"LETHARGIC YORKIE" thread - we FINALLY HAVE A DIAGNOSIS - BAD
 

This is a follow up to my previous 2 "Lethargic Yorkie" threads. After 2 1/2 months, we have a diagnosis. We still believe she has the false pregnancy, which is another issue entirely. For anyone who has not seen my previous threads, my little Gucci has been extremely lethargic, tilting her head constantly, and cries out sometimes when you pick her up. We finally got referred to a neurologist and he determined she has AtlantoAxial instability. No wonder she was in so much pain...the doctor said most dogs in her condition usually can't even walk. Unfortunately, the neuro in Miami is so new, he doesn't have all the equipment yet to do the surgery and he is wonderful - I wish he could do it but she cannot wait to have it done. So it looks like we are headed up to Jacksonville for a neuro/specialist up there to do the surgery. Please pray for my little angel. She is the sweetest, most gentle, loving dog I have ever had and it breaks my heart seeing her like this and knowing what she will have to go through. Has anyone else gone through this surgery or know anything about it? I've heard that little dogs are much riskier to do - she is 4.2 lbs.

Im so sorry. Prayers for your little one.

I have never heard of that problem. I am wishing you and your little one success and hope the surgery takes care of her problem.
Cherie

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. There are YT members who've been through this with their yorkies. Hopefully one of them will see your post and tell you about their experiences. Prayers for little Gucci.

Bonny

Unfortunately, we have had quite a few Yorkies with AAI on YT.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ome-today.html

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...-my-puppy.html

I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

I'm sorry to hear this. Prayers for little Angel to get past this strong healthy

I am so sorry to hear about your little Gucci!! Sending prayers that she can get the surgery that she needs. :hands:

My prayers are with you. Please keep us updated.

So sorry to hear your little Gucci is not well. Sending prayers for strength and healing.

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Gucci. You're trying so hard to help her and I hope the Jax surgeon can help her. Gucci will be in my prayers.

I am so sorry to hear this. Will keep your little Gucci in my prayers.

Did you contact her breeder about this? I noted that you had been looking for a tiny female in the past and, while it does not matter now, many breeders who are breeding for small are not really reputable at all. ...I would sure as heck be letting this breeder know as this could be congenital.

Just very depressing and I do hope all goes well with surgery. I am going to PM a member who had this surgery done on her female. Maybe she will have some advice for you.

I am so sorry. I hope the surgery will be a success and Gucci can enjoy the rest of her life pain free.

Sending prayers for your little Gucci.

We have had members here with personal experience with AAI. Both MyBabe4Me (Val) and BleuBoyBarber (Vicki) had AAI pups. Bleu Boy was in a cast, Baby Bear had surgery. There have been others along the way who have lost their little ones. You may want to PM Val & Vicki and hear their experiences. At the very least, you will find much support among them!

So very sorry to hear the sad news of your little girl Gucci. Sending prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

So sorry to hear you got bad news. I will pray for her surgery, recovery and healing.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and little Gucci

I am so sorry to hear your news. I will say a prayer for your little Gucci.

I am very sorry to hear about Gucci's diagnosis. As suggested please do make contact the AAI owners mentioned- as they are incredibly supportive and helpful. Please make sure your baby is still and clam until surgery to prevent any further neuro issues. It seems like all of us with AAI experience have different stories - Keep strong for your baby and keep the outlook positive for your baby. We are ALL here for you and pray for you and Gucci in the days ahead.

Also- I just want to add this- JMO. Your baby is only 2.5 months old and that is very young for this surgery for bone strength. But it is good she is at 4lbs. I think i would insist on a bone strength analysis from the surgeon. We had to delay our surgery because our babies bones were too soft at 2months old. You do have the choice for conservative treatment (body cast) for several more weeks for the bones to be stronger.Your surgeon will certainly guide you about this. When is your appt with the surgeon in Jacksonville? Please remember- each puppy is different. There are many successful AAI surgeries you will find out in the yorkie community- and a support system of angels on earth here. You will get thru this!

I am so sorry about the diagnosis. Sending prayers for Gucci.

First of all, I want to say how sorry I am about Gucci. I know this is terrifying for you the unknown. What is going to happen, will she make it through what will she be like afterwards.

We have a wonderful support group on Yahoo called AAI, I'll put out an email to Val and everyone to be alerted about your baby.

My Shelby has AAI with several other congenital defects but she had a successful surgery 1.9 months ago. She innocently slipped off the couch, went into a seizure. My life stopped at that point all I could think of and focus was her. She was rushed to the ER just 5 mins away, then the next day to Akron Emergency Hospital, wasnt pleased with his laid back attitude. Then became acquainted with Metropolitan Hospital and Dr Tod Axlund. What a God send he and his staff during this time.

Please have hope, she will get through surgery. Actually Gucci weights 1lb more then Shelby at the time of surgery. These Neurosurgeons who are experienced in this surgery know what they are doing. If you would like you can email Dr. Axlund for a referral to where your going. He is know across the states. There are only a few of them. Or I can contact him for you.

We are here for you, will stand by you while you and Gucci go through this. Please have hope, we pray together, light candles, and will give you our experience to carry you though!

God BLess and protect you both, may he encircle his loving arms around you and give you strengh

Is she only 2.5 months old? or been ill for that time?

I also want to let you know that I have a girl named Bailey that had AAI. I do not now what I would have done without the support of the other AAI moms in the Yahoo AAI group. Please come and join us, so we can support you and pray for your precious pup as you go on this journey. It's a rough road and no need to go down it alone! Praying for your baby and sending you big hugs!

My prayers thoughts hopes and wishes for a successful surgery, and a painfree life for little Gucci.

You will always get support here, for your pain, your angst, your worries and concerns.

Some members as have posted have pups with this condition.They will help

I simply can't imagine the worry and concern you are dealing with

My hopes and prayers for the best for Gucci

So sorry that you are going this. will keep Gucci in my thoughts and prays.

Just now reading this. Sending you BIG HUGS.

Thank you all for your kind words of support. There was a misunderstanding somewhere about her age. She is 13 months old but has been ill for 2 1/2 -3 months before we finally figured out what was wrong with her. Also, I want to get on the AAI support group on yahoo, but cannot find it. Can someone please send me the link or let me know how to find it? I think it will really be helpful "talking" to others who have had or are going through this same thing. Gucci has been in her crate since the diagnosis, and is wearing a neck brace, and I only take her out to go to the bathroom (there is a weewee pad in there but she refuses to go on that one), and to hold her and let her sit on my lap for a few minutes several times a day. Today she feels better and keeps standing up (and falling down) and crying to come out but every time I take her out she wants to try to walk all over so I'm having trouble keeping her calm.

Oh my gosh, please PM sherryllynne, blueboybarber and the others mentioned above. They have been thru this and will help guide you and your baby. This is so sad. We are here to help support you.