Our internal medicine specialist in Missoula, Dr. Dave Bostwick, called this afternoon with the results of his exam of Spirit, the Yorkie who arrived yesterday with paralyzed front legs. (See post below.)
Her paralysis is from neurological disease, not from fractures or other trauma. The disc spaces between the vertebrae in Spirit's neck have collapsed, and Dave described the bone density of her vertebrae as 'hyperdense,' suggesting she's been like this for a long time.
Honestly, we are relieved to hear this diagnosis, because we feared her paralysis had been caused by physical abuse, given her history.
Spirit's respiratory problem is actually nasal and not in her lungs. Dave said her mouth is full of rotting teeth, and she has fistulas (or channels) that have opened up between her mouth and nasal cavity. This creates a pipeline for bacteria from the mouth, causing chronic infections. So she will need dental work and some oral surgery to correct it.
Dave said there is no medical or surgical fix for her paralysis, so our next step is to get her a wheelchair. We'll call our friends at Doggon' Wheels tomorrow to start the process.
To everyone who has written in with such wonderful thoughts and best wishes for this little girl, thank you! We'll keep you posted!
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Alayne and Steve, I've never done a Blog before. If you need our permission to post our last message, you sure do have it.
Phyllis and John Stewart
[email protected]
Posted by: Phyllis and John | August 29, 2006 at 10:02 PM
Alayne and Steve,
Our family wants to thank the two of you again from the bottom of our hearts. We all slept very well knowing that we have done the right thing in getting Spirit into loving hands. Phyllis, Denise and I would like to visit soon to pay our gratitude personally for the deep devotion that we witnessed from you. God surely has angels among us.
Posted by: Phyllis and John | August 29, 2006 at 09:33 PM
At least the questions have been answered and you can proceed forward with surgery and getting Spirit a wheelchair. She's going to have a dog-gone good life once these two things have been accomplished.
Keep smiling Spirit, life's only going to get better!
Posted by: Leilani | August 29, 2006 at 07:49 PM
It's not much but I pledge $10 towards Spirit's wheel chair and challenge others to do so also! What a sweet little girlie, and can't wait to see her in her chair.
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | August 29, 2006 at 07:29 PM
I can't wait to see Sprit running along with the help of her new wheels (that will make a great video). What a beautiful soul she has. Someone must have been watching over her so she could make it to the ranch.
Posted by: Leigh | August 29, 2006 at 06:57 PM
Thank heavens Denise was there to rescue this little girl. I'm so sorry she has experience such abuse! I'm so glad that you took her in so she can get the special treatment she deserves & needs. She has a great attitude & is perky despite her problems. I'm so glad the abusive mad didn't go after Denise! Big welcome hugs to Spirit, little girl, you have arrived!
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | August 29, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Oh precious baby....you're safe now.
Posted by: Kathy | August 29, 2006 at 01:29 PM
Spirit, you have come to the right place! Soon you will be flying around the ranch in your new set of wheels!
Also, very relieved to hear that her paralysis is not due to physical abuse.
Posted by: Nina | August 28, 2006 at 11:45 PM