Our dear girl is facing major surgery

[kantzb]

Two weeks ago we noticed our 9 month old Yorkie, Gidget, walking as if she had too much to drink. Previously we noticed some clumsy behavior but we thought it was part of being a puppy. I searched Google for clumsy dog behavior and found the Yorkie Talk forum where I read about AAI. We contacted our vet right away and he x-rayed Gidget’s spine. Our vet immediately set us up with an appointment at Michigan State University’s Small Animal Clinic’s neurology department. At MSU Gidget was diagnosed with a luxation between her C1 and C2 vertebrae. She was born without the dens between her C1 and C2 and the webbing that supports this area of her spine.

In May, Gidget had a collision with our other dog, a Maltese Poodle mix. The collision knocked Gidget down and she stayed down for a while but she recovered to her normal active self. We believe this is the trauma combined with the birth defects that caused the luxation.

The neurologist at MSU Dr. Probst, placed Gidget in a body cast and recommended surgery. Dr. Probst likes to have his patients wear the body cast at least two weeks before surgery to get them used to wearing the cast because they have to endure the body cast for several weeks after the surgery. We are working with MSU to have the surgery scheduled for August 14th. We are looking at this date with the knowledge the surgery has a 25% chance of being fatal.

During the exam Dr. Probst said he detected an abnormal heart beat. This scared us to death because an abnormal heart would likely rule out the necessary surgery. I think Dr. Probst saw our anguish and immediately took Gidget for an EKG. Thankfully the EKG came back normal. But, that wasn’t all. Dr. Probst discovered during the exam, Gidget’s rear kneecaps are dislocated. I think this is something we can deal with after Gidget is long past recovering from her spine surgery. We are looking at scheduling Gidget’s surgery for August 14th.

I’m looking for some hope and maybe reality in dealing with this dear furkid’s problems; and, any information that keeps us going in the right direction. I sincerely appreciate this forum for those of us struggling with these problems.

[LunasMomma]

Welcome to YT! So glad you found us. I'm so sorry that Gidget is facing surgery. The good news is that there are a few AAI babies here who are doing very well now

I'd definitely contact your breeder, as this is a genetic condition (and so are the loose knees, or Luxating Patella),and Gidget's parents should NOT be bred again. Your health guarantee should also still be in effect for up to one year of age. Also, depending on what state you're in, the Puppy Lemon Law definitely applies here and between that and the health guarantee, you should receive some kind of compensation from the breeder which would help with the expense of both surgeries she'll need.

BIG hugs to you and your baby girl!!!!

[GeorgiesMomma]

Hi I am so glad you found YT and our AAI group (I replied to you on there as well). Georgie had surgery to repair his AAI last September and is fully recovered and doing amazing. There is hope and we are all here to help you through it. Prayers for you, your family and sweet Gidget. I am going to send you a private message with my contact info. please email me if you need anything.

[Patti]

I'm so sorry. I will keep Gidget in my prayers.

[Perrella]

Hi and welcome to YT. I so very sorry to read that Gidget has AAI, but there is hope of a full recovery.

My girl Zhoie was almost 3 when hers was discovered, she has surgery at North Carolina State University on Dec 1st and is fully recovered.

I know how terrifying and what a whirlwind the all can be. Just know there is success stories.

Zhoie didn't have to wear a cast and for that I am grateful, but I have heard some facilities do require that.

I'm sending you a PM with my ph#, please feel free to call me. I will be happy to talk with you anytime...it is all so overwhelming. Sending prayers for your sweet baby. Hugs )))

[hnybun128]

Hi and welcome to YT. I am so sorry to hear about poor Gidget! Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way!

This board is full of wonderful, supportive people. I'm so glad you found this site. Please keep us posted on her condition!

[Yorkiemom1]

Welcome to YT and you will find....I already see numerous hands out to you for support!.....there are others that have had this issue, and their babies are doing just fine! Some of us have had no experience in this area, but we are certainly here for support! Keep us updated on her post op progress!

[anniernc]

Wishing Gidget a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

[107barney]

I'll keep Gidget in my prayers. I hope she does well.

[gemy]

Prayers for Gidget and for you and your family. I so happy that already some folks with experience has offered you support.

Let us know how she does.

[kantzb]

Hello Everyone,


We were able to get Gidget in to see Dr. Probst at the Michigan State Small Animal Clinic Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Probst put a fresh cast on her, complete with Michigan State colors. I’ve attached a photo.

Dr. Probst examined her and said she is walking better and she hasn’t lost weight. I’m surprised she is maintaining her weight because she refuses to eat solid food. We are now spoon feeding her baby food. Last night however she did gobble down some silky balls. Maybe that’s a sign this new cast is less restrictive around her mouth.

We have her surgery scheduled for August 14th. Dr. Probst is reluctant to give us a lot of encouragement. He is concerned about finding additional damage once he is able to see her C1 and C2 vertebrae. The best he can say is that we won’t know how this is going to turn out until we give it a try. We will get the complete diagnosis after surgery.

I believe Gidget’s many problems come from poor breeding practices. People who run these puppy mills are cruel and evil people. I only wish they could feel the pain they are putting these poor dogs and their owners through. we purchased Gidget from a breeder located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We should have known better but my wife Gail saw Gidget’s photo on the internet and fell in love with her. Everytime I saw Gail using her computer she was looking at Gidget’s picture. Finally, I said, “why don’t we get her.” That’s where Gidget’s story started.

Thank you all for your support. I will continue to send updates as we learn more.

Barry

[Perrella]

Bless you both for doing what is so desperately needed for your girls well being. I do understand the mixed feelings you are having, but just know in your heart you are giving Gidget the best chance she has at living a long and normal life.

if there is anything I can do for you or if you would like to talk, feel free to call me anytime.

Gidget is in my prayers. Zhoie sends kisses and gentle hugs to Gidget.

[Sammy Mommy]

What a precious baby!! Praying for Gidget and your family.

[Taryn0405]

Prayers for you and your baby.


Love the MSU colors! Adorable.

[yorkieusa]

We are keeping your little girl in our prayers for a successful surgery on the 14th. They seem to do well after recovery and I am sure your little one will do great. I know it's scarey, but you have lots of support and prayers coming your way