A little Yorkie needs your help

[hartygirl]

Thinking of Gabby, I know she is in great hands today. I'll be waiting for her big news.

[ladyjane]

Just got home with Gabby. They said that her presentation was not typical. Following is the report of the exam and also the findings and recommendation. Probably better for me to type it all out rather than give my own interpretation. It actually is an interesting read.

Examination: Neurologic exam revealed Gabby to be ambulatory in all four limbs with a stiff gait, paresis (weakness) and ataxia (wobbly gait) noted in the hind limbs. Proprioception (knowledge of the limbs' position in space) appeared absent in both hind limbs, and normal in both fore limbs. Deep pain sensation was diminished in both hind limbs and absent in the tail. Spinal reflexes appeared normal in all limbs. Cutaneous trunci reflex (skin twitch along the back) stopped near the cranial lumbar spine. Palpation of the vertebral column revealed no focal areas of discomfort.

Neurolocalization: T3-L3 spinal cord segments. Major differentials include prior history of trauma, disc herniation, and neoplasia (cancer).

Diagnostic findings: Radiographs of the spine showed no evidence of trauma, neoplasia, or infection affecting the vertebral column. We discussed and recommended performing a myelogram and a CT scan (or MRI) of the spine to look for ev idence of spinal cord compression or injury. An estimate of $3,000 was given for the testing.

Gabby's history and neurological examination are consistent with prior severe spinal cord injury. Gabby appears to have regained some ability to walk despite having diminished sensation fo the hind limbs and tail. Further diagnosics are recommended in order to rule out causes of spinal cord injury (disc herniation, neoplasia, infectious/inflammatory disease) which may be progressive.

[roseslevi]

Oh god the poor little Gabster! Well at least we know she is not in pain and despite it all she is managing to walk, god bless her little fighting soul! I am going back to re-read and digest it all. Thanks for bringing her. What are your thoughts?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by roseslevi

Oh god the poor little Gabster! Well at least we know she is not in pain and despite it all she is managing to walk, god bless her little fighting soul! I am going back to re-read and digest it all. Thanks for bringing her. What are your thoughts?

Yes, I was happy to hear that she is not in pain. I really don't know what to think. She told me that this could have been as recent as a month ago...that muscle wasting is just not a good measurement; so now I am wondering if perhaps she was hit by a car and her owners dropped her off?? Sometimes the shelters don't have the stories straight...it is just odd to me that her original paperwork said she was hit by a car. Where did it come from...from someone telling them that....or a guess because of how she walked? Not that I will ever really know...just makes me wonder.

All I know is that we have to pursue this and test her because it could be progressive and it would be awful if we did not and she ended up worse...perhaps incontinent. At least with the testing we will know for sure....that is something we need to know. We also will know IF we can perhaps fix the problem. Of course even then, if it is something operable there is never a guarantee there. Neurological stuff is so different from a straight on orthopedic case.

She needs a lot of prayers!

[shodanusmc]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Just got home with Gabby. They said that her presentation was not typical. Following is the report of the exam and also the findings and recommendation. Probably better for me to type it all out rather than give my own interpretation. It actually is an interesting read.

Examination: Neurologic exam revealed Gabby to be ambulatory in all four limbs with a stiff gait, paresis (weakness) and ataxia (wobbly gait) noted in the hind limbs. Proprioception (knowledge of the limbs' position in space) appeared absent in both hind limbs, and normal in both fore limbs. Deep pain sensation was diminished in both hind limbs and absent in the tail. Spinal reflexes appeared normal in all limbs. Cutaneous trunci reflex (skin twitch along the back) stopped near the cranial lumbar spine. Palpation of the vertebral column revealed no focal areas of discomfort.

Neurolocalization: T3-L3 spinal cord segments. Major differentials include prior history of trauma, disc herniation, and neoplasia (cancer).

Diagnostic findings: Radiographs of the spine showed no evidence of trauma, neoplasia, or infection affecting the vertebral column. We discussed and recommended performing a myelogram and a CT scan (or MRI) of the spine to look for ev idence of spinal cord compression or injury. An estimate of $3,000 was given for the testing.

Gabby's history and neurological examination are consistent with prior severe spinal cord injury. Gabby appears to have regained some ability to walk despite having diminished sensation fo the hind limbs and tail. Further diagnosics are recommended in order to rule out causes of spinal cord injury (disc herniation, neoplasia, infectious/inflammatory disease) which may be progressive.

Wow, that is just too mauch for any animal to have to go thru. She is one tough little dog. I will send in a donation next week to help. Carlo and Maxine broke the bank today! Thanks for looking after this little dog Linda.

[ladyjane]

Oh, Steve, you have been more than generous! No worries...we will find a way to care for her. She is a joy...such an easy going, sweet little girl!

Her eye is what really bothers me...she does have an appointment tomorrow for that. It was originally scheduled for Wed, but Matty, another foster, has an appointment with the surgeon for his knee (he is having a terrible time with it and may need surgery), so we bumped Gabby's appt up a day. I guess maybe all this running will keep me young? haha

[roseslevi]

If I were a betting lady I would go with the "got hit by a car and owners dropped her off" theory. The poor baby. I wish I lived closer to you, I would come by and help you, I am growing quite attached to this little girl. Must be the fact that I haven't prayed this much in a very long time!
I think I would want to know what the test results would show as well. I will say one thing, this has been a good education. Wouldn't that be wonderful if it could be fixed with a surgery? I think I will pray for that. God knows Gabby deserves it. Keep up the good work LJ, Thank you.

[Lisa and Pic]

That is a lot to digest, Linda. Poor girl, if she got hit by a car and her owners dumped her. But like you said, no one will ever know.

Bless you for taking such good care of her and being her guardian angel as she goes to the next level of tests. Hope something positive can be found out.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by roseslevi

If I were a betting lady I would go with the "got hit by a car and owners dropped her off" theory. The poor baby. I wish I lived closer to you, I would come by and help you, I am growing quite attached to this little girl. Must be the fact that I haven't prayed this much in a very long time!
I think I would want to know what the test results would show as well. I will say one thing, this has been a good education. Wouldn't that be wonderful if it could be fixed with a surgery? I think I will pray for that. God knows Gabby deserves it. Keep up the good work LJ, Thank you.

Wish you were closer, too! You would love her for sure! She is so sweet. I was just telling a friend that today....Gabby came in this house without any issues at all. My pups are used to new ones, and are very tolerant, but a couple can be a bit testy in the beginning. No one was bothered by this little darling...it is either because she was not well and they knew it or that she just sends out good vibes. I personally believe it is the vibes. She is just a laid back, darling little pup. Clearly someone loved her at some time in her life...she is so loving!

Thank you for the good wishes and for the prayers. I have seen such remarkable stuff come from YT prayers! I know that not all will get well, but there have been some pretty amazing recoveries on this board.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

That is a lot to digest, Linda. Poor girl, if she got hit by a car and her owners dumped her. But like you said, no one will ever know.

Bless you for taking such good care of her and being her guardian angel as she goes to the next level of tests. Hope something positive can be found out.

Sometimes it is better not knowing. In her case, it would be helpful for the vet; but we just will never know so we make do.

Some things that I see people do to their pups is just so nauseating that I think I would rather not know. Rookie had a fractured leg for six months...and his owners knew it. The bone was broken in half. What did they tell me about how it happened? Oh...he was a runner....and kept getting out the front door and it "was inevitable"...yes, that was exactly what they said. Inevitable?? sheesh.... So...the inevitable was getting hit by a car. Nothing about how they were irresponsible in that they knew it would happen and they did nothing to prevent it.

[roseslevi]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Wish you were closer, too! You would love her for sure! She is so sweet. I was just telling a friend that today....Gabby came in this house without any issues at all. My pups are used to new ones, and are very tolerant, but a couple can be a bit testy in the beginning. No one was bothered by this little darling...it is either because she was not well and they knew it or that she just sends out good vibes. I personally believe it is the vibes. She is just a laid back, darling little pup. Clearly someone loved her at some time in her life...she is so loving!

Thank you for the good wishes and for the prayers. I have seen such remarkable stuff come from YT prayers! I know that not all will get well, but there have been some pretty amazing recoveries on this board.

Well I am just going to pray me another little miracle for the Gabster. Do you ever think she fit right in so easily.... because maybe she is meant to stay with you.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by roseslevi

Well I am just going to pray me another little miracle for the Gabster. Do you ever think she fit right in so easily.... because maybe she is meant to stay with you.

NO hahhahaha...they all fit in....just not all as easily and quickly. I have ENOUGH pups...hahahhaha

[MaddiesMommie]

Poor little girl. I will continue to hold her tight in prayers.

[TxVicki]

Prayers still continue for Gabby. Will watch for updates on eye appointment tomorrow, I pray all is going well.

[lexipoo]

Hey Linda,
Thanks for the info on little Gabby....we think of her all the time and always keep her in our prayers and thoughts. She has a place in our hearts too...what a little trooper she is. I am so thankful she has you and all us YT family praying for her. Hope everything goes ok tomorrow with her eye...please keep us posted. She sure has been through so much in her life but it is a good feeling knowing someone loved her and she is now safe with you...give her hugs from us...Cheryl & Lexi