Help Archie: A Puppy Battling Malfunctioning Signals Between His Nerves and Muscles

Pooch Savers Rescue

Archie is an 8-month-old Cairn Terrier/Schnauzer mix who was born at Pooch Savers Rescue. After being adopted, he was unfortunately returned due to his adopters' work schedules and is now still searching for his forever home.

During his adoption, Archie was diagnosed with Masticatory Myositis (MMM), an autoimmune condition that causes his jaw to lock. He has been treated with steroids (Prednisone), which has successfully helped manage the disease. However, new symptoms suggest there may be an additional underlying condition.

Currently, Archie is being treated for aspiration pneumonia, likely caused by regurgitation, which may be linked to a condition called mega-esophagus. We are awaiting confirmation of this diagnosis. To help manage his condition, Archie needs to eat in an upright position, which is why you may see pictures of him in a laundry basket—his makeshift Bailey chair. When you see him in an actual Bailey chair, it’s from his overnight stay at MedVet. He also wears a donut-shaped collar to manage the regurgitation, which is likely related to the mega-esophagus (ME).

We spoke with a neurologist, and Archie will be undergoing two tests to help identify the exact cause of his symptoms, which are suspected to be autoimmune-related. He will need to stay overnight again for further observation.

It is now suspected he is battling Myasthenia gravis (MG), a disease in dogs that causes a malfunction in the transmission of signals between nerves and muscles, resulting in muscle weakness and other symptoms. This diagnosis would explain both his MMM and ME.

Unfortunately, Archie’s medical expenses are rising. So far, we’ve spent $3,000 on his care, and we anticipate the total cost could reach $6,000 by the time his treatment is complete. We will continue to keep everyone updated on his progress, treatment plan, and prognosis.

Thank you so much for your continued support as we work to give Archie the care he needs and help him find his forever home.

Update 12/21/24
We want to give a big shoutout to Jerry for making a Bailey Chair for Archie! Your kindness, time, and craftsmanship mean the world to us and will make such a difference in Archie’s life. Thank you for helping us help him!