Originally Posted by lillymae (Post 3966146)

My heart goes out to you & Cassie & honestly can't even say what I would do in your situation. I have to say though, I would have a hard time separating her from her friends. As ladyjane has said about Sammy, she chose to let him socialize & I would do the same as above all else I believe their life should be as full as it can be no matter how long or short that may be. After all, the reality is that no matter how you view her , she is a dog & should be allowed to act like one if she so chooses,IMHO. I will continue to Pray for you both.

Originally Posted by broodizt (Post 3965853)

Hello all again,

Thank you all so much again for your positive energy and love. I've needed it badly. Today I am a little more rested, although Cassie kept barking and waking me up during the night, to hold her. She was whimpering yesterday, but seems better today. I am struggling with many issues, such as what is quality of life if I have to keep Cassie away from Muffin all the time in separate rooms. Is this realistic, or even desirable? They each know the other is in the house and know when I am with one or the other, and they are both so lonely and unhappy. I am so torn going back and forth to each room to give them the time each of them needs. Maybe it would be worth it to take the risk and give Cassie a shot at a normal life and give her the surgery. Or maybe the risk would be leaving them together and only keeping them apart when we go out of the house. We've done okay so far, and Muffin is not aggressive, although she is playful and barks at Cassie to play with her. She can probably be a little rough with Cassie, given Cassie is half her size, but they have lived together so far with no problems, so maybe THIS is the risk worth taking. I don't know, I'm so confused. But this arrangement where they are separated from each other at all times feels wrong to me. So I am contemplating either the surgery, or leaving them together as before except when we go out. What do you guys think?:confused:

Originally Posted by 4Scrappy (Post 3967453)

Have you asked any of the vets what they would do if Cassie were their dog? My husband asks the vets this and it stops their spiel right away. Most vets are compassionate and will tell you honestly. It sounds like you are reasoning it out very well as far as deciding. My prayers are with you. I ask God to send healing Cassie's way and to give you the wisdom and strength to make the right decision. Take care and thanks for the update.

Originally Posted by kjc (Post 3967465)

If and when you do put them back together, I would be sure to watch them and intervene on any rough behavior.... might be a good idea to take Muffin for a long walk to tire her out a bit first. I'm sure they'll both be a bit overexcited from being separated this long already!

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly (Post 3967686)

Boy, if the neuro said she probably wouldn't do the surgery, knowing what she knows & all her experiences, then I probably wouldn't do it either. I will be risky but it sound like it would be more risky to her life to have the surgery. I think I would go with the less risky choice and as I read your posts, that is not having surgery.

Originally Posted by broodizt (Post 3967693)

I am definitely leaning toward not having the surgery, and doing what ladyjane did with her fur babies.:)

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly (Post 3967695)

If she's been playing & living a Yorkie's life to date, apparently she's built up her own scar tissue & compensating well. Either way, surgery or not, we'll be praying for Cassie.

Originally Posted by broodizt (Post 3967707)

Thank you,

Well, let's say she's been living the yorkie life that she has adapted to, somewhat protected and limited, but she appears to be a very happy girl!:)

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly (Post 3967718)

Then she's probably going to do as well now as she did before. At least it sounds like that is what the neurologist was implying unless she specifically said something has further destabilized her since you got her first x-ray results. I think I would let her live her life as she has been living it. Likely there are several-to-many small dogs of several years of age around this country living with this condition and no one will ever know they had it if no neck x-rays are done for any reason or they don't get symptomatic - and it sounds like some never do.

Originally Posted by broodizt (Post 3967685)

Yes, several vets, including the neuro, and the surgeon who first diagnosed her in the CVS hospital, and all said probably not when I asked them "if she were your dog, would you do the surgery?"

Originally Posted by 4Scrappy (Post 3968422)

That puts it all in perspective. If the vets said they would not do the surgery if she were their dog, then, as others have said, I probably would not do it either. You are doing everything a Yorkie baby asks of us, keeping her fed, safe, and loved. They rely on us to make health decisions that allow them to keep living their lives with us and you are doing a fine job. While it is not easy, I know you will be rewarded with her unconditional love. I pray she stays strong and God allows her to enjoy her life with you for a long time. What a little angel you have. I pray for you to stay strong too. God bless you for giving her such a great life and taking such good care of her.

Originally Posted by broodizt (Post 3968767)

I have a question to anyone who might know the answer to this. I asked a veterinarian from "just answer" on the internet whether or not he would do the surgery if she were his dog. His answer was very unclear and after contacting him several times for clarification he said that if there were any changes in extensor postural thrust, placing wheelbarrowing or conscious proprioception he would do it without explaining the meaning of those terms. Does anyone know what they mean?

extensor postural thrust?
placing?
wheelbarrowing?
conscious proprioception?

I would be most grateful if someone could enlighten me
TIA
Shellie