Help Polo Can't stand

[lillymae]

Originally Posted by morgan111

we have had some of the same things happen with our little guy his name is Keeper he just hit 8 months on april 1 2011 and is 2.2lbs we have had all the bile tests done liver, kidney and they are all good. we are going to a nero vet in vancouver this week for MRI he has a hard time standing on his back legs he walks like he is drunk,his head tilts sideways sometimes and he has fits of rage at weird times. also he fontnal is still open on the top of his head .our vet thinks that it may be Hydrocephalus .everything we have been reading is leading us that way but are hopeing that they are wrong .i will up date when i have more info .positive thoughts coming your way

I will be praying for your little Keeper. Hydrocephalus is a scary thing but you are doing the rite thing with him. I would like to add , when he has his MRI please have them do a Spinal Tap as well while he is knocked for the MRI as one without the other can only give a half diagnosis. Will be waiting to hear from you.

[polomysweetpup]

I was already nervous to post the update cause I knew I would get a bunch of bull**** from people on here. No one really cares that Polo is improving. my breeder recommended this website to me and I always told people about how great it is not anymore. You guys think you are all high and mighty that you know everything HELLO are you guys vets? no I think not, I know my own dog and what is best for him. You know what I feel if I got the MRI they would of found nothing and then what would I have done then I wasted 1,800 dollars and then I would have to run more tests. Instead of judging me you should be happy that Polo is walking, I thought he would never be able to walk again. You guys give helpful advice but in a rude and mean way there is a way to put things nicely. FYI Polo has the same symptoms of Dog vertigo he could have that for all we know. And to say I am doing only what is best for me are you kidding me? I have done a ton for Polo I love him very much I have raised him as a puppy taught him a ton of tricks walk him everyday I am a lot better then most lazy pet owners. I am not one to get mad easily but you guys with your recent posts put me over the edge.

[Bitsy]

You asked for help and were given lots of help, support and advice. If you don't like some of the comments, just ignore them. I don't understand why people get so mad after asking for opinions. You have had lots of people offering prayers and kind words. How can you be mad at them?

I do not agree with what you are doing or not doing with your dog. Just because someone disagrees with you, it does not make them mean and a bully.

Why ask for help if you don't want advice?

Late last year I had a puppy with hydrocephalus. I took him to the best neurological specialist to get him whatever help he needed. He did not make it, but at least I knew I did the best I
could for him.

I have another puppy that just had leg surgery. Again, took him to the best orthopedic specialist to get the best care.

Both were expensive, but it was the RIGHT thing to do.

I think deep down you know you are not taking the best course and that is where your true anger is coming from.

I wish your dog the VERY best. It is up to you to get that for him.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by polomysweetpup

I was already nervous to post the update cause I knew I would get a bunch of bull**** from people on here. No one really cares that Polo is improving. my breeder recommended this website to me and I always told people about how great it is not anymore. You guys think you are all high and mighty that you know everything HELLO are you guys vets? no I think not, I know my own dog and what is best for him. You know what I feel if I got the MRI they would of found nothing and then what would I have done then I wasted 1,800 dollars and then I would have to run more tests. Instead of judging me you should be happy that Polo is walking, I thought he would never be able to walk again. You guys give helpful advice but in a rude and mean way there is a way to put things nicely. FYI Polo has the same symptoms of Dog vertigo he could have that for all we know. And to say I am doing only what is best for me are you kidding me? I have done a ton for Polo I love him very much I have raised him as a puppy taught him a ton of tricks walk him everyday I am a lot better then most lazy pet owners. I am not one to get mad easily but you guys with your recent posts put me over the edge.

Well actually you don't know if any poster here is a vet. What we do Know, is that a specialist, recommended a certain test protocol, and yet, you decided not to follow through with this protocol.
First there is no waste of money if an MRI doesn't show "anything", because it will help to rule out many things, and give direction to the next course of testing and or treatment.

Polo may have the same symptoms of Dog vertigo, but that is not what your neuro thinks it is ..right?

Vets do not recommend an expensive test unless it is necessary!

On an open forum, people will speak their mind, if you choose not to listen to some very good advice,from many ppl, who have been there, that is your loss. But the very worst part is, it is Polo who will suffer.

I don't give two hoots if you feel we are "mean", what we all give more than two hoots about is the health of your pup.

What we care about is that future readers of this thread, can get some very good advice.

Please at the minimum safeguard this pup from falls!

[Buster Brown]

You have to understand people here have seen a lot of stories of people with sick dogs, or have had their own sick dogs. They are trying to give you advice based on their experiences or from what they have learned as a result of learning from others. No they are not vets but some are vet techs and some are more aware of the issues of Yorkies than vets whose practice may deal more with larger dogs. They are worried about your puppy's long term health. They are not saying you are not a good or kind owner. I have a holistic vet and believe in supplements to help Buster. But when he needed a specialist I did not hesitate to go and on the recommendation of my Vet. The holistic vet may have helped with issues contributing to Polo's problems but I do not think all things are being addressed. Sadly Polo is having serious issues and you know this as you have been good in seeking help. People are concerned for Polo and for you as they know how heart breaking a sick dog can be. I know you are trying to find the silver lining in Polo's cloud. I am glad he is walking a little better but if he can only walk a little bit with out having to lay down he still is a sick puppy. I am not trying to be mean to you but falling over a couple times is not good news. I think why you are so upset with some of the posters is that you know in your heart they are right, harsh yes, but right. The are using tough love because they do want to help and they do want to help Polo and I know you do too. When you ask for advice here on YT you are going to get all kinds of advice. Some you may agree with some not. Some here are more concerned for the dogs well being than for the feelings of the owner if they feel what is is the dogs best interest is not being done they do not mince words. In life would you not rather have someone tell you what they feel is the truth rather than what they think you want to hear. I always would rather hear the truth then I can make my decisions. I really do wish you and Polo the very best. God did give you a best friend with Polo and now it is your turn to be the best friend. I do love you quote and I do hope you will do what is best.

[YorkieChick1]

My yorkie, Brooke has GME and she is on Dr. Sisson's protocol. You really need to join the New GME Dogs yahoo forum, we can help and support you since all of our dogs have GME. NewGMEDogs : NewGMEDogs

Polo's symptoms sound just like Brooke's when she first was diagnosed. Polo needs to be on high dose steroids in the beginning to stop the inflammation in his brain, if you don't get him enough steroids he will get permanent brain damage and die. Then a chemo drug is introduced to put the dog in a remission. Dr. Sisson has dealt with hundreds of GME dogs and he has a 90% success rate if the dog is started right after diagnosis. He will work with you even if you can't come to Boston, where he is. I live in California but he has been Brooke's neurologist since 2007. The steroids will only hold the disease from progressing but the chemo is what gets rid of it. Some people believe that vaccinations can be what triggers the immune response which leads to GME. Brooke went into remission for almost 2 years and was off all medicine but then she relapsed last July and is in treatment again but doing really well.
Please join the other Yahoo group, we can help you and Polo live a long life together.

[lisaly]

Originally Posted by YorkieChick1

My yorkie, Brooke has GME and she is on Dr. Sisson's protocol. You really need to join the New GME Dogs yahoo forum, we can help and support you since all of our dogs have GME. NewGMEDogs : NewGMEDogs

Polo's symptoms sound just like Brooke's when she first was diagnosed. Polo needs to be on high dose steroids in the beginning to stop the inflammation in his brain, if you don't get him enough steroids he will get permanent brain damage and die. Then a chemo drug is introduced to put the dog in a remission. Dr. Sisson has dealt with hundreds of GME dogs and he has a 90% success rate if the dog is started right after diagnosis. He will work with you even if you can't come to Boston, where he is. I live in California but he has been Brooke's neurologist since 2007. The steroids will only hold the disease from progressing but the chemo is what gets rid of it. Some people believe that vaccinations can be what triggers the immune response which leads to GME. Brooke went into remission for almost 2 years and was off all medicine but then she relapsed last July and is in treatment again but doing really well.
Please join the other Yahoo group, we can help you and Polo live a long life together.

This post gives a lot of hope that Polo can lead long and wonderful life if he is given treatment immediately. So many of us know the heartbreak of doing everything possible to help one of our babies, and still we can't give them the chance of a full life that everyone of them deserves. We open our hearts to our babies, and I believe we must do for them what we would do for any child. I read a thread by member Extazzz about her pup Piper in the Sick/Emergency forum the end of January. She did everything possible for her baby, but when she could not give her baby the treatment that he needed, she surrendered him to YTNR. It took such courage and love to do that for her baby, and I have such respect for her. I'm so sorry that Polo is ill and I know how much that hurts. I wish you both didn't have to go through this. It is so painful to watch a pup that is sick, but knowing that help is possible makes it that much more difficult. I would never want to hurt anyone purposely. I'm sorry if this hurts you, but please consider what people are urging you to do. If anything happens to your baby, will you be able to at least have the peace of mind that you did everything possible for him? You have a young pup who has a chance at a very long life. Please think about this and know that we are praying for Polo to have the best and healthiest life possible.

[polomysweetpup]

Update: Polo is doing very good today I took him outside and he started running and not even falling over the neighbors came over and he ran towards them with a wagging tail. He also was growling at the other neighbors in the yard he is even wanting to go for walk but I won't let him not yet. His eyes look better his ears have been standing up he is very alert at what is around him barking at dogs he hears. I know the steroids and Holistic drugs are helping him I can just see it he even has been sometimes getting out of his bed and walking around I am there watching him the whole time but I normally put him back in his bed since he will get tired. You guys don't have to agree with me with the Holistic approach but every since he started them along with the steroids he has gotten remarkably better. I know that in my heart because of the Power of God that he is going to keep getting better
The Neurologist did not even think he would be able to walk by Friday well guess what we proved her wrong with him running today. I know this is a miracle and I give all my glory to the Power of the Lord

[Lil Sis]

op I think you are just mad because we don't agree with you. I have read this post from beginning to end and all I see is love and concern for your puppy.
People who have a ton of experience have spent their time to give you good advice... even to what to do if you don't have the money. Do you really think it is right to attack them because they will not pat your hand and say all is ok when it is not??? YOU ASKED FOR HELP... it just shows what type of person you are when you attack the people who are trying to help you... I would say if only one or may be two/three said you were wrong you could question the answers... but EVERY person who posted said the same thing!!!
PLEASE HELP THE PUPPY!!!!


oh buy the way... is this the same puppy that had LP??
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...g-patella.html

[gemy]

Originally Posted by polomysweetpup

Update: Polo is doing very good today I took him outside and he started running and not even falling over the neighbors came over and he ran towards them with a wagging tail. He also was growling at the other neighbors in the yard he is even wanting to go for walk but I won't let him not yet. His eyes look better his ears have been standing up he is very alert at what is around him barking at dogs he hears. I know the steroids and Holistic drugs are helping him I can just see it he even has been sometimes getting out of his bed and walking around I am there watching him the whole time but I normally put him back in his bed since he will get tired. You guys don't have to agree with me with the Holistic approach but every since he started them along with the steroids he has gotten remarkably better. I know that in my heart because of the Power of God that he is going to keep getting better
The Neurologist did not even think he would be able to walk by Friday well guess what we proved her wrong with him running today. I know this is a miracle and I give all my glory to the Power of the Lord

First I am happy to hear he is happy and running. Please don't discount the anti-imflammatory effect of the steroids.

Use this well "hiatus" to join the GME group, to research, and to inquire.

Holistic drugs often times take weeks or even months to work. I know this because I use them for my dogs, as well as myself.

I am glad that you have your faith, but I do believe that modern medicine is one of God's best helpers.

Perhaps God has guided you (in the form of your breeder) to this site, for you to get human guidance
I pray for your boy's health and well being.

[Ellie May]

I don't think there is a person here who isn't happy that Polo is feeling better. We are all just concerned that this is temporary and could recur at any time.

It could be vestibular disease (vertigo). There are different types though. The neurologist can sometimes guess at which type by the symptoms, particularly the nystagmus. Since the neurologist thought it was likely encephalitis and since they really wanted to do an MRI, central vestibular disease could be what they are concerned about. Idiopathic (or peripheral) generally goes away within three weeks without treatment. But the report from the neurologist indicates that she doesn't think this is idiopathic vestibular disease.

The fact that his symptoms got so severe (including not being able to urinate for days) with the fact that the neurologist is very concerned makes central vestibular disease more likely. This is just a set of symptoms that is probably part of an underlying problem. Steroids can help if it is something along the lines of GME; however, it is very likely that they will become ineffective (because without a diagnosis, the dosing may not be right).

If an MRI is out of the question and a neurologist does suspect either IVD or CVD, steroids and antibiotics can be started. Hopefully by doing this it narrows things down. It can cover the bases if there is an infection present while reducing inflammation. If symptoms start coming back, that is more information for the vet to go on. But again because the neurologist feels that this is a serious case, it seems that a diagnosis really is needed now to try and treat as accurately as possible. At the least, the neurologist should be making any decisions regarding what drugs and supplements are given. This is way beyond anything a holistic vet should attempt to try and manage. And with two vets giving drugs and supplements, there are two protocols being followed which could lead to more problems.

I don't know if there are any vets posting on this thread. My guess is no, but I don't want to assume that. There are, however, many Yorkie owners who do care about what is happening to your pup --- people who have owned Yorkies for many years and have seen countless vets and spend their time learning about the things that can go wrong with this breed. There happens to be a former vet tech or two posting on your thread too - one of which I know has worked closely with specialty vets. I'm not a vet or vet tech. I do spend a lot of time watching vets practice though. And in this case none of them would be sending Polo to a holistic vet. They would want him in the hands of a neurologist where he could have the best chance for a diagnosis. And when the specialist (neurologist) sets up a protocol, they get the support of the animal's regular vet and the owner isn't diverted into starting a second protocol.

Please make sure to check often for UTIs. If he is having trouble urinating, infection is common. If at all possible, an MRI to rule out some things would be in his best interest.

http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/vestibular/vestib.htm

[ladyjane]

He is on steroids. That is why you are seeing improvements; but sadly that will be temporary. The last person who tried this waited six months before finally giving up and letting her pup get help. Thankfully, the pup survived....but not with her treatments. The pup was taken to a neurologist for proper testing and chemo.

I read the PM that you sent about his symptoms and there is NO way on God's green earth that he is better. Sorry...but I am not going to feed into your obvious denial.

I guess you have a different Lord. I have to do the footwork before He can help me.

Again, I am praying for Polo.

[cally930]

All I can say is that I will pray for you to see the light and for Polo to get the proper care.

I wish you well.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by polomysweetpup

Update: Polo is doing very good today I took him outside and he started running and not even falling over the neighbors came over and he ran towards them with a wagging tail. He also was growling at the other neighbors in the yard he is even wanting to go for walk but I won't let him not yet. His eyes look better his ears have been standing up he is very alert at what is around him barking at dogs he hears. I know the steroids and Holistic drugs are helping him I can just see it he even has been sometimes getting out of his bed and walking around I am there watching him the whole time but I normally put him back in his bed since he will get tired. You guys don't have to agree with me with the Holistic approach but every since he started them along with the steroids he has gotten remarkably better. I know that in my heart because of the Power of God that he is going to keep getting better
The Neurologist did not even think he would be able to walk by Friday well guess what we proved her wrong with him running today. I know this is a miracle and I give all my glory to the Power of the Lord

Steriods aren't holistic.

[107barney]

The lord only helps those who help themselves. You are full of excuses and your dog will suffer for it. It's a sin what you are doing - Holistic garbage when a neurologist told you to get an MRI. God gives you free will so you are choosing to ignore what has been recommended! It sucks to dole out money for sick dogs but I'm sure you would do it for yourself if you needed help. Be mad, people like you make me sick!