Roriee (AAI puppy) has had a major relapse!

[Lisa and Pic]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Yorkie Haven has nothing to do with this. I am doing this on a personal level.

Bless you and thanks for the information.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by dwerten

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...c-shunt-7.html

check out the thread above as vicki, val and jaimie were helping on this thread back in november

I wonder if Ann can change that thread to be titled AAI so when people search about it this comes up just a thought as it has val and vicki on there with their info

I added AAI to the thread title, good idea Deb, thanks .

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Randi is taking Roriee to the vet tomorrow and will be faxing her surgery estimate to me.

Fantastic, Linda! This is such wonderful news to see this morning. Thank YOU .

[sherryllynne]

Originally Posted by kjc

AAI is congenital, but can be genetic or traumatic, genetic symptoms will appear within the first year, traumatic can appear at any age, from minor neck pain to total paralysis and death.

Conservative treatment with casts/braces may be tried in less severe cases, but many times reinjury may occur making surgery a better option.

I found this article from the ACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons)

ACVS - Atlantoaxial Instability


Here are some excerpts from the site:

Atlantoaxial instability is an uncommon condition of dogs in which there is abnormal movement or instability in the cervical spine or neck, between the atlas (first cervical vertebra) and axis (2nd vertebra). This instability allows abnormal bending between the two bones, which causes pressure or compression of the spinal cord. The severity of the injury to the spinal cord depends both on the amount of pressure, and the duration of the condition.
The atlantoaxial joint is normally stabilized by a projection off the axis called the dens, which fits into the atlas, as well as several fibrous attachments (ligaments) between the two bones. There are two causes for the instability – trauma and birth abnormalities. Traumatic instability occurs after forceful flexion of the head, causing either fracture of the dens or other part of the axis, and/or tearing of the fibrous attachments. This form of the instability can occur in any breed, at any age.

Certain birth defects can predispose this instability to occur with a very small amount of trauma (i.e. jumping off the couch, being jumped on by another dog). These abnormalities include a missing or malformed dens, or lack of normal attachments between the two vertebrae. An absent or smaller dens is the most common predisposing cause. This condition is seen mainly in small breed dogs, with Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Miniature or Toy Poodles, Pomeranians and Pekingese being the most frequently reported breeds. Dogs with congenital abnormalities usually show clinical signs at less than one year of age.

Conservative Treatment
Treatment for atlantoaxial instability can be conservative or surgical. Conservative management is more likely to be recommended when clinical signs are mild, or surgical treatment is not possible due to other medical conditions of the animal. Patients are managed with strict cage rest (4-6 weeks) and a neck brace for 6 weeks. Steroids and pain medications may also be used, and the patient will need to be protected indefinitely from trauma. Stability relies long term on the formation of scar tissue. Complete recoveries have been reported, even for dogs initially with severe signs, but dogs can also either remain unchanged or deteriorate. One study on 16 dogs demonstrated 10/16 having a good long-term outcome (10). Dogs were more likely to have a good outcome with conservative treatment, when the duration of their clinical signs was less then 30 days, at the time of treatment, while dogs with chronic signs (>30 days) were less likely to have a successful outcome without surgery. (10) With continued instability, there is a risk for suddenly luxating the spine, with acute paralysis and death. Potential complications include continued instability, inadequate stabilization by the brace, chronic spinal cord compression, and failure to heal fractures of the dens or body of the Axis. Problems such as bandage sores and eye ulcers related to the splint/neck brace are frequently seen. (1,2,9-11)
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is usually recommended over conservative treatment because of the possibility of recurrence and further spinal cord damage. Goals of surgery are to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and permanently stabilize the joint. The pressure is usually relieved by reducing the vertebrae into a normal position, without requiring any other decompression methods. If the dens is malformed and is deviated towards the cord, occasionally this will need to be removed to relieve the compression. In the past, the joint has been stabilized with many different techniques. It can be stabilized from the top (dorsal) or from the bottom (ventral). Most surgeons will now use a ventral technique, as approaches from the dorsal side do not usually result in fusion of the two bones, and long-term stability relies on scar tissue and lasting strength of the implants.

Thanks for posting these details. I have them on elle's blog too. Conserv treatment with body cast can also have good results if correctly treated by expert surgeon in aai and commitment by owner and attitude of pup. Both my Ellie and Posey had almost identical horrific xrays. SEVERE AAI necks hanging by a thread from spinal cord. They were both in FULL body casts to fuse. Roriee has never been in a body cast. Our surgeon said neck brace does NO HELP for fusion. Cast must go behind shoulders down to lower back. This is last comment on thread. I keep repeating myself. And this whole story is haunting me! So good luck to Roriee if the vet appt occurs today. And God bless all of you for helping this puppy. May roriee soon have relief. And please on YT always remember Ellies yorkie journey blog for AAI diagnosis and treatment. I will keep it updated for conservative treatment and for surgery if ever necessary. THERE ARE GOOD STORIES OUT THERE ABOUT AAI TOO...and we hope Roriee can join in on the good stories.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by sherryllynne

Thanks for posting these details. I have them on elle's blog too. Conserv treatment with body cast can also have good results if correctly treated by expert surgeon in aai and commitment by owner and attitude of pup. Both my Ellie and Posey had almost identical horrific xrays. SEVERE AAI necks hanging by a thread from spinal cord. They were both in FULL body casts to fuse. Roriee has never been in a body cast. Our surgeon said neck brace does NO HELP for fusion. Cast must go behind shoulders down to lower back. This is last comment on thread. I keep repeating myself. And this whole story is haunting me! So good luck to Roriee if the vet appt occurs today. And God bless all of you for helping this puppy. May roriee soon have relief. And please on YT always remember Ellies yorkie journey blog for AAI diagnosis and treatment. I will keep it updated for conservative treatment and for surgery if ever necessary. THERE ARE GOOD STORIES OUT THERE ABOUT AAI TOO...and we hope Roriee can join in on the good stories.

And Thank you also as it must be painful for you to revisit the details of the early diagnostics of your pups which I'm sure dredge up all the emotions you were feeling during that time too. I am sending you and yours prayers for complete healing for those babies and strength for yourself for those times when a little extra could help.... Take care...
Kathy

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by kjc

And Thank you also as it must be painful for you to revisit the details of the early diagnostics of your pups which I'm sure dredge up all the emotions you were feeling during that time too. I am sending you and yours prayers for complete healing for those babies and strength for yourself for those times when a little extra could help.... Take care...
Kathy

I ditto that!!!!

[chachi]

I just read through this entire thread. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. I am glad Roiree is going to get some help.

[maryeverett1]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Wonderful....then how about you cough up some of your profits and help this poor lady out. You, the marine, MaryEverett and Brenda can start a fund to help her out! Two of you are breeders, so surely you have some profits that you can share.

Reading through the latest in this thread trying to get updated on the case...I haven't done anything but post maybe a few times in the whole thread and as far as I know Steve is not a breeder and neither am I! Get your facts straight before you go accusing people of just downright crap! I'm so sick of this whole thing getting blamed on me! It couldn't possibly be because of what you wrote long before I commented for the first time! All that matters is that roriee is getting help which now I hear from LJ that she is!

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by maryeverett1

Reading through the latest in this thread trying to get updated on the case...I haven't done anything but post maybe a few times in the whole thread and as far as I know Steve is not a breeder and neither am I! Get your facts straight before you go accusing people of just downright crap! I'm so sick of this whole thing getting blamed on me! It couldn't possibly be because of what you wrote long before I commented for the first time! All that matters is that roriee is getting help which now I hear from LJ that she is!

Unbelievable! In my PM with you the other day didn't we discuss how it would be to Roriee's advantage if you kept your thought in PMs ? What exactly are you trying to accomplish by once AGAIN posting in this manner? It's all about me-me-me! Ugh!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by maryeverett1

Reading through the latest in this thread trying to get updated on the case...I haven't done anything but post maybe a few times in the whole thread and as far as I know Steve is not a breeder and neither am I! Get your facts straight before you go accusing people of just downright crap! I'm so sick of this whole thing getting blamed on me! It couldn't possibly be because of what you wrote long before I commented for the first time! All that matters is that roriee is getting help which now I hear from LJ that she is!

Mary, I'm a little disappointed in your post, first LJ did have the facts correct, she was said that two of you are breeders, Momadog1 and brendah are both breeders. I think her point was so many people were full of criticism on how a legitimate rescue would handle this, and she has being trying to do so many things in order to help this situation. She isn't using "rescue" money to help, she's using her personal funds, and I think that her way of saying don't just criticize me, put up some money. We all really want this dog to get help as soon as possible, and until you become a little more knowledgeable, your efforts to help may hurt. I really wish we'd all stay on the same page with this. It sounds like we are very close to helping Roriee.

[maryeverett1]

Ugh, whatever dude. Is there a thread to where I can donate to the surgery..."actions speak louder than words" right? Putting my money where my mouth is...all I care about is roriee...not even going to entertain that convo...want to donate. Period from this loving caring NON BREEDER!!!!!!!

[maryeverett1]

That's what I'm trying to do! My name was in that quote! What am I supposed to think? Not going here right now! Want to donate which is the reason I checked back...not to get into a big fight! Be disappointed all you want! I don't want anyone to think I'm in the middle of this or a breeder or in contact with the OP! Since the accusations were public it's only fair to defend myself in the same way! I have been in personal contact with LJ asking if there was anyway I could help! Ask her about that. I have also not spoken with the OP even though she has contacted me to keep from anything getting confusing! I want her to hear experienced rescue voices (LJ) only! So I'm doing the best I can! All I want to do is donate now...please stop jumping down my neck'

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by maryeverett1

That's what I'm trying to do! My name was in that quote! What am I supposed to think? Not going here right now! Want to donate which is the reason I checked back...not to get into a big fight! Be disappointed all you want! I don't want anyone to think I'm in the middle of this or a breeder or in contact with the OP! Since the accusations were public it's only fair to defend myself in the same way! I have been in personal contact with LJ asking if there was anyway I could help! Ask her about that. I have also not spoken with the OP even though she has contacted me to keep from anything getting confusing! I want her to hear experienced rescue voices (LJ) only! So I'm doing the best I can! All I want to do is donate now...please stop jumping down my neck'

I am not going to argue about this and we are not going to get off track. The discussion is strictly about Roriee and any possible surgery. Donations are not allowed on the YT board and if and when there is a fund set up it will all be through an outside source directly to a vet hospital that the surgery will be performed.

If you have spoken to Linda then you know what the situation is and when anyone that is interested in donating will be able to do so. Nothing more is being done until Roriee is seem by the Neurologist, an estimate is given by the surgeon and more information is know.

I am going to ask that we stay on topic and not argue. Linda has asked that everyone try to stay positive and focused on the care of Roriee and getting her the treatment that is needed.

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

I am not going to argue about this and we are not going to get off track. The discussion is strictly about Roriee and any possible surgery. Donations are not allowed on the YT board and if and when there is a fund set up it will all be through an outside source directly to a vet hospital that the surgery will be performed.

If you have spoken to Linda then you know what the situation is and when anyone that is interested in donating will be able to do so. Nothing more is being done until Roriee is seem by the Neurologist, an estimate is given by the surgeon and more information is know.

I am going to ask that we stay on topic and not argue. Linda has asked that everyone try to stay positive and focused on the care of Roriee and getting her the treatment that is needed.

Thanks for posting Jodi, yes Linda is in contact with Randi, she will let us know whats next, If you have a concern about any comments I suggest using PM. Until then we should all pray for Roriee and stop bickering.

[dwerten]

Just checking in has the estimate been received for this surgery from the neurologist as just came home for late lunch and did not see it posted so i am hoping this will be posted soon Every day that goes by scares me for this little one

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by maryeverett1

Is there a thread to where I can donate to the surgery.. Period from this loving caring NON BREEDER!!!!!!!

No, there is no thread where you can donate as soliciting for donations in that manner is not allowed on YT. I would suggest that you contact LadyJane privately and she can provide you with the information you need to help monetarily.

Originally Posted by maryeverett1

My name was in that quote! What am I supposed to think?

How about taking the time to read and actually process what she said. She said TWO were breeders, never said that you were one of them.
And I hate to brake it to you, but your female carried and whelped a litter of one. Accidental or not, she whelped a pup while she was under your care. By every definition of the term, you ARE a breeder in a sense, like it or not.

Yes, thanks in part to LadyJanes efforts and extreme generosity, this pup seems to be one step closer to getting the help she needs, as LJ was attempting to do from the very beginning. THANK GOD she is still trying and her efforts were not all for nothing as the result of her public reprimanding for being "rude." Thankfully most were able to move past that and continue to focus their efforts on urging the much needed care of this dog.