Today Cora went to see the neurologist. I was struck by the difference in her as we calmly walked inside this big and busy building. She isn’t the same pup who went to her first few vet visits, not able to walk much at all and barking and stressed the whole time. She did get scared when I took her to the bathroom with me. I don’t blame her, bathrooms are noisy places and the door made this odd groaning noise. Instead of falling over and erupting into barking she let me pick her up, hold her and comfort her.
Then we met with the neurologist who assessed her thoroughly. I watched my vet assess Cora and saw her left front and back leg have abnormal reactions. This time, only her front left leg had problems. I was amazed when I saw this. Until the very end Cora coped with the exam well. Then she had a meltdown. The neurologist took it in stride and is not convinced it’s neurological. Like me, he understands that the world is a hard place for a blind, 3-legged puppy with coordination problems. It would be understandable for her to have behavioral issues, and she started as a stray, fighting for her survival.
He doesn’t believe anything degenerative is going on!!
Yes, she has coordination problems and her brain isn’t wired right, but WOO HOO!!!! So, her official diagnosis is “Possible differentials include congenital malformation of the brain, trauma to the brain including hypoxia or structural trauma, toxins, nutritional development problems and less likely neoplasia, encephalitis or parasitism.” Whew, did you get all that? So basically, something bad happened to her in the womb, at birth or shortly after that affected her development.
Ok, he can’t say without doubt it’s not degenerative since we didn’t get an mri, but it seems pretty unlikely. If she starts to have more issues, we can try to treat for some of the degenerative issues and see if she improves or go and get an mri. So he gave me lots of options and hope.
He thinks physical rehabilitation will help a lot and gave me exercises to do with her and all sorts of information and contacts. He also gave me information on a behaviorist who deals with special needs dogs. He wants me to keep in touch and seemed really positive. I’m almost giddy.
To celebrate we met up with a friend and took Cora to the beach. It was her first visit and the sound of waves and the trains were a bit scary but she really wanted to explore. It’s the longest walk she’s ever taken and she had to deal with beach rocks, soft sand and obstacles so she was definitely experiencing new challenges. She did have this strange desire to eat the sand at first but then all puppies do strange things. And that’s the great thing. Cora is a puppy. She has lots of opportunities to grow and learn and have a full life.
This is the best thing I’ve read in a long time. What wonderful news. I love you baby Cora. We are rooting for you!
Erica & Jill
Cora gives us all a new perspective. We take for granted too much most of the time, and when we realize how special it is for a puppy to walk into a building without being scared out of her mind, or how awesome it is for a puppy to play on the beach–well, a new perspective indeed.
I’m relieved for you, and I hope that you and Cora continue to learn about each other. She has no choice but to be in tune with you. The more she trusts you, the more she will tune in and the more she will benefit. You two are building such a special relationship.
Shari
The baby steps Cora has taken have become huge! She bringsto mind an old book by Dale Evans called Angel Unaware about a disabled child that is an angel on earth. That is definitely what Cora is and you are her angel.
Pretty Cora, it’s so beautiful to see how you bravely explore the world even though it can be so scary sometimes. Noises, new smells, everything can be so overwhelming can’t it?
Your journey has been ruff but you have so much love and strength on your side, I know you’ll get to a place filled with confidence and inner peace. In no time you’ll wonder why bathrooms were so scary!
This is really great news about your appointment today. What an awesome team to have on your side little one. We will wait for updates.
This is wonderful news. It made my week.
Great news! What a great visit and a fun, new day for her. YEY! I’m so excited for her and so happy for you. It’s a relief. Calming, really. Cora is going to be just fine – no, great – with you as her person.
Oh my goodness, the love is palpable… you can see it, feel it! You are her angel just as I know you feel se is yours. The pictures are. Beautiful and thank you so much for sharing her journey. Look forward to more wonderful updates. She knew exactly what she was doing when she picked you.
Sending you support and healing energy,
Sally and Happy Hannah
Thank you.