Necrotizing encephalitis
 

Hello. As my first post I have a request. We recently "rescued" Lucy, a 1 1/2 - 2 yo Yorkie. She had been dropped off at a local vet to be put down due to a suspected "head injury" (constant circling to the left) which I think was BS. There was no attempt to provide treatment prior to this. My fiance's coworker works as a volunteer at a local shelter and took Lucy home, providing the initial evals and medications. Lucy was on Prednisone for approx 2 weeks before we got her and approx 2 1/2 weeks while with us. She made great strides and was weaned off the Pred at the Dr's advise. 4 days later (this past Sunday) she nose-dived. After taking her to the local emergency care center where they ruled out any liver issues we took her to OSU Vet School in Columbus. Intially they were not going to be able to MRI her but that was finally arranged along with a Spinal Tap. The neurologist informed us that there was a lesion that appeared to be Necrotizing encephalitis. We are currently waiting for the ST results.

My question is what is the longevity of a dog with this diagnosis? Second, can someone PM me Dr Sissons contact info or protocols? I have read up on this disease on this and other sites but have no idea what we're up against. We are not wealthy but couldn't watch her go in front of us, especially after seeing how well she did on the Pred the first time.

Thank you in advance for you help.

Well, we just got the phone call that confirmed the MRI. So much for my optimism (I always root for the underdog). Now I need to find out our options. We are going to pick her up tonite and bring her home.

I don't have any experience with this, but I do recall reading about this before on YT. Have you searched for Necrotizing Encephalitis here on YT yet?

...thank you for saving her ;)

Yes, but most of the info is old, and I didn't see any longevity discussions. We will get to talk to the Neurologist tonite but I'd like to find out what other dr's are doing as well. I know we won't have her long but we want to make it a good one.

So sorry to hear of this, wishing you all the best. Here is a post from last year...

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...-terriers.html

I will be keeping Lucy, you and your family in my prayers.
Please keep us posted.

Thank you for your thoughts. We got Lucy home last night. She was a mess but we cleaned her up somewhat (didn't want to stress her too much as she doesn't like baths). She is on heavy steriods to jump start her body. She did well before so hopefully she will respond again. The MRI did not show the normal black spots associated with the disease but the ST shows evidence of it.

One surprising thing to both the Dr's and us was the 2 pins in one of her femurs from a past accident. Dr Galvao found it when he ran Lucy across the flouroscope before the MRI. Quite a shock since we have no history on her before mid-July.

She has had a rough life but is happy to be back with us and the rest of our "zoo". Again, thank you.

I am so glad she has you to spend the rest of her life with. Sounds like she has had it rough. I will keep her in my prayers.

Update
 

After returning home from OSU, we gave Lucy Dexamethasone for 1 week as prescribed by the neurologist. She developed diarrhea which lasted until this past Friday. We've now switched over to Prednisolone. By Friday she had pretty much returned to her "normal" self (before her last episode at the end of her Prednisone treatment). Her appetite has increased, her activity level is way up, no more walking in circles or head tilt, her "drunken" gait is gone and she walks/runs normally. She's back to chasing the cats, chewing on our fingers and giving "kisses".

We know based on the findings that this in temporary but we're all having fun...Thank you all for your comments...

Thanks for the update. I am glad Lucy is having a good spell and hope it lasts a long time. I am glad she has you to give her the treatment she needs and all the love.

Thanks for the update!
I'm glad to hear that Lucy is doing well right now.:)
She is so very lucky to have you and your family to take care of and give her such a loving home.
I will continue to keep her and you in my prayers.:hands:

Sad Update to Lucy's Condition
 

First, I want to say thank you for posting your thoughts on Lucy. We appreciate them very much.

Second, after returning from OSU the first time, Lucy showed remarkable progress in 2 short weeks. We took her back up for a follow-up 2 1/2 weeks after being seen. She amazed the Dr's and staff. But upon our return home she started to slip back each day. We changed medications based on the Dr's recommendation but she continued to decline. I'll spare you the details but will say that due to the rapid and steady decline in her condition we had her euthanized tonite. It was tremendously hard for us to come to this decision but we had to base it on her quality of life and not our personal feelings (which have and still are running the spectrum). It was hard to say goodbye to such a small thing even though she was with us only 3 months.

There is no rhyme or reason why she contracted this fatal disease and had to put up with so much suffering in her short 2 year life. We will miss her a great deal.

Lucy's Dad

My heart is breaking for you and your wife but I know your little girl is at the Rainbow Bridge healthy and happy again.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

I am so very sorry for your loss. She left this earth knowing she was loved very much.

I am so very sorry for your loss.
My heart is breaking for you.
I will keep you in my prayers.:hands:
R.I.P. little Lucy.