Atlantoaxial luxation My 2 year old baby, Ryder, is currently at the vet for observation. Last Wednesday he had his teeth cleaned and was taking Amoxi drops and Carprofen because he a tooth extracted at the same time. He was showing signs of being wobbly on Thursday, we called in and the vet asked if he was eating, drinking and if his gums were pink. We said yes and he said it was most likely the medicine. On Saturday only gave him a ½ dose of the Carprofen and he perked up some. Still very unstable but awake. What we noticed is he has started shaking a lot. To make it easy for him we were bringing him water and food so we knew for sure he was still eating and drinking (broth with Pedialyte). Sunday he slept in my husband’s arms most of the day. Shaking at times, food and water being brought to him. I brought him into our vet this morning and he didn’t tell me a name of what he suspected but said he thought Ryder has damage at the C1 and C2. He gave him a steroid shot and muscle relaxer stabilized his head and said he would like to give him some IV fluids and watch him today. Since I’ve been home, I have easily found on the internet videos and websites that perfectly shows Atlantoaxial luxation describes my baby perfectly. I’ve been reading through old posts and crying. Is there anyone out there who can share a successful outcome with me. |
I don't have any experience with atlantoaxial luxation, but what the vet described as damage at the C1 and C2 vertebrae fits the description of atlantoaxial luxation. You should definitely call the vet back and see if that is the correct diagnosis. Searching on the internet will only worry you until you hear for sure from your vet. If that's the correct diagnosis, and if it's hereditary, surgery might be the way to go. If it was caused by an injury, there are more conservative nonsurgical treatments that might work. Here's a good article for those who haven't heard of this ailment: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-p...axial-luxation |
Thank you pstinard. We are picking Ryder up in 45 minutes. I spoke with my vet who is very experienced and also conservative. He said Ryder was doing better, standing up and trying to walk. He recommended home care with a close eye. That is easy for me, because I'm home during the day. I asked if he still had concern for his neck and he said yes. I requested a neck xray for my piece of mind. We will know something soon. I appreciate your time responding here. |
Quote:
|
I cannot give you any advice but we will keep both of you in our prayers. |
Just to let you know we are thinking about you and Ryder and wishing you the very best! |
I do not have any help that I can give you with regards to information, but I will hold you in my thoughts...hoping for a positive outcome! |
Thank you for your prayers, please keep them coming. I plan to keep updating in hopes it helps someone in the future. Yesterday we did two Xray views of Ryder's spine. It is a beautiful perfect spine. We were allowed to bring him home for the evening, but the vet asked me to return him today for additional evaluation. Now I am even more confused. My husband and are talking, going over the timeline again. I will post some videos and photos in a few minutes. Today Ryder is trying to stand, very wobbly but appears to lay himself down. On Saturday he was walking following my husband, he seemed wobbly but could walk. By Sunday morning he wouldn't walk at all. In all honestly we held him and carried him around, but he would eat and drink and was alert. Now he is alert but turning his head to food. I'll post more as we learn it. |
3 Attachment(s) Here are a few photos of our Ryder. |
Quote:
|
He is ADORABLE!!! |
Ryder was at the vet on Tuesday for observation when we decided he needed to see a neurologist. We picked him up and took him to the specialist who confirmed what we were already thinking is that this is somehow neurological. At this point Ryder had already lost a pound and was not able to hold him self up. Lost interest in food and we didn't know how to get the amount of food in him that he needs. We didn't think he would survive the MRI that was suggested and didn't want his frail body poked and prodded on his last day. We took Ryder and went home with the unconfirmed diagnosis of likely stroke. I spoke with my breeder where I got Ryder who gave me some food ideas like non seasoned chicken baby food and he did show interest. We got hopeful, thinking if we can keep him fed then he has hope. (he has not shown signs of pain throughout this just inability to move on his own) By Tuesday morning he wouldn't lick food, water or even us. We were devastated and knew he wouldn't survive without getting some food. Our vet who has been practicing for 57 years gave us Dyne, a high calorie animal supplement and showed us how to feed him using a syringe. He is eating it without forcing and already looking better. Vet gave us Dexamethasone and Meclizine and we are successfully giving it to him as well. We are treating for inflammation in the brain and dizziness at the moment. Yesterday we can confirm he got all the nutrition and liquids he needed. Today..... he stands!!!! Hopefully more positive updates on the way. |
Sending positive thoughts your way |
Thank you for the update. Quote:
We'll keep up the prayers for continued improvement. --KatysMom |
Thank you for the update. God bless that little guy...keeping Ryder in our thoughts and prayers! |
Maybe after Ryder has recovered some, you can go back and get the MRI done. It's a noninvasive test, although he would have to be put under anesthesia so he remains still during the procedure. If he continues to improve, maybe you can ask your vet in a few days... |
Ryder is getting better every day. He is eating on his own, using the restroom on his own and trotting around the house. He is still holding his head to the side sometimes, still a little wobbly and confined to a playpen while not being watched (for now). Nevertheless, he is a different dog than 4 days ago. This started 16 days ago with wobbly back legs which has completely went away as of yesterday. We have a ways to go and he might have some difficulties with certain things forever but we have our little man. If I could share the biggest thing I learned from this is always keep the Dyne high calorie supplement for dogs at the house. Smart for after teeth cleaning or anytime the appetite is not strong. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers. Now I am going to start reading some threads on helping your Yorkie gain some weight. :) |
Quote:
|
I am so happy to hear the good news! |
I'm so glad to some positive updates :)! So, I'm guessing the Neuro didn't think it probably seizures due to the lasting symptoms afterward..? In other words, more stroke like in nature..? One question I'd have for the vet is -- if Vet is really sure this is due to stroke, then what would be the actual benefit of getting the MRI..? Is it bc the Vet is also wanting to check for something else? How is doing w/ his normal food btw? I might suggest trying Sojos if he's preferring something more 'fresh' -- it's SO awesome. It's a wonderful pre-mix and you can add either cooked meat or raw meat - super simple, but great nutrition and dogs LOVE it. https://www.sojos.com/mix-meal |
Good morning Wylie's Mom, Our vet didn't recommend us doing the MRI. My husband and I were panicking and decided we wanted to see what a Neurologist would say. It was the Neuro who felt is was a stroke and suggested Ryder had had a stroke and we should do the MRI. Both my husband and I together didn't think Ryder would survive anesthesia and brought him home with two separate vets saying stroke. I think our vet is trying to get Ryder back on his feet, which we have. The medicine he is getting treats multiple things including stroke. Besides the medicine, I would say making sure he got all the food he needs is the biggest thing. He has been eating a lot over the last few days and he is doing better. I bring Ryder into the vet today for a checkup. I know he is eating but I have looked up the Sojos online and plan to check it out. Thank you for telling me about it. I've read recovery can take months and he still shows signs for sure. Like running sideways and holding his head funny. I welcome any questions during this for the vet or myself. Thanks |
Quote:
|
It is good to hear he is on the mend. |
Nothing new to report from the vet. Ryder is up to 3.2 pounds and eating. I wanted to thank Wylie's Mom for the Sojos recommendation. All my babies love it and I think it is now our goto food. :animal-pa |
Quote:
|
Quote:
Yayyyy! So glad they're loving it :)! |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:12 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use