Portosystemic shunt

[siestakeykc]

Just wanted to update those of you who stopped by to give me support. Turns out it wasn't a shunt. Internal specialist concluded it was definitely neurological. We made an appt w/ neuro specialist for next week, but Sampson started showing signs of pain last weekend. We took him to the neurologist on an emergency visit. They took specific x-rays and discovered that he has a "severe" case of kyphosis scoliosis. He said he usually sees it in English bulldogs, French bulldogs, etc., but not really Yorkies.

He said without an MRI, it's hard to determine the injury to the spinal cord. Kyphosis can end up severing the cord in some cases. He may not even survive the MRI because he is sensitive to anesthesia. (His heart stopped for 45 seconds during his neuter surgery.) Even if he was a candidate for surgery, it entails taking off part of his spine ... just a horrible, painful event. We don't know if he injured himself while playing with our other dog or if his growth spurt possibly caused compression on the spinal cord (which could sever) or if a disk has burst...this situation is so crazy. He was born with it and sometimes it doesn't show up until a growth spurt. We have video of him playing in the snow at Christmas, and he was fine. Now we watch him struggle to walk. He grunts when he's in pain. It's absolutely heartbreaking. The vet talked to us also about the fact that there just wasn't a lot that could be done in some of these cases, and in the end you have to make that decision to let go.

I cried in that exam room for three hours. They were kind and didn't rush us as we weighed out what to do, what we could afford (8,000 after MRI & surgery...that may not even save him) So we are continuing with the steroid and managing his pain with medication for the next three weeks, and we will see the specialist again to assess his condition. He's not improving yet. I fear we are going to lose him. <tears> His first birthday is Tuesday, March 5th. So if anyone is reading this, think of us on Tuesday and send a prayer up. We will be celebrating our precious Sampson's day. He is truly the best puppy ever. His personality is unmatchable.

If anyone really did read this far...thank you.

[ladyjane]

Oh, I am so, so sorry. Your Sampson is adorable. What a sad story...I hope you have informed his breeder about this.

I will definitely keep your baby in my thoughts and prayers and you as well ... may you have the strength and wisdom to do what is best for your Sampson.

[Specs]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sampson sounds like a very special strong little dog, hoping and praying for improvement.