OMG...Biscuit may have encephalitis
 

I wrote a few days ago, that the vet thought my yorkie, Biscuit, has a spinal cord injury and was sending us to the neurologist. Well, we went yesterday and received devastating news....he probably has encephalitis, possibly caused my his immune system.

The cost to diagnose this condition was close to $3000 and my daughter's existing medical condition has used up a good part of our savings.

Right now he is on a hefty dose of prednisone to reduce any swelling in his brain, but they will not give me the chemo type medicine without a definite diagnosis.

I am looking into a place that may be able to help us fund these tests (or perform them..not sure).

Has anyone ever had their yorkie diagnosed with this and what did you do. The neurologist said there was not cure, only remission, but would not say for how long it would last.

I am so devastated that I can barely write this, but I needed someone to talk to that would understand. :animal-pa

I am so sorry. I have no experience with encephalitis but hopefully someone will see this that can help. I will keep Biscuit in my prayers.

Thank you....I am sitting here crying while my little yorkie is sleeping in his dog bed. I appreciate your prayers.

Sorry I don't have any information but my heart and my prayers are going out to you for Biscuit from north Georgia. I can on imagine what you are going through.

OMG! How sad to hear this news!

Care Credit is a lending company that has credit cards specifically for animal and/or human medical treatments. Their web site is here: CareCredit Healthcare Finance - FAQs (Financing for Cosmetic Surgery, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Veterinary & More) I hope this helps.

Veterinary Teaching Hospital :: North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
What is the CREATE fund?

The motivation for this fund came from owners of dogs with encephalitis who wanted to help other animals. The Clinical Research, Education And Treatment for Encephalitis (CREATE) fund was started to help learn more about immune-mediated encephalitis, educate clients about encephalitis and support the treatment of encephalitis. The CREATE fund will support small clinical research projects to allow us to better understand and treat this disease. It will also help in the creation and maintenance of resources like this website to allow owners to learn more about this disease. Finally, the cost of the initial tests and treatment for encephalitis can be more than $2500, especially if there is an MRI or prolonged hospitalization. However, a spinal tap alone costs around $300-400 at our hospital and this may be sufficient for the diagnosis of encephalitis. Repeat spinal taps are a valuable tool in determining the response to therapy but can also be costly. One of the primary goals of the CREATE fund was to pay for the initial spinal tap or repeat taps in cases where finances are limited.

I am so sorry to hear about Biscuit. I wish there was something more I could say but my prayers are with you.