My baby yorkie is sick...

(Youngstown, Oh)

Hi, I have a 4 LB 1 1/2 year old yorkie and he's been experiencing difficulties the last few days that no vet can figure out. I took him to an emergency clinic and to his regular vet, 2 sets of x rays, 2 shots of cortisone and still no luck. Here's what is happening:

It started in July of this year when he couldn't use his rear right leg, it looked as if he had injury it in a fall or something.. we took him to the vet, shot of cortisone and he was fine before he even got back home.

Well now all of the sudden last Friday, he started with the limping again, but that was it so we waited a little bit to see if he'd be ok.. well with Saturday only came more problems, the leg had gotten worse, and it seemed as if his back had a crimp in it.. we weren't sure if it was because his leg hurt or another problem was happening. We immediately drove an hour to an emergency clinic and that vet claimed neurological problems and told us to go to our regular vet on Monday. This vet gave Buckeye (thats our babys name :) ) a short acting shot of cortisone.. and after we came home he went to sleep all day and night.. Sunday came.. and its even worse now.

He can sometimes use his hind legs.. it depends, one min he'll run for a second (just to fall) and the next he wont be able to get up. Now, though, his head bobs up and down left to right.. he falls over and if he tries to sit he literally barrel rolls over.. he can't eat on his own because if he stands for too long he falls to the side or falls forward.. he can't even go to the bathroom on his own, he has to either lay down and pee or we have to hold him up. Its now Monday, and we just left our vet who gave us a number for a neurologist and a long acting shot of cortisone.. I know I'm not going to be able to afford this.. between the trip there, the visit, and i'm guessing surgery will be his only option.. if a 1500 dollar MRI will be needed... all of this.. we have spent 700 already in one weekend.. the food money for me and my girlfriend to survive this month just to see if our baby will be ok.. I feel so helpless and alone in this, he looks so sad.. he just wants to play and run around like he does everyday and he knows he can't.. and its killing me.. this dog is what has kept me alive.. and gave me more joy then anything could ever give me in one lifetime.

This is my first dog and he gets treated like a prince.. I just don't know what to do.. does anyone know what might be happening to Buckeye?

What can I do to save the life of my baby?



Hi
I'm so, so sorry to hear about what's happening to your dog, I can imagine how heartbreaking this must be and I know that financially this sort of thing can also be devastating.

So far, you've done everything that you possibly could have, and it seems as though the veterinarians' believe it is a neurological problem. From the symptoms and progression you describe I think they could well be right. The steroids (cortisone) are reducing some inflammation apparently and are helping in the short term, but obviously he's deteriorating and needs much more help.

I'm afraid the only answer is to visit the neurologist your vet has recommended. Specialized testing is needed so that the vets can find the root of your dogs' problem. It may be due to a bacterial or viral illness, or it could be a degenerative condition, or other options. Only a specialist can tell you. In many cases there are treatments that will control and alleviate the symptoms.

Of course, this kind of help has a price. But many veterinarian's and clinics are open to setting up a payment plan if you can put a certain amount down in advance. Try calling this specialist clinic and explaining the situation to them, they may be willing to help you work something out.

I really wish I could be more helpful, but I'm not a veterinarian and can only give a personal opinion and advice. I'll say a prayer for BuckEye and really hope that you are able to get him the treatment he needs soon.

I wish you the very best of luck.