Hanna is an adorable, friendly, happy Westie who at 18 months old started shaking and trembling so violently that she would fall down. She was brought to her vet, to an emergency veterinary hospital in Rhode Island, and then back to her vet in Connecticut where she was finally diagnosed with White Dog Shaker Syndrome. Hanna’s whole personality changed. She would hide when visiting her Westie friends, she didn’t like to be groomed or touched and she was always scared to go to the vet.
She was treated with heavy steroids and it seemed to be under control. They tried several times to take her off the steroids, but the shaking and trembling always quickly returned. A friend contacted Tufts Veterinary School for some assistance, but was told they do not have any financial aid programs, so she has been continually monitored by her regular vet.
After being on the steroids, Hanna became quite ill with a 107 fever, lethargy, diarrhea and labored breathing. She was diagnosed with severe Pancreatitis and treated with antibiotics, opioids, anti-nausea meds, intravenous fluids and prescription dog food.
WestieMed, thank you very much for your generosity! I appreciate it and so does Hanna! What a wonderful Christmas present!