Raindrop--Stroke like symptons

[Mom of 3]

Ohh, OK! I am sitting here a nervous wreck. I didn't think about the meds. I am glad my neighbor went with me today, as she had to help me answer some of the questions. My mind went blank. I guess just take one day at a time, as they say. See how she is tomorrow. I really appreciate all your info. I hate it, as sometimes I feel so stupid. I can be strong for others, but fall apart when it's mine. Thank you all again. Darlene

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Mom of 3

Ohh, OK! I am sitting here a nervous wreck. I didn't think about the meds. I am glad my neighbor went with me today, as she had to help me answer some of the questions. My mind went blank. I guess just take one day at a time, as they say. See how she is tomorrow. I really appreciate all your info. I hate it, as sometimes I feel so stupid. I can be strong for others, but fall apart when it's mine. Thank you all again. Darlene

Don't feel stupid! You aren't. I do the same thing. I go blank. We'll just say some prayers that it is as your dr said and she will be back to herself in a matter of weeks.

[kjc]

When did she get her last vaccinations? And which vaccines was she given?

[Mom of 3]

Her last vacc. was in August. Vet said she needed her rabies shot. Was up to date on the rest.

[kjc]

Dogs with Liver Shunt sometimes exhibit a head pressing behavior, the symptoms you described (head tilt, circling, following the wall) sound more to me like Encephalitis... I would get her to a neurologist ASAP. You may need a referral from your vet. This could possibly be GME or Chiari, as hydrocephalus is a symptom. The panting could be a sign of pain. It's very important to get these ruled out ASAP. I wouldn't look them up, much info on the internet is not current... these both can be treated with positive outcomes.

[kjc]

When did you notice she was getting worse? What meds did the vet send home with her? NM Diazepam 2xDaily

[Iluvalldogs]

I'm so sorry to hear about your precious Raindrop! I know it is difficult when you face health issues with your baby. How wonderful it is that Raindrop has you to help her through this tough time! I pray that she will recover from whatever it is that is causing her trouble.

[Mom of 3]

Now that I know all this, and think back, she started acting aggessive to other pets here, yesterday morning. I was busy, had appointments myself, etc, etc, and noticed last night that something wasn't right. I called my neighbor, she came over, and agreed with me, that it looked like she had a stroke. First thing this morning, I took her to the Vet.
She has had a steroid shot, and is on Diazepam. (has had 2 doses now)
I was looking up Encephalitis. I didn't realize so many diseases had that same symptom, as the stroke. God, it could be anything.

[kjc]

I am uncomfortable with her being on Diazepam, as it is given to stop seizures (in progress) and is also an antispazmotic (somewhat acts likes a muscle relaxer) which could cause her to have difficulty with swallowing. May be risky to try to syringe water into her.

Encephalitis: any symptoms affecting the brain Hydrocephalus: water on the brain (actually excess Cerebral/Spinal Fluid, CSF)

GME is an autoimmune disease affecting the CSF. Chiari is a malformation of the spine near the head and also affects the CSF. Both cause overproduction of CSF and/or prevent natural drainage of the fluid away from the brain.

Hydrocephalus and Chiari can be detected on xray, then a Spinal Tap and MRI are normally done to differentiate between these diseases.

Is she having any trouble breathing? Is she focusing okay with both eyes?
Excess CSF can be painful and confusing for the dog, personality changes would be expected... I think it gives them a headache...

[kjc]

Does she have any particular spot or spots that she's itchy/scratching all the time?

[Mom of 3]

No scratching. But it's been awhile since she has urinated. This is really worrying me.

[kjc]

Do you have an ER Vet nearby? If she gets worse, be prepared to get her there.

Read this and print it out if you can: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...uture-use.html

One problem with excess CSF is it can cause problems with breathing. Are her gums pink? (Pink is good) (blue, purple, white: not so good)

Diazepam is also prescribed for anxiety... makes them calm... so I am also concerned it may depress her respiratory system. This, with CSF, may not be good so keep checking her respirations and gum color.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ulse-gums.html

[kjc]

Here's a link to ER Vets in your area....

ER Vets, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 - Google Search

[Mom of 3]

Gums are pink. Stuck pretty much in that "circle" position. I put her down to get a drink, and she started fighting with one of the other dogs that came to her.
I do have an ER Vet, near by. I am very thankful they are close.
I just made a pot of coffee @ 1am here. Can't sleep with her like that.

[Mom of 3]

Thanks, I wrote down the number.