Need insight: Sprite dx with hydrocephalus

[megansmomma]

Wow! I guess she's not a swimming Yorkie Glad to hear that she is continuing to improve every day. Such wonderful news!

[ladyjane]

Yikes...pretty scary. Hope all is well.

[TxVicki]

Checking in to see how Sprite is doing?? I pray she is doing well.

[kmarla]

I am sorry for not updating in the last little while. We have had some worries that things were taking a bad turn. Our little Sprite is still with us but we got some very difficult news today at our neurologist appt. She is very severely visually impaired. In the last week she went accidentally into the pool again, began tripping on stairs, walking into objects and walls etc. She is extremely cautious and having difficulty navigating around the house. She didn't have these problems right after surgery, only very recently so I don't know what could have happened to cause this change. We knew something was wrong but we were thinking it was more neurological in nature, not visual. Apparently her pupils are very dilated and not responsive to changes in light. The neurologist doesn't think she's completely blind but very close to it. I think I was in shock at the appt and didn't ask questions about next steps (who do we see, what do we do?) We talked about other things, medications etc and follow-on care for the neurology....sadly for us our neurologist is moving to The States next week. I don't even know how I managed to drive home but we made it somehow. I'm having a hard time with this news. It's not a side effect we were prepared for and I just feel very sad for little Sprite. I'm meeting with my regular vet tomorrow to talk about this new challenge for Sprite and our family and how we can help her. Please keep us in your thoughts.

[Ellie May]

I'm very sorry to hear this news.

I have been very concerned for Sprite because your neurologist is leaving and he is somewhat inexperienced doing this surgery alone. A neurologist who has done quite a few of these may be able to explain the blindness. All I can suggest is that you get her to a neurologist with more experience and one who will be willing to stay on her case long term.

[Ellie May]

ETA:

It sounds like pressure change and may need to be revised.
Transient blindness following intracranial pressure changes in a hydrocephalic child with a V-P shunt - Springer

[ladyjane]

I am so sorry to hear this news.

Prayers for Sprite continue...

[107barney]

I'm no sorry to hear this news as well. It does sound like another surgery may be needed, or sadly, to let her go. I know you weren't prepared for this news, I know we were all here with you praying and hoping for this to be the way for you to have more time with your girl. Saying goodbye is very hard, but seeing them suffer is harder. I know you have tough decisions ahead and those are yours and yours alone to make. We are here, let us know if there is anything we can do. What is your vet proposing??

[megansmomma]

I am so sad to read your update on Sprite.

[AlecM]

You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers... you have done so much for your pup...

Alec in RI

[Maximo]

I am very sorry to hear the sad news. Praying for Sprite and you. The two of you have traveled a long and difficult road already.

[MauiGirl]

I am so sorry for this news of Sprite, and hope somehow that the vision loss is temporary. I hope you will have access to experienced vets who can properly follow up and care for her.

[kmarla]

I had a very detailed talk with the neurologist about next steps. While we can't rule out a shunt issue, the visual impairment presentation is not typical of a shunt malfunction in that both pupils are equally dilated and abnormally responsive to light. Because the shunt is only in one ventricle you would expect to see a more asymmetrical presentation. Also Sprite isn't exhibiting any other typical symptoms of a shunt malfunction. We talked about other causes. It could be the history of severe hydrocephalus and seizures. It could be a brain bleed, infection etc. Sprite's temp is normal and there are no obvious signs of infection and no typical symptoms. The first step to get more info would be another MRI which may or may not help. Then depending on results if it is the shunt she would need a partial or complete revision (replacement). We have to absorb this new info and decide on the way forward for Sprite. I'm obviously cutting out a lot of details but this is the gist of it. I'm inclined to let things be and just love her until her time comes. Our family will need to get educated about supporting a visually impaired dog and she has her fur sisters to help lead the way for her. Thanks again to all of you for your amazing support!!

[107barney]

I'm just so sorry for your family and for Sprite. Perhaps LadyJane can weigh in on the blind issue. Although she is mourning the loss of her precious George, he was blind. She might be a good person to talk to about this, and I'm sure she will be by your thread any time now. Best wishes.

[lynzy420]

Veterinary eye care, Animal Eye Care of Western New York Lancaster, NY Our Doctors & Technicians

This doc saved Mini's eye. People come from all over to see her. Just over the Peace Bridge, hop on the Thruway and get off at Transit, turn left it's a mile or 2 down Transit. (20 minutes from Peace Bridge). I know many Canadians come to the area for Vet and Vet specialists care. I really recommend her.

Please keep us posted, good luck and know that we are all here for you.