They did a spinal tap on Teddy because he had seizures. To rule out certain things causing seizures such as necrotizing encephalitis a spinal tap is needed.

Just go by what the neuro says. It would have been helpful if your vet did the xray (not sure why they couldn't as I have never heard of that!) and also if they would have told you why a neuro was needed (what diagnoses did they think Zhoie might need ruled out by the neuro.

Now I am totally confused. I thought they had done xrays. I do not understand at all why a vet would not xray a pup with neck pain....especially one who had a previous injury. The fact they are referring to a neurologist would tell me that they have an idea of what they think Zhoie has. You don't refer out to a specialist without having an idea of what the diagnosis is. How do they know it is neuro and not ortho? I personally would ask my vet why.

I have a foster, Sammy, who has AAI, Chiari and a whole host of neurological issues. His first diagnosis of AAI came from a routine xray at my regular vet. They were actually looking at his stomach!!! He also did have obvious neuro signs in his gait...but he was presenting with a hernia that took precedence as his bladder had slipped into it. Many times with these small pups, you see most of the body...and AAI is easily seen on an xray. He was then referred to a neurologist and the MRI was done.

I have had almost every one of my pups xrayed at one time or another...mine and fosters and have never had a vet tell me that a certain position was needed and she could not do it. I would think that IF a certain position was needed, then the vet must have a suspicion of what he/she is looking for.

I would not go to a neurologist until the vet told me WHY I was going. That's just me.

To clarify what I am trying to get across: I would not want to spend money with a specialist unless I knew exactly why I was going. If it is not neuro, then what? Another specialist? I just think you need to call your vet and ask why the referral.

Has ruled out related to old shouder injury. Legs, head and neck has full range of motion, no gait or signs of anything like that. Where the referrel in in Leesbug VA, they have neuro, othro etc in house. From what I understand, she will get her full examine, then I will talk with doc on what he finds and what tests, MRI etc will be needed.
Vet talked with my in length on possible causes, from minor to worst, but she also said she didn't see signs with her range of motion.
She would do an x-ray, my way of thinking is...we did a week of Metacam, I prefer going on now to a specialist.
Thank goodness we are going in the morning, wish we were there today.

Oh, and I sure why neuro is because the issue has be isolated to the neck area. When we are there, if it turns out to be ortho, then they are in house too.

Hope all goes well tomorrow.

Hoping all goes well tomorrow with Zhoie....so sorry to hear that she was in pain. It's so hard when they are hurting. Hopefully the specialist will figure out what is going on and get her on the road to recovery. Prayers headed your way.

Oh! Just seeing this line.....so she does have an idea of what this is and has told you. Gotcha! :)

Praying for your sweet baby girl Zhoie...and you as well Tena. I know it's so hard when our babies are in pain/sick. I hope the appointment goes well tomorrow and you get to the bottom of the problem...praying Zhoie feels better soon.

Sending prayers for sweet Zhoie! I hope it's nothing major and you can get down to the bottom of it. In the mean time, Jackson and I send Zhoie kisses and hope she feels better soon.

Thank you everyone...you words and concern mean so much to us.

I will let everyone know what we found out after our vist tomorrow. I'm sure it will be later in the evening, it's about 1.5 hrs one way.

Keeping Zhoie in my prayers. I know the waiting is so hard. Hopefully they will figure it out and Zhoie will be on the road to recovery. Hugs to you also.

I'm so sorry to hear Zhoie is sick. Hope you get a good report from the vet tomorrow. Will be looking for an update. Zhoie is in my prayers.

Sending prayers for Zhoie that all goes well at the doc tomorrow. Praying that this problem will be resolved and that she will be 100% soon.

I will be thinking of you Tena and Zhoie. Praying the specialist will find an answer and she can get the treatment she may need.

Thinking of you this morning and wanted to send good wishes and prayers your way.

Hope all goes well today!! :)

I sure hope she is feeling better today.

good luck today hope all goes well

Has anyone heard anything about Zhoie's visit?

I too am looking for an update.

Me three! :)

praying for you guys!!

Hoping Zoe is okay and the appt went well. Hugs to you both!

We didn't get home until 8:00 pm and I was so upset I couldn't speak, I'm sorry. Been up since 3:00 am but I can update you all now.

It's bad..the MRI showed Zhoie's upper tip of her spine is pushing into her lower brainstem, (I don't know the medical terms)
They can do surgery, about 80% success rate, 20% she dies on the table.
They are scheduling a consult with the 2 spine/brain surgeons that perform the surgery together.
I'm so lost, I know I need a list of questions to ask, but I have no idea what.
Does anyone have experience or know of success cases with this particular surgery?

Oh Tena I was so praying it was nothing serious. I can imagine how torn up you are, because I am in tears for Zhoie right now. I hope LJ or someone who has experience comes on soon to maybe put some of your fears to rest. YT was down for repairs from about 7pm until the wee hours of the morning. Hopefully someone will be on soon.
I am praying really hard for Zhoie and for you.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know nothing about this surgery. Is this the only treatment option for Zhoie?
Hugs to you, you both are in my prayers.

Sounds like chiari. Is that what they said? I was a bit fearful it might be that, but I don't like to alarm people. I have a pup with chiari...he is one of my foster pups. Sadly, his case is also complicated by other problems and he is not a candidate for surgery.

It sounds like your sweet Zhoie could do well with surgery. I am not sure where you went for the MRI, but I would be looking for a very large and well known place to do the surgery. If it is chiari, surgery is the only way to repair it.

I am so sorry ... I know how frightening this must be for you. I will keep Zhoie and you in my thoughts and prayers.

I am very sorry to hear this....sounds like there may be no other option but surgery. I have no advice to offer to you but will be praying for Zhoie. Hugs to you both.

I'm so sorry ((hugs)) I know how scared you must be right now...I will remember Zhoie and you in my thoughts and prayers.

Tena, find out for sure what the diagnosis is so that people know what they are talking about. There may be people who have had experiences with the surgery for the condition that Zhoie has.