HELP!!!!!!YOUNG DANE WITH CVI/WOBBLERS!!!!

[gstation]

Long post, sorry................

Hello all, I'm a proud new dane owner of Diablo, 14wks. (my first dane, first dog). Unfortunately what I thought was just a just a clumbsy puppy, turned for the worst last sunday 4/8 when his back end started giving out. I'm looking for some advice...

First I'll give the background history: Purchased him from a reputable, and very honest breeder in PA when he was just turning 9wks., and brought him home to upstate NY. He (Diablo) has been on a diet of EaglePack Natural Giant Breed Puppy (26% protein), and was changed over to EP Holistic Adult (22% protein). Healthy puppy, always ate his food, normal activity level. Yes I kept him thin, away from ruff play bigger dogs, and limited exercise that was just short walks. He always seemed a clumbsy, but never had problems getting around, did stairs, could walk 2x8 boards, never in any pain. It did concern me, and I inquired often about his clumbsyness, but the lack of pain, and good build, kept him from being a wobblers suspect. Until it got worse. After getting refered to several unqualified vets/specialists, I found the most wonderful doctor I've ever delt with, and a longtime dane owner. Could I ask for more?
Dr. Lucas spent over two hours with Diablo, evaulating his cordination, and such, and thinks that his condition appears neurological, and that an MRI would give us the best answers. She first did some blood tests, all came back good, and several x-rays of the entire body. Which the vertebrae at the base of the skull seem suspect, and she sent x-rays/copies out to two specialists for further examination, before we decide to go to MRI. She sent Diablo home with Metacam (non-steroidal anti-flam) and Chondroflex joint care chewables, and instructed to continue restricting his activity.
Now it just a matter of playing the waiting game for results.
Honestly I hope that the suspect vertebrae in the x-ray turns out be the cause, and not that he has a congenital neurological disorder. From what I've researched, spinal problems can be treated, with great sucess from chiropractic, acupunture, neck wraps, and possibly the Gold Bead Implants (Dr. Terry Durkes). However, I haven't heard of any stories of CVI happening, or being treated in a dog this young.
Any suggestions, refferals, advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all!!!

[CarolB]

I haven't heard of a pup having it quite that young either. The original dog food was too high in protein. Was this what the breeder was feeding? Have you contacted the breeder?

[Carolyn]

Though your pup is young, its not unheard of at that age. I purchased a pup several years ago that at the tender age of 5 1/2 months was diagnosed with wobblers.

Im not a fan of wobblers surgery and would not go that route, I have no experience with the gold bead treatment, but many on here have with good success. Hopefully they will chime in. I would look at chiropractic and acupuncture though for your babe.

Im so sorry your pup is going thru this, but unfortunately these types of congenital/genetic issues surface in our breed to almost any breeder at some point in their breeding program. :(

You sound like you are on top of the latest procedures and have a wonderful vet to help you. Please be sure to let your breeder know too.
Best of luck,
Carolyn
Divine Acres Great Danes

[Zoeys Mom]

This is my friend Ericka's blog. You contact her through the blog and she will help you out!

http://goldbeads.blogspot.com

[gstation]

Yes, the breeder has been in the loop from the start, most of my questions have been first directed to him. He did recommend EaglePack, didnt specify which. From what I've been reading I thought that a 26% protein was acceptable, and the EP Giant Puppy seemed to formulated w/ danes specifically in mind, thought I couldn't go wrong. I just happened switch over for a change after that was gone.
Whats abnormal to me about Diablo's case, aside from age, is that he doesn't show any signs of pain, or discomfort. When given the tests were they knuckle over his feet, he corrects them.

[CarolB]

No, that high of protein is not acceptable for a growing dane. I had an adult dane that developed wobblers and she never seemed to be in pain. You can't go by that. The symptoms are what matters.

[anne]

So sorry to hear of your troubles.

Our girl was diagnosed with CVI/Wobblers at about 18 months of age. We treated her first with a low dose of prednisone and a neck wrap, and then on 8/20/04 she received GBI from Dr. Durkes. It took a while for results, and a few setbacks, but now she's doing very well- near complete recovery of mobility with only a few basic limitations in her life (no rough-housing with other large dogs, no dog parks, no tug).

It's true that a case in such a young dane is rare, but it's not unheard-of. Take heart- there may be viable options for your new pup. I think it's good that MRI is being discussed rather than myelogram. We opted not to allow a myelogram for Emma due to the pretty alarming side-effects she could endure for a diagnostic procedure. However I know MRI is very expensive, not great for you though I applaud your willingness to invest in your dog's health.

Feel free to contact Dr. Durkes directly about your dane, even possibly send him the xrays for input. His email address is durkes1@mcleodusa.net and his office # is (765) 664-0734.

All the best of luck to you- please keep us posted. Wobblers is awful but not always completely debilitating. Many wobbler dogs go on to live long and rich lives despite their challenges.

[gstation]

Thanks for the link to Dr. Durkes email, the one I had was no longer good. I sent an email him to see what he thinks about the situation, and to see if he would look at the x-rays. I too wouldn't put my boy through a myelogram, and hope that the x-rays will be sufficient, so that a MRI wont be needed.
It's a crapy situation with an absolutley wonderful dog.

I'll keep everyone posted. Again thanks for the help.

[gstation]

Dr. Durkes responded to me right away, and recommend immediate change in diet. To 18% protein, and .5% calcium levels, reduce feeding to slow the growth rate to a max of +7lbs for every 2wks., and to use a neck wrap. I probably will send the x-rays to him as well when my vet gets them back. More opinions certainly cant hurt?, especially from someone like Durkes that is so familiar w/ CVI cases. Might even save me the expense of an MRI!

I realized I screwed up on the food levels, the EaglePack Giant Breed is 23% protein.

For now I'm following advice of both doctors, and hoping for the best...

[anne]

That's great to hear. Dr. Durkes really knows his stuff. Follow his advice for a neck wrap- even if it sounds nutty (the thickness needed, needs to have a 'thump' sound like a watermelon, etc.). His methods have been used with great success for many years, by thousands of dane/dobie owners. We never did an MRI in the treatment of our girl- hopefully you won't need one either.

Keep us posted. I know how stressful this whole thing is.