Our first trip to the Willows was a bit of a mixed bag. Overall i guess it was fairly positive in that other then the episodes as
she tries to relax, her neurological examination was 100% fine. The
difficulty was the fact that they couldnt give a diagnosis or predict what
will happen with the episodes. I know we should take comfort in the fact
that they were optimistic but they told us they couldnt rule out metabolic
issues or brain tumours! Im sure they have to say that but it was the
watching and waiting that is so hard to bare. We basically had to 'wait and see' and if she developed any other
symptoms then they would get her in , anaesthatise her and perform an MRI/lumber puncture but we obviously wanted to avoid that because of her age and the
anaesthetic risk we so it was all just a
waiting game until our next review. It was very hard to treat her like a 'normal' puppy as we were on strict instructions to reduce her exercise, not worm , de flea or stress her system in any way. We didnt want to wrap her in cotton wool but t was very hard not to
and we found ourselves watching her for signs of worsening or new symptoms.
Our second appointment was more productive, They were pretty certain that she had allergic encephalitis due to
the vaccines. They said it wasnt something that they wouldnt expect to get
worse but as the damage is already done then she more then likely stay
the same although there is always the chance that things could improve,
but its not likely. She isnt to have any more vaccinations and we will
be given a letter to show to dog trainers etc should we need to go
anywhere where they are supposed to be vaccinated. They have said its
not a big issue anyway as the puppy course will do her at least 3 years!
(so glad to hear a vet finally acknowledge this). Also she isnt to have
any 'spot on' treatments for the foreseable future
as they can affect neuro conditions and also we need to not let her
system have to deal with anything extra. They have suggested we worm her though due to the
lung worm risk, but only with Panacur which is kinder. We were given 3 options;
1) Do nothing but go for check ups every few months and go back sooner if concerned
2) Have a 6 week trial of the anti epileptic mediation Keppra (this
apparently is their drug of choice for a young dog like her as it has no
side effects and no liver toxicity). If the episodes reduce then they
will know that the part of the brain affected is the core and that the
episodes are seizure like in nature. If they dont reduce then the
episodes are coming from the brain cortex and are movement related so
her sympotoms would be define as parkinsonian in nature.
3) We could go the whole hog and have her anaesthatised for mris and lumbar ounctures etc.
We have chosen route one for now but have the option to reevaluate should anything change.
She is growing up so fast!
We booked a holiday to Cornwall and planned on enjoyingshowing her the sea and the beach.
