In late November, Dr. Stanisci added a new pup to her family and the WCAH family. Austen, a special-needs rescue Golden Retriever, was about 6 months old when she met him. He had a neurologic deficit that was noted shortly after birth. She knew the main problem was within his cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinated movement and balance, among other functions. He has always been happy as can be, but although he knows where he wants to go, the message from his brain to his legs gets lost. He staggers when he walks and falls down if he moves too quickly. He also has a tremor when he moves towards a target (called an "intention tremor"), which makes eating and drinking a little bit more of a messy affair.
Dr. Stanisci was looking for a Golden Retriever and a friend for her 6-year-old Lab mix, Willow, and with Willow's approval, Austen came to live with her.
Austen was evaluated by a veterinary neurologist within his first week with Dr. Stanisci. His presumed diagnosis as a puppy was a disease called cerebellar hypoplasia, which occurs more commonly in cats but occurs in dogs as well. In this disease, the cerebellum is underdeveloped at birth. Affected animals are uncoordinated like Austen, tending to walk with a "drunken" gait, but they themselves feel completely normal, since they've never known anything different. This disease does not progress or worsen, and often affected animals can have their mobility and function improved through physical therapy. The disease exclusively affects the cerebellum, and does not affect the rest of the brain (cerebrum).
In Dr. Stanisci's first week with Austen, she had noticed additional abnormalities that made her concerned about some other diseases. His neurologist agreed, and an MRI (often the best imaging modality to assess the brain) was suspicious for a separate but similar disease, cerebellar abiotrophy. This disease is more rare, commonly seen in specific breeds (including Kerry Blue Terriers), and is u
Whether your kids are two-legged or four-legged, we wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day!
Baron, a 10-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier, was eager to show us his "high five" at his last visit. What a smart guy!
Meet Lenny! Dr. Lee saw this 19-week-old chihuahua mix for his first visit on Monday. His mom said he's big into snoozing. When he's not helping his big brother bark at the mailman or playing with his littermate Oscar, he's eager to catch some zzz's. Apparently, the lure of napping is not limited to him being at home.
Lambeau the beagle paid us a visit earlier this week and did his signature move. This never gets old! <3
