My Chihuahua is Yelping, Shivering, and Sleeping Alot

[Patty6511]

On New Years Eve Morning, I noticed my "Tubby" Looked as if he was going to vomit.  It looked almost as if he was choking on something. He shortly after began to Yelp and stretch his body in an odd position.  I immediately took him to an emergency vet up the road from my home.  They checked him and ensured me that nothing was in his airways.  That same day I took him out to my family vet, who gave him an X-Ray, the X-Ray showed a few small pieces of "something" in his stomach(nothing wrong with his back or neck).  The vet told me the pieces were so small that they would definately pass when he went to the bathroom.  I left the vet that day with a med for his stomach just in case he had an upset stomach.
For the next few day he cried a bit but then was fine.  He was fine for about two days...when everything started all over again but worse.  Now he was yelping, shivering, freezing up while he walked and sort of twisting his neck while yelping and rubbing his behind on the floor quite a bit.
I then took him to the vet again...this time they gave him an anti-inflammatory.  This def. did not work...that night he was yelping, pupils were huge, shivering and doing everything all over again.
I really don't know what to do...I don't know what this could be...Please help, if anyone has any input!!!  I 100% trust my vet...however...I really don't want to put Tubby through anymore testing and meds if none of this is going to work.  It just seems like my pup is more stressed!!!!

[Dan Sims, DVM]

A condition called Atlantoaxial luxation or instability is a possibility. This is a condition of the very first vertebra being misaligned in small breeds which can cause neck pain.
Neck pain is one of the few conditions which will cause a dog to scream in pain.
Hypoglycemic seizures are possible but easily ruled out by your family vet.
A trip to the neurologist may be helpful.

I'll be thinking about Tubby so please update me with the outcome.

Dan

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Patty....I was thinking a disc problem in the neck, also. However, since you keep mentioning his rear end is effected, I would have to ask: Did your Vet consider your dog's Anal Glands? Could they be impacted? Have your Dr. express them and see if that helps....

I have a friend whose Chi was desperately ill...Ended up that his Anal Glands were the problem....Anyway, just a thought to consider.... Good luck and come back with updates.....Karla

P.S. I have a small poodle that did the same thing your mother's dog did.....Went out to potty, came in paralyzed....Emergency surgery was performed on Christmas Eve 2009 to the tune of $3000. He walks, runs, plays, etc...His was successful....He receives Acupuncture for pain control.....

[Patty6511]

Thank You so Much....I'm taking Tubby to the Vet tomorrow so I will def. mention this to him, I actuall am going to write down exactly what you called it.  However, it does seem it may have something to do with his "butt" for lack of better wording.  Every time he cries withing this passed day it seems that his rear end is flexed, his tail is straight in the air, and he drops his back end to the ground.  
I have to admit that I am in fear of any neck or back injuries.  My mother has a bullmastiff that was running in the back yard and came back to the door completly paralyzed in his back legs, my mom has a fenced in yard so it didn't have to do with a car.  After a $12,000 dollar back surgery and a lot of empty promises, he is still not walking.  The Family does as much as we can to keep him happy, and it seems he is in hopes that one day he will walk or at least limp...or better yet......just anything!!!


Thanks So Much,
Patty and Tub Tub