UPDATE on Murphy!
 

Update on Murphy:

Hello everyone….I first want to say thank you for all the prayers and thoughts everyone has been sending my and Murphy’s way.:thankyou2 :big_hug: :thankyou2

We went to visit a new Vet today and absolutely LOVED him. :hearts33: He was GREAT and just adored Murphy. He took his shaking, body tremors and little seizures very seriously. He even took time to watch the video I had taped of Murphy having one of his fits. The Doctor took some blood work and he is going to get back with me on the results but until than he thinks what Murphy has is called “White Shaker Dog Syndrome”. It is called this because it is most common in white dogs like Westies and Maltese’s but Yorkshire Terriers have been know to have it too. The Doctor also gave him Prednisone to treat him for now. I am giving him one pill a day until the Doctor calls me for an update in 7 days. We are than going to reevaluate and try to decrease his medicine as needed.

Here is a little information I was given on the disease so far:
Basically dogs with this disease have a fine tremor of the entire body. Young dogs (9 months to 3 years old) of either sex are most frequently affected. Other clinical signs associated with a neurological system abnormality, such as head tilts, limb weakness and seizures, and are occasionally seen.
This disease is most often associated with a mild central nervous system inflammation This inflammation commonly affects the cerebellum, and dysfunction of this part of the brain may be one of the initiators of the tremor.
White Shaker Dog Syndrome is usually treated effectively with corticosteroids. The corticosteroids are given in relatively high dosages initially, and then the dose is decreased as the clinical signs improve.
Many dogs, after being treated for three to six months with corticosteroids, may be normal and may not require additional treatment. Some dogs may require low doses of corticosteroids every other day to keep clinical signs under control. Overall, the disease is rarely fatal.

Again, I have to tell you how wonderful you all are and how much I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers and helpfulness. Murphy is dong great right now and just sleeping since I think the medicine has made him just a little tiered. I am looking forward to a successful road to recovery for my precious baby boy.

Murphy sends hugs and kisses to everyone! :ittykiss: :ghug:

Oh, I'm so happy you found this vet! All my best to 'lil Murph as he feels better each day!!!!!

YAY! I am SO HAPPY that your new vet is so wonderful and that he got to the bottom of what is going on with little Murphy!!!!!!!!!! I hope and pray he continues to improve and that after 6 months, he'll be cured!!!!!!! HUGS & KISSES!!!!!!!!

I'm happy you found a good vet, and will keep praying for you.

While it's not ever wonderful to get any kind of diagnosis, it's great to perhaps know what the culprit is. Knowledge is power!!

It sounds like you're on your way to a solution and have a new vet. Hopefully you can all sleep easier tonight........

Yay! That is such great news! I can't imagine how relieved you must be feeling to finally know what your dealing with and know it's not serious and it sounds like it is easily treated. Sounds like your new vet is on the ball. Get well soon Murphy! We need a playdate soon!:)

Whew, I am so glad about this. I'm also grateful that it is treatable and not serious. Thank you so much for the update. Kudos to his new Vet and you for taking such good care of him!

Miss Q. sends him tons of kisses and hugs :).

I'm so happy for you and Murphy! It really broke my heart to watch the video, but I think it was an excellent thing to have on tape to show someone...like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

I had a feeling it was something neurologic and not a seizure per se. He looked and acted (he totally responded to your voice and commands while this was taking place, so that's why I didn't think it was a seizure), more like it was something going on with his nervous system, but I didn't want to say anything since I knew you were going to see a new vet. It sounds like you found a really good one too, and who cares and LISTENS! It sounds also like it's something very treatable and maybe will even eliminate his symptoms totally, even if he does have to be on medication. I have been worried about you guys ever since I watched the video, but when I woke up this morning, I was telling myself that you didnt' have an appt til Monday for some reason....glad you got in this soon and you maybe can relax a little bit! I know it had to be hell on you having to see your baby go thru that! All the best to you and darling little Murphy!

Caren - I'm so glad the new vet took you and Murphy's condition seriously. Lets hope the Prednisone works for him and he'll be good as new real soon!!!!

I'm so glad that he is doing okay. Ask your vet about starting him on valium as well. It should give him some immediate relief.

My vet has mentioned that he thinks Lily has this as well. It is difficult to know exactly what her tremors are due to because she also has Hydrocephalus and MVD, both of which can cause shaking. But her's is worse when she is tired, stressed, or when you try to pet her. Its almost like she is scared. This makes him think that her shaking is due to a combination of Hydrocephalus and Shaker Dog Syndrome.

If her next Bile Acid test is normal, we are going to start her on a combination of steroids and valium. My vet says that this is the best treatment. I did some research which suggests the same thing. I'm so happy for you that its nothing worse!

WHOOOO HOOOO !! Amazing what a good vet can do for us and I'm SO HAPPY FOR the Murph !! That's the best news I've heard all day and sending lots of kisses and will be hoping this is the answer for you all -

that's so great and while I'm sorry he has this - if it can be controlled thru medication then you're baby will be A-OK !!! I know this has to be such a load off your mind to at least have an idea what could be happening and a vet that cared enough to listen to you.

I am so glad that he is on the road to recovery. I'm glad you found a vet who would listen to you. :)

Great news on Murphy!
 

I'm so happy you found a good vet. and he is taking care of Murphy. I know we all feeling much better now:D

Aww, what wonderful news. I'm so happy you know whats going on and can help him. :D Yippie to little Murphy.......;)

I'm so glad you are getting some answers and that this new vet is really going the distance to figure out what's wrong with little Murphy. It's always hard to get someone to care for your babies as much as we do ourselves, but it's always nice when someone shows some concern and is determined to help you. Good Luck and I hope Murphy feels much better.