neurological disorders

[maisie]

Hello Everyone,

Have written now a couple of times, about my 4mth old bc pup Maisie, who has a neurological disorder, as does another pup from the litter, the 2 pups, both females were the last 2 born, and the mum worked with goats every day whilst the pups were feeding. We are presently waiting for results on blood tests for toxoplasmosis, brucellosis, they were supposed to have been tested for distemper as well but was told yesterday that they didn't have enough blood to do that test. Tests negative for neospora, and brucellosis. am still waiting for toxoplasmosis,The test results were supposed to have taken till Tue, but now a week has passed and still waiting!!! ( is this normal or are they working on Italian time!!!!)

In the mean time am starting to get very concerned and frustrated, as Maisie is definetly getting worse. She is now starting to knuckle on her front paws as well.

I know that neurological problems can be very difficult to diagnose,and cover many different things, but am starting to face what could be my worse nightmare on this, whilst searching through topics on this website found one, that described the same symptoms as Maisie, so did a bit more research on cerebellare abiotrophy, and hate to say that all the symtoms are there, she is alert and interested in the world, will run and play like a normal pup, but has this high stepping gait, sometimes sways,knuckles all 4 paws now, all started, around 13 weeks, has anybody had a dog that has suffered from this, would it be normal for more than 1 of the litter to have it?

Will be, I think the next thing I will ask to be tested, and hope that it is negative.

Anyone have any other ideas of what it could be? Have just had recommended a neurology specialist,which is my next move once the results for toxoplasmosis arrive. The agony of waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

[WildFlower]

I am sorry to hear that Maisie is not improving. I do not have any experience with what you are going through but wanted to wish you and Maisie the best.

[urge to herd]

I can only second what DaisyDoodle says - no experiences to share with this, but sending a lot of good wishes and mojo for your little pup.

 

Ruth

[MyTDogs]

I am so sorry this has happened to your pup. My limited experience is with cerebellar hypoplasia a condition caused by an infection in utero.

 

So I did a quick search because I have never heard of cerebellar abiotrophy. I found this site which has horrible news. Not only are the signs identical to what you describe it is also a genetic disease & since it is recessive it will show up randomly so certainly pups from another litter can be affected as well.

 

Border Collies are specifically mentioned as one of the breeds affected & it says that signs usually show-up between 6-16 weeks. According to this site there is no cure & recovery is not possible.

 

Please do not wait for the toxo titer. I would see the neurologist right away.

 

I hope we are mistaken because this is not a good thing to have. I was completely unaware that this condition existed & even more surprised to hear of it in Border Collies.

 

Good luck to both you & Maisie & please keep us posted.

[Sue R]

So sorry to hear that things have not been diagnosed and the symptoms are worsening.

 

No matter what the outcome, I think that Maisie has been very fortunate to have you caring for her. Very best wishes and keeping you in our prayers!

[gcv-border]

 

Please do not wait for the toxo titer. I would see the neurologist right away.

 

I hope we are mistaken because this is not a good thing to have. I was completely unaware that this condition existed & even more surprised to hear of it in Border Collies.

 

 

 

I agree with not waiting for the results before making an appointment with a neurologist. I would rather have more information, faster, than wait for sequential test results &/or opinions to dribble in. Often a specialist has time constraints due to patient load & other duties and may not be able to see you quickly. He/she may not have an opening for several weeks. So make an appointment sooner rather than later to catch the unbooked appointment slots. If you don't need the appointment later, don't feel guilty about cancelling (as long as you cancel in a timely manner). My experience has been that flexibility in appointments is a routine matter, and usually someone will snatch up your empty spot.

 

Give hugs to Maisie.

 

Jovi

[rushdoggie]

No words of wisdom, but offering support.

[maisie]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your good thoughts,(keep them coming!!!!)

Will ring for an appointment with neurologist, (have been arguing long and hard about this with my partner, cos I don't want to wait!)

However have had today a slight ray of hope, shine in! Got the igg results for toxoplasmosis, and they were high, still waiting for the igm......... but here's to hoping!!!

Thanks for the link mytdogs, had read that one as well, because I deal with all of this in my 2nd language, want to have a good idea, of what the vets are talking about!!!!

Will post updates as I get them, in the mean time Maisie's having enourmous fun playing in the snow!

Interestinly my other dog Jed has a lot of interest in Maisie's paws, and when they're chilled out together, he will lick them, I think he knows there's a problem.