puppy's head hyperextended after trauma

[kleen]

My 2½  week old puppy has sustained what we think was a neck injury 2 days ago. The person who was watching him couldn't give a definitive answer, and so we suspect that the puppy was carried the wrong way and his neck got injured. The puppy was rushed to the vet crying loudly and pale-colored. In the clinic, he was given a pain reliever which controlled his crying. The vet made a diagnosis of nerve damage in the neck area because the puppy’s head was hyperextended and he was flailing his arms and legs (paddling) which according to the vet was a bad sign. He said that the nerves from the neck area down are affected . There were no tests done, the diagnosis was made by observation only. The puppy was prescribed Citicoline (0.2ml, twice a day) saying there was nothing else they could do.

We took the puppy home gave him his medication. The puppy is now feeding normally (sometimes from mom, sometimes formulated milk) and able to crawl. The problem is that his head is still hyperextended. He could crawl for a few seconds but then fall again because he can’t hold his head up which he was able to do before the accident. I was wondering if there are still other possible causes of the nature of his injury? Like muscle injury or bone fracture. Because we were thinking if it was nerve damage in the neck area, it is possible that the puppy should be paralyzed, but the puppy is always moving around and able to suck and crawl. Also, should we make a neck brace for him? And if there's a chance that he would recover normally. Hope someone can help us. Thank you.

[emmasummz]

hi my 4.5 month old jack russell had a bad bang to the head yesterday (27/08/2010) i phoned the out of hours vet and he said ahe should be ok just keep an eye on her does anyone know how long she'll take to be back to her normal jumpy self shes very tiered and unsteady on her feet... thankyou

[chasha33]

I am so sorry about your baby.You did everything you could for that little guy.He was a very lucky and bleesed to have you love him and take care of him like you did.I will keep you in my prayersTake care and God Bless.

[kleen]

He passed away last week :( Thank you for your time.

[kleen]

He passed away last week :(

[chasha33]

I agree with what Jaybay said it can take sometime for the baby to get feeling better.Did your vet do any x-rays to check his neck and spine?Also did they say if there could be any damage to any of his disc?Usually if there is any swelling they will also use steroids to help with any problems there.Since he is trying to move around and is eating i think that he should be fine.I will keep yall in my prayers Please keep us posted.Take care and God Bless.

[Jaybay]

This is a question for one of the veterinarians here at Med Help.  There are reasons to be hopeful I think.  He IS moving and eating.  In such a young pup who was just getting the strength and coordination to move his head and stand to be injured like this, there's no telling how long it will take him to catch up again.  Even if the injury is only soft tissue (muscle, tendons and ligaments) that can take weeks to fully recover.

I do think some imaging studies are necessary - a simple xray if nothing else - to determine if the bones are involved or if it's all soft tissue damage.  

Scroll down this page and look on the right side.  Click on the link for "Animal Health - General" to access the vet-moderated forum.  And please do keep us posted on the little guy's progress.  :-0