hydrocephalus/syingomyelia does anyone know anything about these please? ive been searching on the internet to try and find out whats wrong with annie and ive just read about these and wondered if anyone on here has or had a yorkie with them? thanks |
Hydrocephalus I am interested in knowing if you have found out more information on Hydrocephalus in the Yorkshire Terrier. My 8 month old yorkie has just been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. Two weeks ago she started having difficulty walking, then she had a loss of appetite, she didnot want to turn her head to the left side, and her personality changed drastically. We have just gotten the resulty of her tests and a CT Scan. We are hoping to be able to control her condition with medication, but would love to hear from someone else who has experienced this. |
We are collecting links to related info here: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sit...inks-info.html There are quite a few Yorkies that are affected on this forum.... |
Also try: NewGMEDogs Yahoo Groups... might have the most current info there. |
Let me see if I can find someone that has experience. YHR has had several hydrocephalus Yorkies that did well with treatment. :) |
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These are a few links to info: http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/avhc/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=586486&pageID=1&sk=&date= Diagnostic approach to patients with signs of encephalopathy (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare From: Oddball neurologic disorders: dogs (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare Chiari Malformations (Syringomyelia, Caudal Occipital Malformation Syndrome) Chiari malformations are developmental disorders of the occipital bone mesoderm, most likely genetically transmitted. Dysplasia of the occipital bone results in a malformation of the caudal fossa causing crowding of the structures of the caudal fossa. The end result is herniation of the cerebellar tonsils with compression of the underlying brain stem, and syringohydromyelia in the cervical spinal cord. Syringomyelia refers to abnormal cavities filled with liquid within in the substance of the spinal cord. A "syrinx" refers to one of these cavities. Hydromyelia refers to a pathologic condition characterized by accumulation of fluid within an enlarged central canal of the spinal cord. In both of these instances, the fluid that accumulates is similar, if not identical, to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Chiari malformations, first recognized in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, are now being recognized in many different toy breed dogs. Oddly enough, the primary initial clinical sign is scratching at the neck or shoulder area. This is believed to result from compression of the decussating spinothalamic tracts within the spinal cord by the syrinx. As the lesion progresses, other signs such as ataxia, weakness and neck pain develop in some patients. Diagnosis is by MRI of the caudal fossa and cervical spinal cord. Initial treatment for mild cases has been glucocorticoids and/or gabapentin. Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) procedure may allow the discontinuation of life-long steroids. Quote:
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Hydrocephalus can be caused from many things. AAI, Chiari and GME are a few. From what you describe as symptoms it could be any of these things. If Chiari, MRI and Spinal Tap are the only way to properly diagnose. It is important to know what you are dealing with as they all have diff treatment plans. |
Hydrocephalus is most commonly a genetic defect. It can be caused by other conditions. If you have not already, you need to get your pup to a neurologist. Here is a link with information. There is a lot of information on the web if you google hydrocephalus in dogs. Water on the Brain in Dogs | PetMD |
Thank you for your reply. I have been reading about it on the internet. The Emergency Vet Clinic (to which we were sent) is where the CT was done. What they have told us is that this was probably a condition she was born with. I have no idea why it has just begun to show up and apparently with a vengence. We have taken her to 3 different clinics 5 different times during the last two weeks. She had to stay in the hospital for two nights. After all of this she is even worse. She just lays her head on my chest and we sit together at every opportunity. I have had other pets in my life, but nothing, nothing has broken my heart as much as watching her go through this. At this time we are waiting for a prescription of Omeprazole (Prilosec) which has to be compounded specially in small doses for her. This medication that we know as being given for stomach acid also decreases the production of cerebrospinal fluid. She is so special. My husband and I have raised her since she was less than 24 hours old. Her mom died after a cesearean section. We bottle fed every 2 hours, took her everywhere with us because she had to be fed so often, and have actually been her world. Now I feel like I cant do anything for her. |
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I believe your vet will give you a diagnosis and also come up with a treatment plan. Do you have a board certified neurologist yet? If not, that is what I would suggest. Many times these pups can be managed. As for why the symptoms came up now is anyone's guess. Bottom line it does not matter...what really matters now is the treatment plan. I will keep her nx you and your husband in my prayers. I am so sorry you are going through this. |
Thank you for your message. She is on prednisolone and the omeprazole came in today. I am so in hopes that we will see some improvement. She has little to no appetite. We are supplementing her feeding and watering by syringe. She is on lasix also and we are trying to keep her from getting dehydrated. I appreciate the information from you. |
These diseases are considered rare: AAI/GME/Chiari/Syringomyelia. They all have similar symptoms, for the most part, but the treatment is different for each. It is extremely urgent that you go to a board certified neurologist and get the apropriate tests done (MRI, Spinal tap and others) to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for your dog. (For example:If GME: the treatment is to give very high doses of the meds, lower doses aren't effective, important to know exactly what you pup has so the apropriate meds are given). Much of the info about these disorders on the web may be old, and these diseases did not have good prognoses not too long ago. More recently, and with more recent, frequent diagnoses, vet medicine has made advances in treating and successfully managing these previously thought of as terminal diseases. This is the neurologist that specializes in the treatment of GME. If you can't go there, I would recommend emailing him, or calling him. He, or his assistants, will be able to tell you more about the testing that needs to be done, and may be able to recommend a B.C. Neuro Vet in your area that can work with him in evaluating your pup and getting him on the appropriate path to healing. Allen Sisson, D.V.M., M.S., Diplomate ACVIM Neurology/Neurosurgery Angell Animal Medical Center 350 South Huntington Avenue Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Tel: (617) 522-7282 (press 4, then 2 when the automated operator message begins or 6 to speak to someone) Fax: (617) 989-1648 asisson@mspca.org |
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