Wilbur was adopted April 25, 2022
Wilbur – WOW!
April has been an exciting month for Wilbur!
First, he graduated from rehab. All his daily exercises are now designed to be done at home.
We are grateful to the team at Canada West Veterinary Specialists for all their help with this special boy. On this special occasion they told us: “We all hugged and kissed him…We would love updates on him or photos! It’s been a lovely to get to help Wilbur get stronger and figure out how to navigate the world!”
After this big accomplishment, there was even more wonderful news. On the one-year anniversary of Wilbur coming to live with her, Wilbur was officially adopted by his foster mom! ❤
Wilbur and his mom have his routine down pat, with lots of adventures, play and cuddles included. Wilbur is also able to join her at the office, which adds a different stimulating environment – and lots of long open space for daily wheelchair runs.
Having been together through all the challenges, milestones, and just general puppy shenanigans of his first year, their bond was sealed. Wilbur knew he was already home, so he’s not quite sure what all the fuss is about, but he’s quite happy to take any and all celebratory treats and presents that might come his way. 😁
Congratulations to Wilbur and his mom – we couldn’t be happier for you both and are excited to follow Wilbur on his continuing journey!
BIG BOY WHEELS!
Rolling on up to his first birthday on February 5th, Wilbur now has some brand new ‘big boy’ wheels! We’re working with the good people at Eddie’s Wheels to further trick out his new ride with a couple more straps and bolsters to make it fit him even more securely, but Wilbur is already feeling a need for speed. Just to watch him experience this new level of independence is so exciting!
Wilbur has kept up a consistent rehabilitation schedule over the last year with his wonderful team at Canada West Veterinary Specialists. But, as he approaches a year of age, he has realistically come as far as he can with his mobility. While he’ll have a few more rehab visits to work in his new wheelchair, exercises at home will soon be his main therapy.
Wilbur is fully up to date on all his regular vaccinations and most routine vetting. Because his medical condition is so rare (complete lack of cerebellum) and there are still many unknowns, a specialist was consulted regarding his neuter. It was decided that putting him under general anaesthetic was not recommended, as the benefits of a neuter don’t outweigh the potential risks in his case.
All in all, Wilbur is a happy, playful pup who doesn’t realize that he’s different – he’s a lesson to all of us about living life to the fullest!
UPDATE JUNE 2021
What’s Up with Wilbur?
Born on February 5, puppy Wilbur was surrendered to BTRC at only six weeks of age. A bright, attentive, interactive and playful puppy, Wilbur is unable to support his weight or walk.
He was immediately seen by our veterinary specialist. Wilbur has movement in all four limbs, so that’s a positive sign. An ultrasound ruled out hydrocephalus, and x-rays of his neck and spine were normal for a dog of Wilbur’s age. Heavy sedation and anesthesia are risky in such a young puppy, so additional tests to aid in a definite diagnosis had to wait until he was older.
Wilbur began professional rehab therapy and acupuncture to build strength and to keep his limbs developing as normally as possible.
Then Wilbur’s health took a sudden and drastic turn. He was rushed to the emergency vet and spent Easter in hospital in an oxygen tent. The final diagnosis was non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE), an inflammatory reaction in the lungs resulting in fluid in the lung tissue. It looked like we were going to lose him – but this tough little fellow pulled through!
In late May, Wilbur was ready for more testing. His neurologist performed an MRI and CSF (spinal) tap.
It was suspected that Wilbur’s cerebellum, the part of the brain that manages coordination, was underdeveloped. But test results revealed something much rarer – Wilbur has no cerebellum at all. The closest diagnosis would be “Dandy-Walker syndrome”.
Unfortunately, there are no treatment options to bring the missing cerebellum back. But the brain is an amazing organ and so little is still understood about how it functions. Normal spinal fluid supports that this is a birth defect and not a progressive disease.
So what does this mean for Wilbur?
Remarkably, there is still the chance that with ongoing physical therapy Wilbur’s brain may continue to adapt, or “re-wire” itself to improve his ability to walk or become functional enough that he will be able to move well in a quadruped cart.
Because where there is a Wilbur, there’s a way!
One of our handy volunteers is building Wilbur a temporary cart as he is still growing. Customized “wheels”, molded to support his body, could be an option in future.
For now, Wilbur is continuing to work hard at his physical therapy. Wilbur’s vet bills to date are $7,423.95, not including the cost of his ongoing rehab. His future care will be expensive, but with so much still unknown, we have to give this “million dollar baby” every chance at a happy future and a good quality of life.
But it will take your support to help Wilbur on his journey!
What is Dandy-Walker syndrome?
Making a brain is hard work. As a puppy’s brain is forming in its mother’s uterus, a variety of signals ensure that each portion of the brain develops at the right time. In the Dandy-Walker malformation, a portion of the cerebellum (the part of the brain responsible for coordination) doesn’t get the message to develop like it should. The result is a shriveled up cerebellum that doesn’t function properly. When the cerebellum does not develop like it should, the pup is left with problems with its coordination. It has a goose-stepping gait and may appear off balance. Affected pups may have other abnormalities, such as hydrocephalus (water on the brain) or blindness.
SOURCE: http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/ataxia/dandywalker.htm
May 3
No better time than on Specially-abled Pets Day to share a little Wilbur update! A puppy sitting down to eat?? Nothing super special? NO – not unless you’re Wilbur and were born not being able to walk, or sit! He is making remarkable progress with his rehab! To all “specially-abled” pets – you may need some special care, or a couple different considerations, but you are still perfectly able to steal our hearts!
Welcome Wilbur!
BTRC foster and “big boy” Oliver is pretty excited – he’s not the baby anymore!
Born on February 5, puppy Wilbur was surrendered to Rescue because although bright, attentive, interactive and playful, he is unable to support his weight or walk like his littermates.
He was immediately seen by our veterinary specialist. Wilbur has movement in all four limbs, so that’s a positive sign. An ultrasound ruled out hydrocephalus, and x-rays of his neck and spine were normal for a dog of Wilbur’s age. Heavy sedation and anesthesia are risky in such a young puppy, so additional tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, which will help with a definite diagnosis can’t be safely performed until he is a little bit older.
We were just getting ready to introduce Wilbur to everyone when his health took a sudden and drastic turn. He was rushed to the emergency vet and spent Easter in hospital in an oxygen tent. The final diagnosis was non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE), an inflammatory reaction in the lungs resulting in fluid within the lung tissue. His prognosis was guarded, and given his tiny size there was not much more medical intervention possible – it was up to Wilbur to fight!
We are so relieved to report that this tough little fellow pulled through and is now back with his foster caregivers!
Before his bout of NCPE, Wilbur started a schedule of professional rehab therapy and acupuncture to build strength and to keep his limbs developing as normally as possible. He’ll have to take a little time off, but once he’s rested up, he’ll continue therapy. Wilbur will also “work out” at home with the support of his foster caregivers, who are providing the necessary Rx of TLC! (His foster sibling Ace is also looking out for him.)
BTRC volunteers firmly believe in the power of positive thinking, so please send some healing thoughts and good vibes wee Wilbur’s way!
NOTE: Wilbur is being fostered in BC. As the underlying cause of his physical condition is still unknown, we are unable to answer specific questions or accept adoption applications at this time.