Neurologist Dr. Parent also believes Ruby-Sue has a life-threatening intracellular parasite infection called neosporosis, which attacks her central nervous system.

Monday, November 7th – Ruby-Sue had her big appointment with top nerologist, Dr. Joane Parent of the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire in Saint-Hyacinthe. We arrived at the clinic for our 1:30 appointment at 1:35, and finished our appointment at 6pm. Ruby-Sue had 3 Veterinarians on board for her appointment, Dr. Parent leading the team. A thorough neurological exam was done of Ruby-Sue, her x-rays taken perviously were looked over by radiologists on-site and a parasitologist was called-up for his two-cents. Ruby-Sue had a blast, she soaks up any attention she can get and returns it with relentless kisses – which she sure did. The team loved her, because she is so darn love-a-bul, and she was a star patient.

As previously diagnosed by Dr. Altschuler (also the MTL-Dog-Blogger, ask-a-vet), Eleven Eleven’s trusted veterinarian – Dr. Parent and her team also believe Ruby-Sue has an infection called Neosporosis. A ‘rare’ infection according to Dr. Parent, that she has only seen 3 other cases of in her life. The infection is caused by an intra-cellular protozoan parasite called Neospora caninum, most commonly caught from eating uncooked infected tissue (meat), or given to pups through the mother’s placenta. Dogs can be infected without being symptomatic, in this case because Ruby-Sue is symptomatic she probably caught it from her asymptomatic mother transplacentally. The infection is causing continuous spasms in the muscles of her legs, which has caused her knees to invert. The neurological effects, clinically seen in her muscle spasms, are most-likely caused by damage done by the infection to the tissue of central nervous system. With her fast-growing body her tendons are remaining short due to the knee inversion, which even further reduces her ability to bend her knees.
On the bright side – The radiologist saw no defects in her bones or in the configuration of her spine, knees, hips, and legs. We were concerned about cervical weakness, but the radiologist according to the x-rays ruled that out, one less thing to worry about. With effective antibiotic treatment for the parasite, hydrotherapy, massage therapy and regular stretching exercises (maybe some yoga) to lengthen her tendons, she has a chance to one day re-gain full use of her legs. Also – thanks to Dr. Altschuler’s quick diagnosis based on clinical signs of the infection, we had already stated Ruby-Sue on the nessicary antibitotics for the infection weeks ago which gives us that much more of an advantage.

On the down side – Diagnostics alone will cost us a small fortune or about the same price as a decently used car, which we just don’t have. Because the infection is so rare, there is not much known, like what is the most effective treatment plan and how curable the infection really is. There is a chance even with treatment, the parasite could continue to infect her other limbs, lungs, heart, liver or brain, and ultimately kill her. On top of the fact it is a rarely diagnosed infection, it is even more-rarely actually treated as most owners opt to just euthanize and get another puppy instead.

Anyone who has met Ruby-Sue or seen her videos, would agree, she is bursting at the seems with life and love. She has too much life, and most importantly – fight, in her for us to prematurely end to it. The estimate given to us by Dr. Parent for diagnostics, is around 1, 400$ on the low end. For treatment which will require months of specially order antibiotics, it could put us well over 2, 000$. The 1, 400$ estimate includes; an EMG, MRI, and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection plus analysis for infected cells to confirm diagnosis.

Our plan of action;

• First step (already done) – We sent out a blood test to measure her Creatine Kinase blood levels. CK levels in the blood rise when muscle or heart cells are injured, and will give us an idea of her level of muscle damage.
• Second step – If those levels come back elevated, which we are expecting, we will move forward with an electromyogram (EMG) of her muscles to measure the level of activity and gather further information on her muscle damage. This test will also let us know if her front limbs are effected, but not yet showing clincal sings. Ruby-Sue will need an MRI to take a closer look at potential spine damage or lesions caused by the infection. The MRI and EMG require anaesthesia, to avoid risks associated with repeat anaesthesia we would like to do both at once, which would be around 600$ +. From there, depending on our available funds and the results of the tests, we will have to make a tough decision to pursue or humanely euthanize.
• Third step – If we have the available funds to pursue with Ruby-Sue’s needs, we would need to do a Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analysis for infected cells to confirm diagnosis. This will be another 500$ + and also require anesthesia. But for budget reasons, we have decided we will not do this with the MRI and EMG.

From there, if all goes well, we continue to treat Ruby-Sue with the antibiotics to kick the infection. We would also continue hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and stretching exercises so she can re-gain the used of her back legs. Once she is treated and recovered, she will then find her picture-perfect home and live happily ever after. It’s a long-shot, a really long-short, but she sure deserves it. We will do our absolute best to provide for her what she needs, but unfortunately on a realistic level, we will also not make her suffer if we are not-able to provide for her.

We have opened up a Chip-In for her and will be holding two Meet ‘N Greet – Nail cutting fundraisers where you can meet her and donate to her in person or come to say hi if you have donated online. Dates and locations are to-be-announced. Once we meet the 600$ mark, we will schedule her EMG and MRI. We won’t give up on this amazing little pup without giving her a fighting chance!

To donate to Ruby-Sue:

• Contribute to Ruby-Sue’s Chip-In via online paypal or credit-card donation
• Send a check to Refuge-Animaux 11-11 at C.P. 35716, CP Leo Pariseau, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A4
• Join us at one of her Meet ‘n Greets and donate to her in person (Dates TBA)

Since August 26th, he had a biopsy of his lesions done to confirm our suspicions of allergies – and rule out bacterial, fungal or parasite infection being a cause. He has been on a hydrolyzed protein (hypoallergenic) diet, has had almost weekly visits to the veterinary clinic, has been on anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine medication, gets medicated baths and has had to keep that big goofy cone on 24/7. It has been over 2 months now, and he has healed wonderfully – thanks to his foster mums quality tender, love and care – but will still chew his paws right back down at any chance he gets. We believe that his self-trauma habits are not just related to allergies, but a behaviour issue that is triggered by stress. We also believe he has food and environmental allergies. However either way it takes a bare minimum of 3 months to notice an improvement in allergies, which he is only two thirds there – and hopefully winter months will eliminate what may be causing his environmental allergies.

What has really helped, Remi’s foster mum taught him to chew on nyla-bones instead of his paws, and her efforts of tlc, bandaging and correcting his behaviour of chewing has definitely paid off;

Remi’s foster mum says; Remi is a little unsure when he first meets you and might bark a bit but once he gets close he is sure to climb into your lap and slather you with kisses. He is affectionate and a total ham for having his butt scratched, especially since he cannot reach to scratch it himself around his gigantic cone. Remi has such an amazing attitude about life and has no objections about taking his medicine or having his cone put back on after going outside for potty breaks.

He has recently discovered how to play and is making up for lost time! Fetch is one of his favorite games and will do just about anything to get you to throw a ball for him. He is extremely food oriented and highly intelligent, which means that teaching him new things is effortless. He can sit and stay and will give his paws for kibble treats. He is a model canine in our house and is fully house trained and only chews approved toys.

Remi is an easy dog and is happy to be near you and quietly rest or chew on a toy. He follows me everywhere and will do the same with you. He really loves to snuggle and is a big fan of doggy beds. He is still going on short walks because his paw pads are still healing. It would be great for someone to take him to a grassy area where he can run off leash. Aside needing more socialization he is an exceptional dog and quickly warms up to anyone that comes into our house. Did I mention that he likes to play dress up and that he gets so excited when I come home from work that his lip curls up and he sneezes like crazy? Dogs don’t get any better than this.

Read more about Remi’s adventures in foster care in his foster mum’s blog Little Dog in a Big Cty!

*Remi is in need of a new foster home, so he can get more one on one care while his current foster mum can get more one on one time with her teenage pups, if interested in fostering please see here; http://www.elevenelevenanimalrescue.org/fostering.html or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

*ALL medical care, and food costs 100% covered. All you need to do is open up your homes and hearts.