Questions re Hydrocephalus

[LoveMyGirlz]

I also started to cry, diggy4!
SJK, if you have any questions, I'm happy to try and answer them too. We had Lexxi for 3.5 years and I've seen what happens with this disease. Although, Lexxi didn't show signs until she was almost a year old! Then we had to watch her go from a happy, healthy pup, to what others have said, a baby who was handicapped. We always called her "our special daughter"
We tried everything--all the meds, with liver monitoring, discussed a shunt, but the specialist denied her because of her severe condition. She also would cry out...a kind of howl. But we didn't think it ment pain. We kept her in her own "condo" so she was safe and could easily find her food and water, since it eventually made her completely blind. She also did not like to be held or touched much, like Willow described! But she loved to rub her head on furniture and she did like us to rub her head also.
The seizures were the worst, for me anyway.
I think it is bizzarre that you and Willow both have such similar stories at the same time! It would be so sad to see a tiny puppy struggling to walk and play-bless thier little hearts, and yours too!
I'm here if you need anything....
All the best to you and many prayers, I will follow your story!
Trina

[drawlins27]

Originally Posted by SJK1113

Hi! Yes, I'm getting a pup with this condition. We knew that she was blind in one eye, and I said that I wanted to take her. Today we found out she has hydrocephalus, and after talking it over with my husband and lots of crying, we've decided we are still taking her. We just want to give her a good life and make sure she knows she is loved and wanted. I know what I'm getting into, but I really want to do this for her because she's beautiful and deserves to be loved. We were planning on getting another yorkie and were interested in getting a girl. I just feel like this baby needs me, and I want to be there for her. Thanks for your response.

I admire you for taking this on both from an emotional and a financial stand point. I only gave you my experience with Lily, yours may differ.

Do you have a definite diagnosis of hydrocephalus? Typically you have to go to a university for the necessary tests. Do a liver shunt test if possible because liver shunt can cause all of these symptoms including blindness. We were hoping that Lily's blindness and other symptoms was caused by her MVD even after the cranial ultrasound confirmed the hydrocephalus but unfortunately it was the hydrocephalus. Its possible that she has both liver shunt and hydrocephalus and that some of the symptoms will go away or get better when treating the liver shunt so its always best to have her tested.

How old is she? If this is hydrocephalus (and it sounds like it is) then it sounds severe. Maybe they can insert a shunt if she is big enough. It sounds like you are prepared and you already know that she will need special provisions.

My best advice is to take her to a neurologist and get a full work up. They can tell you what treatment options you have and give you an idea of what to expect. To be completely honest with you, if her hydrocephalus is severe, then her long term prognosis is not very good and blindness, seizures, and erratic behavior are a good possibility. However I believe in miracles and with that, anything can happen.

I know I make this sound like a horrible experience and it does take its toll on you, but I'm just trying to be completely honest with you so you know what to expect. But the truth is that I would not give up one day with Lily for anything in the world. The love and tiny kisses that she loves to give me is more than enough to make it all worth while. They are such very special babies and they hold a special place in your heart.

Feel free to PM me

[drawlins27]

Originally Posted by Willow

He made the diagnosis by examing her head. She has the open fontanel and she has the wobbly walk and she has the dome shape to her head and there are several other signs.


I asked about liver shunt and he didn't think that was it. He also said a liver shunt test would be too much blood loss for her little body being as young as she is. I am calling a second vet today as soon as they are open to find out about a second opinion.

Read my above post as it applies to you as well. Lily was too small at first to take blood from as well. It seemed like it took forever until I was able to get her tested. At 4 weeks, an open fontanel isn't that unusual but it may be significantly larger than usual which your vet has realized. That combined with the domed head and neurological symptoms do sound like severe hydrocephalus.

I would not put her down unless she is in pain. Give her a chance and she may surprise you. I'm sure some people on here would be willing to take her, just make sure that they know what they are getting into. If you have trouble placing her, you can send me a PM.

I know how hard this is for you. Best wishes no matter your decision.

[Willow]

I pm'ed you.

[drawlins27]

Originally Posted by LoveMyGirlz

I also started to cry, diggy4!
SJK, if you have any questions, I'm happy to try and answer them too. We had Lexxi for 3.5 years and I've seen what happens with this disease. Although, Lexxi didn't show signs until she was almost a year old! Then we had to watch her go from a happy, healthy pup, to what others have said, a baby who was handicapped. We always called her "our special daughter"
We tried everything--all the meds, with liver monitoring, discussed a shunt, but the specialist denied her because of her severe condition. She also would cry out...a kind of howl. But we didn't think it ment pain. We kept her in her own "condo" so she was safe and could easily find her food and water, since it eventually made her completely blind. She also did not like to be held or touched much, like Willow described! But she loved to rub her head on furniture and she did like us to rub her head also.
The seizures were the worst, for me anyway.
I think it is bizzarre that you and Willow both have such similar stories at the same time! It would be so sad to see a tiny puppy struggling to walk and play-bless thier little hearts, and yours too!
I'm here if you need anything....
All the best to you and many prayers, I will follow your story!
Trina

They crying out is the hardest for me. I know that she is not in pain but at the same time it hurts so much to watch her go through this. I try so hard to calm her but sometimes there is nothing I can do. Lily has had one seizure which caught me by surprise but I was able to get through it because Tucker has idiopathic epilepsy.

The blindness is also very hard. Lily has sight in one eye but it seems to slowly be going. She has started getting lost in the house which upsets her and it is hard to see her squint every time she looks up at me. Fortunately, she walks okay even though she does get wobbly sometimes. I'm just thankful for YT so that I have a place to share my experiences with.

[SJK1113]

Originally Posted by drawlins27

I admire you for taking this on both from an emotional and a financial stand point. I only gave you my experience with Lily, yours may differ.

Do you have a definite diagnosis of hydrocephalus? Typically you have to go to a university for the necessary tests. Do a liver shunt test if possible because liver shunt can cause all of these symptoms including blindness. We were hoping that Lily's blindness and other symptoms was caused by her MVD even after the cranial ultrasound confirmed the hydrocephalus but unfortunately it was the hydrocephalus. Its possible that she has both liver shunt and hydrocephalus and that some of the symptoms will go away or get better when treating the liver shunt so its always best to have her tested.

How old is she? If this is hydrocephalus (and it sounds like it is) then it sounds severe. Maybe they can insert a shunt if she is big enough. It sounds like you are prepared and you already know that she will need special provisions.

My best advice is to take her to a neurologist and get a full work up. They can tell you what treatment options you have and give you an idea of what to expect. To be completely honest with you, if her hydrocephalus is severe, then her long term prognosis is not very good and blindness, seizures, and erratic behavior are a good possibility. However I believe in miracles and with that, anything can happen.

I know I make this sound like a horrible experience and it does take its toll on you, but I'm just trying to be completely honest with you so you know what to expect. But the truth is that I would not give up one day with Lily for anything in the world. The love and tiny kisses that she loves to give me is more than enough to make it all worth while. They are such very special babies and they hold a special place in your heart.

Feel free to PM me

Thank you so much for your honesty because I think people's own experiences are far more valuable than what I can read online or in a book. I know that this baby is going to take alot of time and care, but I don't mind. It's not her fault that she's sick, I just want her to have the best life possible. Willow and I are talking about the same puppy, by the way.

I will take your advice and take her to a neurologist. I know there are meds to try to help relieve some of the fluid, and I know putting a shunt in is another possibility. But, she is very tiny so I don't think it's a possibility right now. I'm sure I will have alot of questions along the way. I just don't want her to be in pain or suffer at all. That's my main worry. My husband and I are already thinking of ways to keep her safe. We thought about putting her in a playpen or expen so that she can have potty pads on one side and a comfy bed on the other. I know that she may never be potty trained. I'm willing to do whatever it takes for this baby because I already love her. It breaks my heart that she is sick, and I've gone through so many emotions, but I know in my heart that I'm doing the right thing for her. I'm excited and scared at the same time.

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this to me. I want to be prepared for everything, and you have been a big help!

[SJK1113]

Originally Posted by LoveMyGirlz

I also started to cry, diggy4!
SJK, if you have any questions, I'm happy to try and answer them too. We had Lexxi for 3.5 years and I've seen what happens with this disease. Although, Lexxi didn't show signs until she was almost a year old! Then we had to watch her go from a happy, healthy pup, to what others have said, a baby who was handicapped. We always called her "our special daughter"
We tried everything--all the meds, with liver monitoring, discussed a shunt, but the specialist denied her because of her severe condition. She also would cry out...a kind of howl. But we didn't think it ment pain. We kept her in her own "condo" so she was safe and could easily find her food and water, since it eventually made her completely blind. She also did not like to be held or touched much, like Willow described! But she loved to rub her head on furniture and she did like us to rub her head also.
The seizures were the worst, for me anyway.
I think it is bizzarre that you and Willow both have such similar stories at the same time! It would be so sad to see a tiny puppy struggling to walk and play-bless thier little hearts, and yours too!
I'm here if you need anything....
All the best to you and many prayers, I will follow your story!
Trina

I read your story about Lexxi, and my heart breaks for you. I know I'm kind of setting myself up for a heartbreak, but I feel like I'm doing the right thing for this little baby. Willow and I are talking about the same puppy...sorry for the confusion. I appreciate the prayers, thank you so much!

[SJK1113]

Originally Posted by diggy4

You just made me cry...You are a special special person. God will bless you in many ways for doing what you are doing. Amazing the trouble you know could be ahead, heartache you could suffer has not blinded you to the fact someone needs to love this lil girl and make her special little life matter! I commend you and respect your decision. I made a similar one Ill PM you as I do not wanna hi-jack the thread.

Your a wonderful person and your unselfishness should be recognized. ANYTHING I can do to help you when you get this baby, PLEASE do not hesitate to ask.
Your an angel!!!!!!!!!

When will you get this lil baby???

awww thank you so much. Like you said, someone needs to make this little baby's life matter. I don't know for sure when I'll be getting her. She may have to stay with her mommy a little longer than the other pups. We're hoping 12 weeks, but we will wait and see. She is 4 weeks old now. We'll have to see how she does with weaning from mommy.

Thank you for all the compliments, but I don't feel like I'm doing anything special. I'm just taking care of a little baby that needs me, and that feels right. She is the special one.

I look forward to getting your PM!

[drawlins27]

I used a playpen with Lily. She was so small that I was afraid she would try to squeeze out between the openings of an x-pen and get hurt.

She is so fortunate to have someone like you who wants her so very badly even though you know how sick she is. Yes, you're right, she is way too small right now for them to insert a shunt but you may have other options such as meds.

To both you and Willow - I forgot to mention that motion seems to help when they are crying. When Lily gets to crying, I find that I can soothe her by bouncing or rocking her much like you would do with a baby. She seems to remain calm when she is in motion. It also seems to help when I hold her close to my chest so that she can feel the warmth. This seems to calm her as well. Usually I combine the two, holding her close and rocking her. You may want to try this the next time she cries in the middle of the night.


Wishing you all the best,
Dana

[SJK1113]

Originally Posted by drawlins27

I used a playpen with Lily. She was so small that I was afraid she would try to squeeze out between the openings of an x-pen and get hurt.

She is so fortunate to have someone like you who wants her so very badly even though you know how sick she is. Yes, you're right, she is way too small right now for them to insert a shunt but you may have other options such as meds.

To both you and Willow - I forgot to mention that motion seems to help when they are crying. When Lily gets to crying, I find that I can soothe her by bouncing or rocking her much like you would do with a baby. She seems to remain calm when she is in motion. It also seems to help when I hold her close to my chest so that she can feel the warmth. This seems to calm her as well. Usually I combine the two, holding her close and rocking her. You may want to try this the next time she cries in the middle of the night.


Wishing you all the best,
Dana

awwww your Lily sounds so sweet! Since she seems to be calmed by motion, I'm wondering about one of those little seats they make for infants that vibrate. I actually have one here from when my grandchildren were babies, so I can try that if I can't soothe her by rocking. It may even be something she could sleep in at night. I will try it when I get her.

I think a playpen is a good idea. We have a portable one that, again, we used with our grandchildren. It's big enough that I could put pee pads on one side and make a nice bed on the other. It has mesh, so she can't get out. I just want to keep her safe, and I only want her and Jake together when I can supervise them. I'm going to have to be very careful how I handle everything because I don't want to upset him. He's very much a mommy's boy, but he is so well behaved and that will make it easier. I'll just have to pay lots of extra attention to him.....which is sooooooo easy to do because he's so sweet!!

I won't lie, I am VERY scared.....but, I know in my heart that this is what I want to do.

[drawlins27]

Originally Posted by SJK1113

awwww your Lily sounds so sweet! Since she seems to be calmed by motion, I'm wondering about one of those little seats they make for infants that vibrate. I actually have one here from when my grandchildren were babies, so I can try that if I can't soothe her by rocking. It may even be something she could sleep in at night. I will try it when I get her.

I'm not sure about the vibration because I'm not familiar with those seats. Maybe someone else on here will know. Be careful not to move her around too much or it will cause pain.

I should clarify, when I mentioned bouncing, I didn't mean bouncing her on my knee like a child,LOL. I meant holding her close to my chest and walking around with a little bounce to my step.

It is a little scary and its a big responsibility to be taking on but you're doing it the right way by doing research and talking to others. You'll be a very good mommy!

[Willow]

Originally Posted by drawlins27

I used a playpen with Lily. She was so small that I was afraid she would try to squeeze out between the openings of an x-pen and get hurt.

She is so fortunate to have someone like you who wants her so very badly even though you know how sick she is. Yes, you're right, she is way too small right now for them to insert a shunt but you may have other options such as meds.

To both you and Willow - I forgot to mention that motion seems to help when they are crying. When Lily gets to crying, I find that I can soothe her by bouncing or rocking her much like you would do with a baby. She seems to remain calm when she is in motion. It also seems to help when I hold her close to my chest so that she can feel the warmth. This seems to calm her as well. Usually I combine the two, holding her close and rocking her. You may want to try this the next time she cries in the middle of the night.


Wishing you all the best,
Dana

Yes, Tink likes motion too! When she cries I pick her up and hold her close and we usually walk together with her snuggled against my chest. She seems happiest laying close to where ever I am sitting. Like right now, she is laying on the floor next to me sleeping. Don't worry, I know she is there and she is off in her own little padded spot so she won't get stepped on!! She also likes her back being stroked.

She was crying just a little bit ago and I picked her up and held her to my face while I was talking to her and she licked me...twice...I started crying and just started praying and I just told God how many people already love her and if He would just please help her and give her the strength to fight and I told Him how special she is. I think He agrees, she is special.

[ARCHIE]

I am sitting here reading through all these posts crying my eyes out because
you all are so special yourselves. You talk about the pups being special,
which of course they are but all of you are just as special. Please know that.
These babies are so fortunate to have mommy's like you to take care of them
and nurse them through such rough times. Bless all of you.

[Ozzie'sperson]

Yeah, I spent my breaking reading these. I have to stop now. It's breakin' my heart.

You are all so sweet. And I feel so badly for these little furbabies. They are just SO lucky in spite of all their difficulties to have people to care so much for them.

[Breny]

What special people you are

I knew Willow had a special pup she was caring for and was hoping to meet the YT member that was going to be taking care of her!

Congrats to both of you!!!

Your story made me tear up bad!!!