Olbear's Update On Emma's Spinal Issues
 

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

So, did you ever get a full diagnosis? I am so glad she pulled through.

her diagnosis
 

Well... based on the barrage of responses we rec'd and the vets opinion it is spinal, AAI is what i believe someone on here nailed it as. We are due to see the vet again this week BTW. Thanks for checkin in. sure is great to see Emma with some bounce back in her step!

Great to hear she is making good progress

Ken, Thanks for the update on Emma. I had been wondering. Didn't know what had happened with her & didn't know why the other thread was locked. So glad to hear she is improving.

I'm still thinking it might be worth your time & your dad's money to see a veterinary acupuncturist. A friend of mine had a maltese with a similar problem and it was quickly relieved with acupuncture.

Here's a link to my vet's fact page: http://www.apvet.com/faq.html

And here's a link to find a veterinary acupuncturist near you: http://www.aava.org/pub/location.html

Sometimes acupuncture can help solve a problem that would otherwise be considered chronic.

Praying her good days increase!

accupuncture
 

My brother is supposed to come here in a week or so, thats what he does with humans and he is also accredited in animal care too. Glad you reminded me though.

thanks

If Emma has AAI, I know its a big cost but isn't it safer to get surgery? I have been reading that if she falls the wrong way that she could be crippled or even death. I sure woudn't want to read that post if something happens to her, it would be too heartbreaking.

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.

Keep her safe Olbear! I know you will.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/atlanto...ion/page1.aspx

I totally agree with you. I have read a great deal about AAI - There are also ALOT of members here and at the yahoo group with AAI babies.

AAI is a VERY SERIOUS condition. She should NOT be allowed to be running full force. I have also heard that there is surgery to repair the neck before it breaks, b/c once it breaks you do run the risk of death or paralysis.

IMO - the only solution for an AAI baby is surgery. Gosh, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, just knowing that even a slight movement of the head could cause the neck to break and paralysis. :eek:

So pleased to see Emma is doing better. I have been worried about her.
Lots of hugs to her:)

Thanks for the update on Emma.

I agree with the others, if it is AAI, she shouldn't be running around. I know it makes you happy to see her up and about but she will end up paralyzed or worse.

You still need a definite diagnosis before anything can be done. If I'm understanding you correctly, there is still no diagnosis, just your vet's best guess. No vet will do surgery until then. Acupuncture may help with the pain short term, but it will not do anything to cure the condition if it is AAI.

Good luck with everything.

About Aai
 

I agree... wondering if any of you might know of a place on the web that we could go to and read all about AAI ?? That would be very helpful. Thanks in advance

Hi Ken - so glad to see you back and thanks for the update on Emma. I continue to send her healing prayers!!!!! Glad to know she has her appetite back as well. That will help her continue to gain strength.

Thank you as well for not giving up on this site and those of us who offered support.

I think it is BabyBear who has the AAI and his mom seems to be very knowledgeable. If you can find the exact user name (I know she posted on your other thread) she would probably be the best person to direct you.

BabyBear .. where art thou
 

I remember that name ... i think....hahahha will do some looking ion the internet and see what i can find on it. Great seeing you too!

Ken glad to hear that Emma is getting some relief from the pain she was having. Many prayers coming her way that she is totally healed very soon:hands: :hands: :hands:


Tina