oh my goodness. I only got thru one thread and now i'm in tears.

Yes, I'm sorry.... many are not happy threads....many were never updated....

Really great work to help the OP. I would imagine it would make for a heavy heart to research these stories.

As I have been involved in a few, I know it's hard to really control one's emotions while the thread is ongoing, before the pups get to a place where they can be helped. And at the end there are always tears, either of joy at seeing a pup get the help they need, or of grieving a loss.... even though it was not my own dog... this time.

It is so very hard for many owners to grasp the scope of this and other devastating diseases. It is not uncommon for people to actually go into a state of shock, it feels like one is in a dream and one just wants to wake up and have everything be okay or to have never had anything happen.

It takes time for people to get through this stage. They're trying to learn all they can about a disease they never even knew existed, and at the same time have a forum full of well-meaning folks pushing them to spend thousands of dollars in diagnostic tests that may or may not show the cause, and all the while they get to watch their pup do unpuppy-like, highly abnormal behaviors.

The reason we push is because we know this and other diseases can be deadly without and many times with treatment. But the sooner the pup gets appropriate treatment, the better the odds become that they may survive. With GME, NE, AAI, and Chiari... death can occur at any time.

I feel as bad for the owners as I do the pups. It is truly a nightmare for both. Who does one listen to, where does one go, but my vet said this or that, or doesn't know. I and others have seen specialists even that have made errors in diagnostics and treatments, or both. Then the owners have to shell out more money for duplicate tests and on, and on, and on.

I also want to say that it most always takes more than one person's voice to get through to most owners, mainly because of the shock and disbelief, and denial that something so horrid is happening to one's sweet little Yorkie.

And as a Lover of Yorkies, I intended this list to be a tribute to those little ones who did not make it, for whatever reason. These are the pups who will have made it easier for those to follow to get the help they need, in a timely fashion, and with vets who hopefully will become more aware of the symptoms and successful treatments involved in stopping these horrible conditions, maybe preventing some of them from happening at all.

Sorry for the rant....

Thank you for this moving tribute and for putting all of this information together. As much as I love this forum, it is so heartwrenching to hear of all of the sick pups. The wonderful people that I have met here, the compassion I witness daily, and the love people have for the pups keep me coming back here, however. The ties that binds us together are our undying love for these babies and the hope that, by helping to share our knowledge and by supporting each other, we can prevent illness, suffering, and heartache.

The OP logs in every day. I surely hope she is doing something positive for Polo.

I am praying for him and hoping she sees the light soon.

Umm, Quick ?
 

Is GME common in Yorkshire Terriers? Sorry if it is a dumb question, but better to reach enlightenment then not at all right...:confused:

OP:
You always have the right to do as you please but the major concern, as I am sure you know, is Polo and his health. Whether or not we agree with your treatment, the best and most mind easing solution is to go ahead and get the MRI. I am sure after already spending so much money they will see that the love you have for Polo is never ending and genuine and willing to set up a payment plan of some sort.
I would be willing to donate to the vet office on Polo's behalf!:love-hug3

God knows your heart, no one here does so we can't judge you without committing a sin ourselves.

GOD BLESS YOU AND POLO!:angel2dl:

AND I AM VERY HAPPY AND TICKLED HE IS SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENTS!:happyboun

Looking for an update on Polo. I see the OP has been here, but has not posted. Hope all is well with Polo.

I check here almost every day now for an update but if it were good news, wouldn't OP be bursting to post it?

No Rant just a beautiful compassionate statement speaking for the dogs side as well as the confused and overwhelmed owners point of view. Brava

Probably which really concerns me for that poor pup. :(

Update
 

Update: I have not updated in a while because I thought no one really cared but this is for the people who do care about Polo. Polo is now on double the dosage of steroids and seems to be responding very well to this. A couple of days ago he was outside with me on a leash and he saw a squirrel and tried to go after it that is his normal self he just loves to try to chase the squirrels.
when he goes to the bathroom now he can squat almost the whole time peeing and the last couple of seconds he falls. he has been walking alot more getting out of his bed and wanting to be up on the couch with me he even puts his paws up the couch:eek: he even walked about five house's up from my house and was headed the way we normally go for a walk. The other night I asked him to sit before his food and he did he has not sat in a while because of his balance, he still falls but it seems like he can catch himself before he falls which I think is a good sign. He even is sleeping well in the night before when he was really bad he would wake up in the middle of the night and start panting and shaking and he would do it at least two times in the night. He has stopped the panting and shaking he seems very relaxed when he is sleeping looks so peaceful. He is sleeping a a circle before he would have to have to be in a bed with his head elevated or else he would roll or fall. He is responding if I ask him if he is hungry he is eating more I guess because of the steroids he is getting a little pot belly.


THANKS FOR ALL THE PRAYERS:)

Thank You, for the update. Good to hear he is doing well. Still saying daily Prayers for both of you.

As the Owner of a dog named Polo... I just had to read that entire thread...Polo and I send prayers and well wishes to your Polo!

Praying for Polo.