Our visit to the canine neurologist was amazing. I have never seen such a thorough examination. Dr. K began with many questions about what we had observed. Then he sat on the floor with Beckon, starting by putting his forehead on Beckon's to establish a relationship. He was slow, thoughtful, asking questions as he examined. Beckon, who is normally fearful, appeared to trust Dr. K, even to twice leaving the room with him calmly for tests (blood, then urine).
What we know now is that Beckon has hypertrophy of the musculature, especially the hindquarters. Essentially, he's "musclebound," far more developed than any Sheltie the doctor has ever seen. Dr. K asked another neurologist to take a look -- so we got an instant second opinion! Blood tests results will be in this afternoon or tomorrow -- they have their own lab in this amazing clinic.
Final confirmation may require a muscle biposy. Dr. K has some ideas, but didn't want to speculate until he sees the labs. But there seems to be a strong possibility of a neuromuscular disease, genetically based, at the root. Just perfect -- Labor Day weekend, and my Sheltie turns out to be one of "Jerry's Kids."
