Olbear's Update On Emma's Spinal Issues

[drawlins27]

Isn't it Mybabe4me?

[OLBEAR]

Atlantoaxial instability is a condition in which the first two cervical (neck) vertebrae are not firmly attached. Normally, the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the axis (the second cervical vertebra) are attached by a group of ligaments. They are further stabilized by a prominence on the axis called the dens that protrudes into a hole in the atlas.

Dogs with congenital atlantoaxial instability are born without ligament support to their atlantoaxial joint, and may also be born without a dens. Trauma to the neck can also cause tearing of the ligaments or fracture of the dens, resulting in atlantoaxial instability.

Atlantoaxial instability can lead to cervical spinal cord injury, the symptoms of which include: neck pain; a drunken, staggering gait; paralysis of all four legs; or sudden death.
Causes

Breeds at risk for congenital atlantoaxial instability include all toy breeds, especially Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pekingese, toy poodles, and Yorkshire terriers. These dogs usually show signs at less than one year of age, and symptoms can occur after very mild trauma, such as jumping off furniture, which would be considered normal activity.

Any dog, young or old and of any breed, is at risk for atlantoaxial instability after a traumatic event, such as being hit by a car or being an unrestrained passenger in a car accident.

Diagnosis


Your veterinarian will ask you many questions to develop a complete history of the progression of the problem. These questions will include: what is your pet's age, was there any traumatic event, what symptoms have you noticed, how long have they been going on, what treatments have you tried and with what results?


Your veterinarian will also examine your pet completely, including a neurological examination to determine the severity of the problem as well as localize the level of the spinal cord injury.


Radiographs (X-rays) are usually taken to identify abnormal positioning of the atlantoaxial joint.

Treatment


Medical treatment. Conservative management consists of several weeks of cage rest to allow scar tissue to form, stabilizing the atlantoaxial joint. Steroids are also given for a short time to decrease inflammation of the spinal cord. A neck brace is often used to minimize movement of the neck.


Surgical treatment. There is a high rate of recurrence of symptoms with conservative management, so surgery is often recommended. Surgery is done either to stabilize the joint with pins, cement, wire, or suture, or to fuse the joint. The type of surgery performed depends on the preference of the surgeon. After surgery, the care is similar to conservative management. The prognosis depends on the severity of the neurologic signs before surgery.

Home Care

After surgery, the pet should be cage-rested and restricted from activity for about 4 to 6 weeks. Frequent re-check examinations by your surgeon are necessary to identify potential problems and correct them as soon as possible.

Dogs with this condition should not be bred, since there may be a genetic component to this condition.

VERY HELPFUL, VERY INTERESTING AND VERY TROUBLING!

WHY ON EARTH DO YORKIES HAVE TO HAVE THIS? SUCH A SWEET BREED.... AND SHE HAS PAPERS TOO. cOURSE SHE CAME FROM THE AMISH WHICH I BELIEVE I MENTIONED PRIOR ... WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE HIDDEN WORLD OR THE AMISH PUPPYMILLS. NEVER AGAIN....WOULD WE EVER DEAL WITH THEM. IT WAS MORE OF A RESCUR THAN A PURCHASE. EMMA WAS ONLY 2 1/2 WEEKS OLD, THE GUY DIDN'T HAVE THE MAMMA PUP AND THEY WERE EATTING THEIR OWN POO SO WE HAD TO ORIGINALLY NURSE EMMA BACK TO HEALTH WHEN WE GOT HER. THEY REALLY DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE WHEN WE TRIED TO SUGGEST THAT THEY IMPROVE THE PUPS LIVING CONDITIONS EITHER. UGH!!!

[Yorkiekids]

Hopefully she continues to get better, and if needed surgery.

[kalina82]

nice to see you back on here!

I'm so happy that emma is doing better.

About AAI, are you sure this is what she has? did the vet say this?

[LuvMySissy]

Wow - thats great information. It all sounds very scary to me, but I know you've been taking good care of Emma and will continue to do so. Does the vet think she has AAI versus the herniated disc lower in the back?

[bakerylady]

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis on Emma.
My Sedrick is a survivor of AAS as is Val's Babybear. We were unfortunate not to have a diagnosis before our little guys broke their necks. I have been through the entire process from surgery to healing so if you would like any information, please do not hesitate to ask and I am also a member of a support group on yahoo that has many members who also have pups that have AAI and some have had surgery and some have not.
Again, if you want to information from someone who has had first hand experience, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kind Regards,
Lorraine and the MonkeyBoyz
(Sedrick and Doogan)

[For My Coby]

I followed your other post and sent hugs and prayers to your baby. Thank you for sticking with YT in order to update everyone. I know nothing of AAI, so I truly appreciate your posting the information here. I hope that those with experience can give you good advice and help you make informed decisions in Emma's best interest.

Hugs.

[sweetr72]

Glad to see you back and that you finally know what is wrong with Emma...sorry it has to end in surgery but at least you know what to do next and have other members who can talk you through it!! Give Emma a little kiss for me!!

Dawn

[YorkieShadow]

Originally Posted by OLBEAR

WELL... HERE I AM FULLY RESTED AND REFRESHED !!!! WANTED TO BRING YOU ALL UP TO DATE ON EMMA'S CURRENT CONDITION. STILL GIVING HER PREDNISONE PER THE VETS INSTRUCTION, KEEPING HER OFF THE STEPS & FROM JUMPING. SHE'S GOT HER APPETITE BACK PRETTY MUCH AND IS DRINKING LIQUIDS ON HER OWN. SOME DAYS SHE IS HER REGULAT SWEET MENTAL SELF... RUNNING AROUND AND CHASING OUR LABRADOR, OTHER DAYS SHE IS IN SOME PAIN. SEEMS LIKE WHEN HER PAIN COMES ON SHE HAS SEVERAL SIGNS SHE SHOWS US SUCH AS ARCHING HER BACK, EARS STRAIGHT UP AND ERECT, SLOW WALKING AND THAT 3000 YARD STARE WITH HER HEAD DOWN. WILL BE REFILLING PAIN MEDS WHICH SEEM TO BE HELPING SOMEWHAT ALTHOUGH I WISH I KNEW MORE ABOUT DOGGIE PAIN MEDS AND WHAT TO ASK FOR THAT IS REALLY STRONG ENOUGH TO KNOCK HER OUT SO SHE CAN REST AND GET BETTER WHICH IS WHAT SHE NEEDS.

I AM CONSIDERING TAKING OUR HAIR CLIPPERS AND TRIMMING HER UP / DOWN AND GET ALL THAT FUR OUTTA HER FACE. SO MANY OF YOU HAVE SUCH GREAT CUTS FOR YOUR YORKIES... I FEEL LIKE WE ARE LACKING IN THAT AREA.

FUNNY... EVEN IN PAIN THE OTHER DAY , WHEN I DROPPED A PIECE OF CHICKEN ON THE FLOOR WHILE MAKING CHICKEN SALAD, EMMA DASHED IN AT LIGHTNING SPEED, GRABBED IT AND THATS ALL SHE WROTE! SO NICE TO SEE HER EATTING AGAIN!!!

TO ALL MY SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS AND ESPECIALLY kalina82 THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!

OLBEAR

Hi I am so glad to hear Emma is eating. drinking and feeling better most days. Thats really great to hear. I still think you need to have her checked and diagnosed to pin point what her problem is. you dont want to guess and treat her for some thing thats not whats wrong with her. I hope you can take her in and they can find the problem. I would not let them guess, Thats what they did with my male and he suffered way longer then what he should of for his problem. and we ended up paying more for the vets guessing games. so dont let the vet do that with your Emma. I would not let her run around and playing with your other dog, she may end up making it worse in the long run. Good luck to you and My prayers are still coming for Emma.

[Mybabe4me]

Hi Ken,
Glad to see you back. I am very happy to hear that Emma is doing good. Just remember my warning if she does have AAI treat her like a china doll. Because that is exactly what she is like right now.
I see you found some info on AAI. Now I will warn you some doctors would rather do an MRI then the xrays to diagnosed AAI. I know the differance in expense is unbelievable, but that choice would have to be up to you. Babybear's first xray the day he broke his neck did not show any breaks. When I took him for his second opinion the Vet did a digital xray and that is what showed the break and internal decappitation. The only thing with the xray is they have to manipulate their little necks and this can cause more damage. They have to be sedated to have the MRI done or the xray done. But the differance in price is 200 for xrays and 1500 to 2000 for MRI. Like I said a big thing to think over. MRI will give more details than the xrays that is a big plus.
Please what ever you do don't let Emma run and jump. The slightest jolt can break that neck like nothing at all. Again this is where the china doll comes in to play treat her like a world famous china doll so delicate. Lorriane is right if you do not have to go through what we have that would be super great. Both Lorriane and I have had our pups stop breathing and both of our hubbys gave our babies mouth to mouth to the vets office. Surgery is great to correct this. I am sure that Lorriane would agree with me if we both knew ahead of time that our babies had this problem we would have had it corrected. Some people choose not to do to cost involved. These babies I pray for everyday. These pups that do not have surgery done are usually put on complete crate rest with a neck brace on to make the scare tissue heal and that is what is used for support. (I do not agree with this method) I believe if you have the power to have the surgery done do it. IT might save your baby's life. Remember all Babybear did was jump off my lap which he did so many times in his life and now his life is changed forever.
Well, I need to go and get Babybear's diaper changed and get him ready for bed. Sorry it took me so long to respond I am on vacation this week and I do not get to the computer very often. I will try and check back later on how Emma is doing. Keep your chin up Ken and please if you can get the diagnoses for sure. You might want to check with a neurologist they know more in the field of AAI. Regular vets do not know a whole lot about it. Heck my own vet told me that I know more about the congenital defect then he does and he went to school for it.lol So keep that baby safe which I know you will. Have a good night. Keeping Emma in my prayers

[wemple2]

I still think you need to think of Emma...do what's right for her, get the proper test involved, an MRI, then consult a NEUROSURGEON and a NEUROLOGIST, get all advise available to you, so you can make an educated decision. In the mean time watch her like a hawk, no running around and no jumping...you must keep her calm, at least until you have a definite diagnosis and the best treatment plan, most likely surgery. prayers for your Emma is all else I can offer...good luck with her.

[Mybabe4me]

Hey Ken just me again. I thought that you would like to read this over also.
Some pups we think have AAI either have this with the AAI/AAS or they just have Odontoid process Dysplasia. Here is some information on this defect. I think it might be a good idea for you to bring this info to the vets office with you so you can chat with him/her about it. This might help you understand a little better what is going on with Emma.
What is odontoid process dysplasia?
Odontiod process dysplaisia
These diseases involve a malformation of the second vertebral bone in the neck. The first two vertebrae of the neck have distinctive shapes. The joint between these two bones is also unique, as it allows rotation of the head — movement at this joint lets you shake your head to say "no". One special feature of the second neck vertebra which allows this rotation is a peg-like projection of bone called the dens or odontoid process. "Odontoid process dysplasia" means that this projection is missing or is abnormally small. Dogs with a malformed dens have a weak link at the joint between the first two neck vertebrae, and can dislocate this joint. If the joint dislocates, their spinal cord is compressed, which is a serious problem causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. Sometimes the dens is normal, but dislocation can happen because the ligaments supporting the joint are weak.

How is odontoid process dysplasia inherited?

Unknown.

What breeds are affected by odontoid process dysplasia?

This is most common in miniature and toy breeds, but is occasionally reported in other breeds.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does odontoid process dysplasia mean to your dog & you?

This disease often leads to dislocation of the joint between the first two vertebrae, causing spinal cord compression. Spinal cord compression is a serious problem which causes pain, weakness, or inability to get up or walk, and usually requires surgery. You will probably not know that your dog has this disease until dislocation occurs. This is most common in young dogs (up to one year of age).

How is odontoid process dysplasia diagnosed?

X-rays will show if the dens is normal or malformed. If your dog has signs of cervical spinal cord compression (pain, weakness, or paralysis), your veterinarian will take radiographs (x-rays) to determine the cause of the compression.

How is odontoid process dysplasia treated?

If your dog has spinal cord compression caused by dislocation of the joint between the first two vertebrae, surgery is generally required. In addition to relieving the compression, the surgeon will have to stabilize the joint so it does not dislocate again. He/she may have to implant wires, screws, or plates to stabilize the joint.

In certain mild cases, your dog may only need medical management and stabilization with a foam collar (similar to the neck collar used with human neck injuries).

Breeding advice

Dogs in whom this condition has been identified should not be used for breeding. Although little is known about the inheritance of this disorder, it is preferable to avoid breeding their parents as well.

[Mybabe4me]

I will try and find you more info.

[kalina82]

mybabe4me you're giving such great information for olbear to think about!

[Mybabe4me]

Thank you I just want him to be very well informed. Because if Emma has AAI/AAS then it is not something you really want to play around with. I know the out come the hard way. I sure wish there was someone around when I went through it with Babybear, but I was on my own. Now I try to educate people about this congenital defect so they do not have to hurt when something terrible goes wrong. And it can go wrong. And many of these AAI/AAS pups go undiagnosed or misdaignosed and the owner finds out when the pup is paralzyed. Then like me you blame yourself with the "what if's".