the Doctor calls me for an update in 7 days. We are than going to reevaluate and try to decrease his medicine as needed. Here is a little information I was given on the disease so far: Basically dogs with this disease have a fine tremor of the entire body. Young dogs (9 months to 3 years old) of either sex are most frequently affected. Other clinical signs associated with a neurological system abnormality, such as head tilts, limb weakness and seizures, and are occasionally seen. This disease is most often associated with a mild central nervous system inflammation This inflammation commonly affects the cerebellum, and dysfunction of this part of the brain may be one of the initiators of the tremor. White Shaker Dog Syndrome is usually treated effectively with corticosteroids. The corticosteroids are given in relatively high dosages initially, and then the dose is decreased as the clinical signs improve. Many dogs, after being treated for three to six months with corticosteroids, may be normal and may not require additional treatment. Some dogs may require low doses of corticosteroids every other day to keep clinical signs under control. Overall, the disease is rarely fatal. Again, I have to tell you how wonderful you all are and how much I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers and helpfulness. Murphy is dong great right now and just sleeping since I think the medicine has made him just a little tiered. I am looking forward to a successful road to recovery for my precious baby boy. Murphy sends hugs and kisses to everyone! __________________ Caren, mommy to Murphy and Mia Murphy WUVS his girlfriend Trixie

08-10-2007, 12:36 PM	#2
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	Oh, I'm so happy you found this vet! All my best to 'lil Murph as he feels better each day!!!!! __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

08-10-2007, 12:52 PM	#4
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	I'm happy you found a good vet, and will keep praying for you. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

08-10-2007, 12:52 PM	#5
For My Coby Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,139	While it's not ever wonderful to get any kind of diagnosis, it's great to perhaps know what the culprit is. Knowledge is power!! It sounds like you're on your way to a solution and have a new vet. Hopefully you can all sleep easier tonight........ __________________ Diane, and my boys ..... Coby and Reggie !! Striving to be a YTPP - a YT Positive Poster! In Memory of My Beautiful Mother 7/22/28-8/27/08

08-10-2007, 12:56 PM	#6
Nikki+2 I heart Sugar Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 7,373	Yay! That is such great news! I can't imagine how relieved you must be feeling to finally know what your dealing with and know it's not serious and it sounds like it is easily treated. Sounds like your new vet is on the ball. Get well soon Murphy! We need a playdate soon! __________________ "If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." — St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226

08-10-2007, 12:51 PM	#3
RLC12345678 I heart Hootie & Hobbs Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: USA Posts: 7,149	YAY! I am SO HAPPY that your new vet is so wonderful and that he got to the bottom of what is going on with little Murphy!!!!!!!!!! I hope and pray he continues to improve and that after 6 months, he'll be cured!!!!!!! HUGS & KISSES!!!!!!!!

08-10-2007, 01:00 PM	#7
bornnygurl No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,470	Whew, I am so glad about this. I'm also grateful that it is treatable and not serious. Thank you so much for the update. Kudos to his new Vet and you for taking such good care of him! Miss Q. sends him tons of kisses and hugs . Last edited by bornnygurl; 08-10-2007 at 01:02 PM.

08-10-2007, 01:03 PM	#8
nvnvgirl Lovin' to the MAX!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Yorkieville Posts: 2,774	I'm so happy for you and Murphy! It really broke my heart to watch the video, but I think it was an excellent thing to have on tape to show someone...like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words! I had a feeling it was something neurologic and not a seizure per se. He looked and acted (he totally responded to your voice and commands while this was taking place, so that's why I didn't think it was a seizure), more like it was something going on with his nervous system, but I didn't want to say anything since I knew you were going to see a new vet. It sounds like you found a really good one too, and who cares and LISTENS! It sounds also like it's something very treatable and maybe will even eliminate his symptoms totally, even if he does have to be on medication. I have been worried about you guys ever since I watched the video, but when I woke up this morning, I was telling myself that you didnt' have an appt til Monday for some reason....glad you got in this soon and you maybe can relax a little bit! I know it had to be hell on you having to see your baby go thru that! All the best to you and darling little Murphy! __________________ Seana and Max and Madison too! Come visit me at: celebritydogwatcher.com

08-10-2007, 01:04 PM	#9
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	Caren - I'm so glad the new vet took you and Murphy's condition seriously. Lets hope the Prednisone works for him and he'll be good as new real soon!!!! __________________ Sissy & Angel

08-10-2007, 01:12 PM	#10
drawlins27 Mommy's Lil' Miracle Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mufreesboro, TN Posts: 1,028	I'm so glad that he is doing okay. Ask your vet about starting him on valium as well. It should give him some immediate relief. My vet has mentioned that he thinks Lily has this as well. It is difficult to know exactly what her tremors are due to because she also has Hydrocephalus and MVD, both of which can cause shaking. But her's is worse when she is tired, stressed, or when you try to pet her. Its almost like she is scared. This makes him think that her shaking is due to a combination of Hydrocephalus and Shaker Dog Syndrome. If her next Bile Acid test is normal, we are going to start her on a combination of steroids and valium. My vet says that this is the best treatment. I did some research which suggests the same thing. I'm so happy for you that its nothing worse! __________________ I LOVE my little Furbutts! Last edited by drawlins27; 08-10-2007 at 01:13 PM.

08-10-2007, 01:16 PM	#11
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	WHOOOO HOOOO !! Amazing what a good vet can do for us and I'm SO HAPPY FOR the Murph !! That's the best news I've heard all day and sending lots of kisses and will be hoping this is the answer for you all - that's so great and while I'm sorry he has this - if it can be controlled thru medication then you're baby will be A-OK !!! I know this has to be such a load off your mind to at least have an idea what could be happening and a vet that cared enough to listen to you. __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

08-10-2007, 01:18 PM	#12
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I am so glad that he is on the road to recovery. I'm glad you found a vet who would listen to you. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

08-10-2007, 01:32 PM	#13
Jeri Cunningham Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hercules,CA Posts: 2,057 Blog Entries: 1	Great news on Murphy! I'm so happy you found a good vet. and he is taking care of Murphy. I know we all feeling much better now __________________ Mandy & Krissy & Teddy & Chelsey & Kayla Non-Yorkie: Rusty & Biewers: Darla & Spanky The Little Rascals

08-10-2007, 01:33 PM	#14
Dina_Nichole I Love My Munchkins! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: My Babies ♥'s! Posts: 8,765	Aww, what wonderful news. I'm so happy you know whats going on and can help him. Yippie to little Murphy....... __________________ I My Lil Furballs!! Pia Mojo ~ Trixie Murphy ~ Paisley Max

08-10-2007, 01:38 PM	#15
Holly_QD Everyday's A HollyDay! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: TX/WI Posts: 1,497	I'm so glad you are getting some answers and that this new vet is really going the distance to figure out what's wrong with little Murphy. It's always hard to get someone to care for your babies as much as we do ourselves, but it's always nice when someone shows some concern and is determined to help you. Good Luck and I hope Murphy feels much better. __________________ Holly s Lucky and BFF Queequeg too "Every day is a Holly-Day"