It breaks our hearts to announce that Jude's MRI & Spinal Tap results were nothing like we thought. Jude doesn't have Cerebellar hypoplasia, as she has a massive Cyst (shown above in the yellow circle) which has created Dandy-Walker Malformation/Syndrome. That portion of her brain is supposed to be where her cerebellum is located, which has not been able to develop at all whatsoever due to the cyst. The MRI showcased a very poorly defined to absent cerebellum. The region of the caudal fossa typically occupied by the cerebellum is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (attenuates on FLAIR).

Long story short, Jude will be having open brain surgery on January 24th at Dogwood to remove 80% of the cyst. At this point and time, the neurologist believes that if we remove the entire cyst, Jude may not ever wake up. That being said, if they surgically remove the cyst there's an 80/20 percent chance that it will not expand nor will it come back.

It breaks our hearts to say that Jude's condition is somewhat permanent and she will always have special needs. She has started to favor one side and has started to circle over the past 3 weeks and we're hoping that her having surgery will fix that, as it will relieve some of the pressure off of the brain stem. Unfortunately, Jude may never be able to walk completely all by herself, but if the surgery goes as planned she will be able to live a long, full and healthy life.

Please understand that Jude came into our care 2 months ago with flat feet and was unable to walk at all whatsoever. After the past few months of rehabilitation along with water therapy, Jude can now walk up to 7-8 steps without falling. She wrestles and plays like a normal dog. Jude even knows how to sit like a pretty girl.  As of next week, we will be having Jude fit for a wheelchair to continue her rehabilitation up until surgery. Our special girl has so much potential and we know one hundred percent that she fights to get through this and thrive to her fullest potential. Now, all we need is your HELP to raise the funds for her surgery. Can you Help Us, Help Jude? Here are the ways that you can donate:

Venmo:  LendingAHelpingPaw

PayPal: [email redacted]

GoFundMe: gofundme.com/HelpUsHelpJude

If you donate via Venmo or PayPal, please comment #HelpUsHelpJude.

Patient: "Jude", American Bulldog, Female 6/17/2022

Examination Date: 12/22/2022

Clinical Diagnosis: Dandy-Walker-like syndrome

History: Jude was found on the streets of Detroit 6 weeks prior to her initial Consult. Her clinical signs have improved some and she is behaviorally normal.

 

Neurologic Exam:

- Mentation: Bright and alert

- Cranial nerves: Intact

- Gait/Posture: Ambulatory cerebellar ataxia, hypermetria in all limbs (thoracic > pelvic)

- Postural reactions: Intact in all limbs

- Spinal reflexes: Normal to increased in the pelvic limbs

- Muscle tone: Normal in all limbs

- Pain perception: Intact in all limbs

- Spinal pain: None detected

- Neuroanatomic Localization: Cerebellum 

Diagnostics: MRI: Very poorly defined to absent cerebellum. The region of the caudal fossa typically occupied by the cerebellum is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (attenuates on FLAIR).

Assessment/Plan: We discussed the changes noted on Jude's MRI and the pros and cons associated with surgery. At this point, the plan is to initiate a tapering course of steroids and omeprazole with a tentative surgery date of 01/24/2023. 

Attached is the Estimate for Jude's Brain Surgery within the GoFundMe Comments, which has been set for January 24, 2023. 

Thank you in advance as always for all of the love and support. We promise to keep everyone updated on Jude's progress.

Love,

Jude & The Help Us, Help Them Dog Rescue Family

Website: LAHPDogRescue.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/HelpUsHelpThem