My name is Mushu!

UPDATED BIO 12/11/2014: Mushu is a 3.5 year old 5.2 lb boy who is being fostered in Gulfport, FL. If you recall, he was stumbling a lot when UYR rescued him (and even couldn't walk when we first had him). The vet suspected Yorkie Encephalitis but could never be sure without an MRI. While we were trying to wean his steroids over time, he had a setback and was stumbling again. We raised some money from our WONDERFUL donors, and Mushu had his MRI this week!!
Soooooo, we learned that Mushu does NOT have a brain tumor! (Yay). We received the diagnosis is Necrotizing Encephalitis . It is also commonly referred to as Yorkie Encephalitis and is basically swelling of the brain. This being said, Mushu will be a special needs puppy for the rest of his life. He will need to be under doctor supervision and on medications forever (prednisone is not very expensive). Any potential adopter needs to know it is generally a progressive disease. He could be doing wonderfully for a very very long time as long as he is medicated, but he could also take a turn and go downhill very quickly. We will allow Mushu to be adopted because he deserves a forever family. We are hopeful Mushu will be one of the lucky ones who lives a very long very happy life! THANK YOU to all for caring and contributing to his care!!!




Mushu is currently located in Gulfport, Florida and the good news, currently weighs 5.2 lbs. His vet is very happy with his current weight. The other news, he is currently being treated again for another active case of Erlichia. He went to the vet to get his vaccines, but his blood tests showed his titters back up to an active infection. He will be treated for another month. We did try adjusting his Prednisone therapy, but it did not go well at all. Unfortunately he did not respond well when bringing his dosages back up. Currently Mushu is doing OK, but he is definitely in need of the MRI. The delay in responding to his therapy is very concerning. He loves to be the protecter for his family and loves going for his walks, but watching him flail when he loses his balance is sad. Mushu thanks everyone in advance for contributing to his care. Without you it wouldn't be possible.


UPDATED BIO 10/22/14: Mushu is a 3.5 year old 4.5 lb little guy who is being fostered in Gulfport, FL.

Mushu has a condition called Autoimmune Yorkie encephalitis (at least that's what the neurologist thinks it is and for which he is treating him because we cannot afford the $2000 for an MRI). It isn't contagious, but he will likely require prednisone (a steroid) for the rest of his life. That said, Mushu is doing MARVELOUSLY!

When we rescued this boy from the shelter, his only alternative was euthanasia. In fact, if we didn't make it to the shelter within the two hours before closure, we would have lost him. That day he couldn't move. He eventually would stand and walk very unsteadily. With steroids he has made an almost 100% recovery. He can walk and run and chase after the other dogs. (Mushu REALLY wants a home with other dogs. He is lonely with just people because he isn't a big cuddler. He greets you when you come home and gets excited and loves on you. When it comes to sleeping time, he prefers the foot of the bed).

Mushu is 100% housetrained. He will use a pad if you are gone more than 6-8 hours. Sometimes he can hold it. Mushu was neutered and lost 3 teeth this week. He did so well. This guy is a miracle story! We will continue to try and wean the steroids (every month we will try and decrease this as he tolerates it). We hope he will be ready for adoption by the holidays. :) Thanks for checking on him!



Update 09/07/2014: Mushu is a 3.5 year old 4 lb little guy who is being fostered in Miami, FL. Mushu is still on steroid therapy and is getting around with limited ability to balance. The doctor advised us to try to wean the steroids, but that didn't work, as he regressed to barely being able to stay upright for more than a few steps. We are going to invest in some thin foot coverings so he does not get so many blisters when he walks. As long as Mushu is happy and healthy and relatively mobile, he will have a place to stay here with his foster family. We are awaiting a consult with a neurologist to give us a better prognosis as to his potential to improve.



In the meantime, Mushu loves the outdoors and does best on soft grass. He is 100% housetrained and prefers outside to the wee wee pads. He is the best little boy. We are pretty confident that whatever is happening with him is in his brain - specifically the area that controls balance. Steroids do not treat the cause - only the symptoms..... We hope Mushu defies the odds and begins to improve.



Update 08/17/2014: Mushu is a 3.5 year old 4 lb little guy who is being fostered in Miami, FL. Little Mushu is a very sick boy who has had quite an eventful week. Mushu was found in a parking lot last weekend and was picked up by a good samaritan. Later that day, he was reported to have had progressive weakness and inability to move his legs. He was then brought to the local shelter where United Yorkie Rescue was urgently contacted. Due to his neurological symptoms and grave prognosis, the shelter needed UYR to take him immediately. He couldn't eat on his own or move his legs. One of our members went and picked him up and brought him to the vet first thing the next morning.



Mushu's owner was identified through social media, and it turns out that he has been dealing with weakness in his legs for the past 3 months. She surrendered Mushu to UYR because it was obvious he was going to need intensive therapy and care.



We discovered that Mushu has ehrlichia, a tick-born illness. We are unsure if his symptoms are completely related to the ehrlichia or if something else is going on. Mushu is still currently unable to stand but can take a few steps at a time. He has shown some improvement in the past week. Mushu is on steroids and doxycycline to deal with the ehrlichia. We are hopeful that there will be further improvement. This week, Mushu will undergo massage and trigger point therapies to hopefully stimulate rehabilitation and help him to regain balance and use of his legs.



This little boy has so much spunk and fight in him. He wants to walk so badly. Please keep Mushu in your thoughts and prayers. If you can help towards his vet bills, we would very much appreciate it. Our paypal address is auntiem@unitedyorkierescue.org. What Mushu needs most of all are prayers. The video shown is one of the best walks he's had since rescue. He is still very ataxic and can't go but a few step before he falls. He does better outdoors where there is better traction for his feet. Keeping our fingers crossed this little guy gets stronger and stronger.



INITIAL BIO 08/11/2014: Mushu was just rescued from the shelter. He is 3 years old and weighs a mere 3.7 lbs. He cannot stand on his legs right now. He will be taken to the vet first thing in the morning. Please stay tuned as we try and help this special little boy!