| Layla04 | 02-19-2014 04:58 AM |
I took her to a neurologist for the diagnosis of NME (fatal). It is supposed to be genetic. It is an auto-immune disease. It originally was known as Pug Encephalitis because it is so predominate in the breed (hence genes). Now it is showing up more in Yorkies, Maltese & small breeds. So they say genetic and they actually are saying that the genes are much like the genes in the human MS. The more debilitating form. Much being studied still. But I question why it is on the rise & 10 years ago I never heard of it. My first yorkie (Chloe) lived for 16 years. No health issues. I did not spay her (did not breed her) because I was hesitant to do so. Never used a topical on her. She got fleas once. used to put cedar under her bed, seemed to keep them away. I did vaccinate her & gave her heartguard. I am devastated by this loss & questioning everything. I read the article posted by someone on here about spaying and it made great sense to me. I am grateful for these vets that are being so pro-active. Even if this disease is carried by a gene what is the trigger? It sets in between 1-3 years of age & that is when we are vaccinating. She died just before her 4th birthday and I skipped the vaccinations last year. It is heartbreaking because I waited 6 years to get another companion & she is gone. Knowledge is power & I am just trying to reach out to other people who have gone through this to see what they think. I would hate to have this happen to someone else & I certainly do not want this to happen to me again. I will get another Yorkie someday and in the meantime I want to learn as much as I can. Thank-you for responding & for your sympathies. | 