I have to start some where so here goes...........
On June 7,2010 while driving down the road I noticed a truck pull over and throw a German Shep dog out. I went to the aid of the dog and noticed that she was not only starving but was very pregnant. I took her home and prepared a place for her to rest and have her puppies. On June 15, 2010 she (Miley) gave birth to (3) very precious puppies, 1 male and 2 females. The male was very large in size and was healthy. The females also appeared healthy with the exception of being a lot smaller in size. All seemed to be going well but them Miley stopped nursing the 2 female pups so they had to be bottle fed. The male puppy was up and walking in a normal time frame but the females seemed a bit slower but very healthy in appearance. After 10 weeks the females still had not walked. I took them to vet for shots and an examination.
The bad news: The vet told me that the pups had a neurologic problem called Sarabella. He said the pups would not be able to use their back legs to walk. Their front paws are very strong and they can stand on all 4 legs but not for long periods of time. The vet asked me if I wanted to continue with the shots and I said "OF COURSE"! He more less was thinking on euthanizing them. These pups are totally normal in every way with the exception that they were born with special needs and cannot use their back legs. I made the decision to adopt both of these puppies. They have been named Savanna Marie & Bella Leigh. They continue to grow and get smarter with each day that passes. Even though they have special needs and can be alot of work, I have no regrets adopting them what so ever. Miley (MOM) and the male puppy have been placed in wonderful homes.
My reason for writting is because being new to these special needs puppies requires a lot more knowledge than I currently have. I am hoping to get some advice from the readers. Only positive advice please......these pups have had enough negative in their lives. I am facing the fact that they will both be in wheelchairs and I'm ok with that. I feel the sooner they are put in wheelchairs the better it will be for them and the easier it will be for them to begin to walk. At this time funds are limited due to the job market and the economy. I am working on getting them wheelchairs within the next month or two. They have hydro therapy on a daily basis and seem to enjoy it. Is there anything else that I should be doing for these pups at the current moment? Any positive suggestions are welcomed. Thanks for reading.
Hi Deb!
Deb, with you now. Are they a bit wobbly on their legs?
Cerebellar hypoplasia is critter cerebral palsy, which is how I usually explain it to people; almost everybody has at least an idea of what CP is.
