Introducing JJ and the person he owns

[lanakack]

Thank you all for the opportunity to be apart of such a wonderful and knowledgeable group of Frenchie lovers. I'm Lana and J.J is my first Frenchie, he will be 12 weeks tomorrow. We live in the east county of San Diego, CA.
For the last decade I've been owned by a Scottish terrier named Archibald. He was my shadow and deeply loved, unfortunately I recently lost him to cancer. But five weeks ago I got this wonderful little character in my life and how happy I am to have him. I'll post a photo soon.
I am puzzled by one thing JJ has started doing and was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same behavior in their frenchie? He will sit down and throw his head side to side. It looks just like Stevie Wonder's head movements when he sings. Of course I was immediately concerned and took JJ to the vet. Blood panel fine and ears. The vet feels that it's probably epilepsy or hemivertebra. I asked about allergies or anal sac and she didn't think so. Has anyone experienced this? Thank you all Lana and JJ

[franp]

Welcome.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your terrier...one day you will be able to talk of him with a smile..

As for your new dog's behavior..IMO, this is not a result of hemivertabrae..If it were my dog; the exrays would be sent to Dr Keller at OFA.. he is THE authority (certified canine radiologist) for reading xrays..It is amazing what a "regular vet" sees and then what Dr Keller sees...Of the two diagnosis..sounds more like epilepsy...

Does your Vet have experience with our breed? It is really essential that you find a dr that is familar with our breed..Frenchies have conditions/needs that requires a Vet who knows the breed...

Why would the Dr think that this weaving motion would come from hemis? If you had a Dane or Dobie I could understand (Wobblers) but not a frenchie..
Have you spoken to the person that you got your pup from about this?

[lanakack]

Hello Fran,
JJ is the only Frenchie at this practice. I've used this vet I want to say for 20 years for my dogs, but your right; as much as I like them personally that doesn't mean they're the right vet for JJ. I do have an appointment this week with a neurologist for JJ. Perhaps it may not hurt to get an appointment with someone who knows this breed better, also. Sometimes it's good to hear from someone else what you're trying to deny. Thank you for your imput, I've read some of your other replies and it seems to me it's always sound advise.
As for the hemi, she felt that perhaps a nerve could be being aggriavated, but in fairness to her she did feel it doubtful. Thank you again
Lana

[franp]

Lana,
A Neurologist is probably the best dr to see at this point... to determine what is causing JJ's weaving..From what I understand,Epilespy is a diagnosis made by elimination...So when all else is ruled out that is what is left...

You know, for day to day treatment.. a good diagnostician is probably ok.. and you can make sure you are educating yourself on Frenchie "stuff".. the symptoms of elongated palate.. (white foamy vomit etc) or back issues(stiffness and refusal to move). diagnosis is key before going to a specialist.. What I value is my Vet's honesty and saying "I don't know"...calling in the specialist.. for any of my animals.. 20 years is a longtime...

Surgery is the really key issue here...Anesthetic protocol... Acepromezine.. is NOT to be used ever... it kills... there is an article on the site about this...

Have you given JJ any meds or anything just before this started.? could he have gotten into anything??

[lanakack]

JJ doesn't have epilepsy.appicon I took him to a Vet in the San Diego area that treats alot of Frenchies and Bullies of all sorts. He has two Frenchies himself and shows one of them. Come to find out, his Frenchies are a half sister and full brother to my JJ.
I showed the Dr. a video of JJ and his funny movement and explained he hasn't done this in a while. After some more questions and an examination he was very certain it's not epilepsy and NOT hemivertebrae. Other than my little guy is a little heavy, kisses and carrots for treats instead of puppy treats, he's very healthy:) He basicly said the samething Fran told me, whomever vets my Frenchie needs to be familar with this breed. Thank you Fran for the good advice.
Lana and JJ

[StellaBabe]

Hi Lana & JJ... that's great news. Sorry to jump right in your conversation, but I wanted to say hello. I have 2 frenchies and just re-located to San Diego.

It seems that not many people (out west or at least here in SD) have been around frenchies, or any bulldog for that matter (so many people think they are pittbulls!... I was just kicked out of our current apt complex due to frenchies being an "unacceptable" breed for the apt rules!!:mad: ).

But, I wanted to ask you some "local" questions... vets, cool places for them to play, allergy ?s, etc. I was recommended to use Vet Dr. Judy on N2nd in El Cajon (but I'm not sure if he's the right one yet)? Any suggestions? May I ask what great frenchie vet you discovered?

In this heat where do you take your baby (although maybe JJ's too young??)

thanks so much!! :) and again, I'm glad things are working out... Marie

[lanakack]

Hello Marie and welcome to San Diego. This is not the typical weather for us!
I've heard very good things about Dr. Judy. I'm partial to Dr. Simpson. He sees alot of Frenchies here and he owns two.(Or should I say they own him and they're loved by him)
You are very correct not many in SD even know that there is such a breed as a French Bulldog. The good news is, there is a Frenchie meet up group in San Diego and I think Carolyn my know more details about it than I do. I haven't taken JJ yet, but I'm planning on it in the future.
I can't say that JJ has been mistaken for a pitbull yet, but I've had some interesting inquiries.
Welcome again and hopefully I'll see you and your frenchies soon.
Lana and JJ

[StellaBabe]

thanks! I finally found the frenchie meet-up group here online... & of course, signed up for it. I'll look up Dr. Simpson (location?) and see what comes up. Thanks again for the suggestions. Good luck with your baby!!