Mild Hydrocephalus

[Crystal&Zoe]

I have absolutely no experience with this so I really have no advice to offer. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. I do know that this is by no means a sign of a bad breeder and I hope the well meaning folks here have not offended you. We're all really a great group of people who are passionate about not only our own babies, but every Maltese baby.

Not knowing much about this disease, but knowing there are 2 types (not necessarily genetic) and keeping inflammation down is what you are trying to do, I'm just wondering if perhaps to help manage this disease, there is something that can be done holistically in conjunction with traditional treatments? It may be a silly question but it never hurts to ask the specialist. Many specialists are recognizing the benefits of things like acupuncture in conjunction with their prescribed protocol.

Anyway...I just wanted you to know we're all here with you while you try to figure out the best course for your precious one. Sometimes it helps to know you have others to 'talk to'.

[MoonDog]

Jane, this is just heartbreaking but it sounds like there's a chance Lulu will grow out of it. I would guess a neurologist could better determine that. I will pray for little Lulu that she will indeed outgrow this and if not, that it can be well managed.

[dcm]

This is my first post. I've been reading this site for some time, and recently signed up.

I must ask.....why is it, everytime a pup/dog has a health issue, many (too many, imo) assume the dog had to have come from a bad, unethical, low, byb/mill/etc.??

Ethical / show breeders are not exempt from having health issues in any way. Breeders are dealing with animals. As a wise old vet once told me.....when breeding animals of any type, "sh__ happens" no matter how careful you are.

Please don't take this the wrong way. I already know about byb's, mills, etc. but I also know that what is considered a *high end* breeder can and does also encounter health issues. jmo.

[ckanen2n]

I am wondering if a shunt could be installed to drain the fluid into her stomach? Last year I had a student with hydrocephalus of the brain, and she had a shunt which drained the fluid from her brain down her neck to her stomach.

[ladodd]

I will say a prayer for little Lulu. Is your vet giving her a little something for her tummy. The pred can be tough on the tummy.

[edelweiss]

Originally Posted by ckanen2n

I am wondering if a shunt could be installed to drain the fluid into her stomach? Last year I had a student with hydrocephalus of the brain, and she had a shunt which drained the fluid from her brain down her neck to her stomach.

My niece was born w/severe spinal bifidia & had this type of shunt also---but it has to be changed out w/growth, etc. so just keep that in mind if your vet thinks this is an option.

[Maglily]

I'm so sorry to hear this about Lulu, I don't have any advice either but I hope you can find some answers to help her and please let us know how she's doing.

[edelweiss]

Jane, were there siblings in the litter or was she a singleton?

I just found an interesting article on fluid on the spine:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/dog/...ingomyelia.php

I also just re-read your posting & noted that in your 2nd post that she does have litter-mates---and are they all okay?

[zooeysmom]

Dear Jane,


I wanted to apologize for making the assumption that your baby's condition was the result of being purchased from a BYB. When you said you noticed her neck not being normal from the start, I thought in my mind that any good breeder would have noticed that too. But I should have known, since I purchased a Malt puppy from one of the top breeders in the country who had temperament problems, that problems can occur in any dog, no matter how they are bred.

Hugs to you and Lulu,

[Muffin's Mama]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your prayers and concern. It's good to have someone (besides my husband) to talk to about Lulu. Only other Maltese owners understand how special these babies are--and they are just like babies. Some of my family and friends think I'm a little coo-coo over these puppies. I'm sure you can relate...LOL! To answer the question about Lulu's litter mates, she does have them and they are all fine. Lulu was the runt. Regarding a neurologist, my husband and I have decided to give the prednisone a little while to see what it does and if she doesn't seem to improve or her condition gets worse, we'll take her to a neurologist. Thanks again, everybody! So nice to not feel so alone.
Jane