When Tanner came to the rescue it was believed that he had a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia. His foster had some experience with the condition, and was comfortable taking him on. However, the severity of his condition was quickly realized and having followed the Be Like Josh Foundation for years, his amazing foster reached out. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when communication started between Tanner’s foster and Kimberly at BLJ. As with all rescues, emergencies came up and Kimberly let us know that Tanner hadn’t been forgotten but due to circumstances was on a waitlist for them to intake him. But last week Tanner started having what appeared to be seizure episodes, and Be Like Josh knew the severity of the situation if he was left seizing. So this week, without a second thought Be Like Josh and Oklahome partnered up and in less than 48 hours Tanner was in Dallas for a full neurological work up. As you can imagine this type of imaging and testing is not cheap and Be Like Josh did not hesitate in making everything happen. It’s hard to fathom that this amazing organization dropped everything after seeing videos of Tanner to partner up, call around and get him a neurology appointment, and then to drop $5000 on a dog they have never met, for a foster they have never met, with a rescue they have never heard about. Do you understand how amazingly awesome that is?!From BLJ on the results - His MRI revealed his entire brain is severely underdeveloped and spinal fluid has filled in where brain tissue should be, resulting in compensatory hydrocephalus. According to veterinary medicine, this is a non-progressive diagnosis. However, after working with many dogs w/varying degrees of impact to their cerebrum/forebrain, we can speak to the fact that it would not be unheard of for Tanner to show progression of some clinical symptoms if not properly supported. He has the ability to put on weight and muscle, improve strength and become more capable as well as learn commands and boundaries. To know we have answers on Tanner, no more guessing on what it might be is a tremendous relief…it doesn’t make his journey easier, but it makes it more focused and calculated.Our sincere thank you go out to Be Like Josh as well as his phenomenal Foster who is advocated for him from day one.
We are doing everything we can to help this sweet boy live a full and happy life
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