Brain Problems? - Page 4 - Chihuahua Forum : Chihuahua Breed Dog Forums

Buildthemskywards · #25 01-22-2013, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blondie87

My sister's Chi has neurological issues. We aren't sure if he was born this way, or possibly abused growing up. My sister got him when he was like 2.5 or so off of Craigslist. He walks/runs kind of sideways, gets lost and distracted very easily, impossible to teach him any tricks or anything, doesn't have any balance (couldn't walk across the top of a couch or anything), and he just isn't a normal dog. Doesn't play with toys at all, but will sometimes play, although weirdly, with my girls and other dogs he knows. Vet just observed him and did a few lil tests, like putting his legs in different positions and stuff, and I forget why, but she thought maybe something could be wrong with his neck, like a nerve or something, so she didn't want to put him under for an MRI.

Here is a video I took awhile ago. I thought maybe it was his hips or LP or something, but nope. Everything thinks it's so cute how he walks/runs, but it's because of something wrong with his brain.

It is long, so sorry, lol. You can see most of how he walks/runs in the beginning, the first minute.
Jasper Walking/Running - YouTube

Not sure if we will ever really know what is problem is, but he is living life just fine, so it's not a big deal. He is just "special".

Aw. What a cutie. Poor guy! I'm glad it doesn't bother him and that your sister is good enough to look after this special boy.

Buildthemskywards · #26 01-22-2013, 04:06 PM

I really hope the neurologist can help you. This must be devastating. We are all hear for you sending well wishes. Keep us updated xox

xxcass · #27 01-22-2013, 07:32 PM

Just got back from the neurologist now.

Basically she examined her physically and tested her with some neurological tests and does believe this is a problem with her brain.

1- Meningitis or Encephalitis ? ( Not sure how to spell it ) or Chiari Malformation.

She is quiet convinced it is Meningitis though, and they would have to put her on anesthetic and do an MRI and a spinal tap. Which we are not to thrilled about. She doesnt believe its water in the brain or a tumor or anything of that sort.

This all started 2 days after she got her nails cut at this ladys house that we take her too ( which we will never be going back ) It is quiet possible she is not sanitary enough and picked it up from another dog who was there.

If the MRI and spinal tap was done they would treat her with antibiotics that have steroids in them to help with the inflammation and will make her very hungry and thirsty.

The neurologist suggested we may try these antibiotics for the next 4-5 days and if we see an improvement then we are obviously treating the right thing. If it is something else the antibiotics will not respond and she will not get better. But if it is the correct treatment for her within 4 days we should notice a difference. If its not, we will have an MRI scheduled as well as a spinal tap.

For now, we are going to try this and see how it goes and we are going to be following up with her in 2 days via telephone and in 1 week we will bring her back so she can test her neurologically again to see if there has been any improvement in her.

We hope this works and that we wont have to put my poor baby in for mri and spinal tap and such.

Huly · #28 01-22-2013, 07:49 PM

Praying the antibiotics work!

Nancy · #29 01-22-2013, 11:04 PM

This is all so sad to read...I can only imagine what your going through...I'd be going crazy I can tell you that....I sure hope the meds work and she improves and eats ...I'm sorry this is happening

Nancy

jesuschick · #30 01-22-2013, 11:25 PM

Outstanding that you are being so diligent in uncovering her diagnosis.

I join the others in praying and sure do wish you both well!

xxcass · #31 01-23-2013, 12:31 AM

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. I guess a couple days time will tell us if this is the right path or if we will have to go through with the MRI and spinal tap.

Today she seems to be having a good day although she still has not eaten anything. The vet gave her the steroid shot and something to soothe her tummy as they may cause her tummy pain because the meds are harsh.

She is very alert today, and seems to be playing a bit. However still fumbelling around . But I have some hope at least now that she may improve.

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KittyD · #32 01-23-2013, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxcass

Just got back from the neurologist now.

Basically she examined her physically and tested her with some neurological tests and does believe this is a problem with her brain.

1- Meningitis or Encephalitis ? ( Not sure how to spell it ) or Chiari Malformation.

She is quiet convinced it is Meningitis though, and they would have to put her on anesthetic and do an MRI and a spinal tap. Which we are not to thrilled about. She doesnt believe its water in the brain or a tumor or anything of that sort.

This all started 2 days after she got her nails cut at this ladys house that we take her too ( which we will never be going back ) It is quiet possible she is not sanitary enough and picked it up from another dog who was there.

If the MRI and spinal tap was done they would treat her with antibiotics that have steroids in them to help with the inflammation and will make her very hungry and thirsty.

The neurologist suggested we may try these antibiotics for the next 4-5 days and if we see an improvement then we are obviously treating the right thing. If it is something else the antibiotics will not respond and she will not get better. But if it is the correct treatment for her within 4 days we should notice a difference. If its not, we will have an MRI scheduled as well as a spinal tap.

For now, we are going to try this and see how it goes and we are going to be following up with her in 2 days via telephone and in 1 week we will bring her back so she can test her neurologically again to see if there has been any improvement in her.

We hope this works and that we wont have to put my poor baby in for mri and spinal tap and such.

I had another thought, if you think it may be from the other ladies house/dogs, did you contact her to find out if any of her dogs had been or are ill? that might be helpful as well.

I hope she responds to the abx and ends up getting better for you!