Hi all update on NCL/Rimadyl, new evidence comes to light that my dog was unlikely to have NCL, as you all are aware, I got final autopsy results back 2 weeks ago stating that my dog had a variant of NCL, ( my dog had been on a 4 week course of Rimadyl  4 weeks prior to his death I reported adverse reaction to rimadyl to Pfizer who paid for autopsy.)
Having never heard of NCL, I decided to research NCL in rottweilers, contacted kennel club, breed council, top veterinary research hospitals, all came back with the same conclusion, NEVER HAD ANY EVIDENCE  OF NCL in Rottweilers, I then decided to contact a top expert in canine NCL in the USA and sent him copy of my dogs autopsy, low & behold I get an email from him stating that after reading my dogs autopsy report it seems very unlikely my dog had NCL, he as requested samples of brain & spinal cord so he can give a more informed opinion.
I then contacted Pfizer with this new evidence, they informed me they are still sticking with the original diagnosis of NCL ( I WONDER WHY?)
I have disputed my dog's autopsy results and have forwarded email I received from top expert to my vet, for them to pass on to the pathologist who performed my dog's autopsy, as all communication has to be done through my vet to pathologist, will keep you all updated on future developments, AS THE BREED COUNCIL INFORMED ME, IT IS UNBELIEVABLE.

Hi Carlasway
I remember your original post re Rimadyl. I know you say Pfizer paid for the autopsy, who actually did it, was it someone of your choice?

I only know about CL in border collies. However, I strongly question that a dog could have had this disease without showing very evident symptoms, and I would want to know more about the 'variant' aspect of the diagnosis. This suggests to me that it is 'atypical' which in to you and me is 'might be' or is similar to, but not entirely sure, because some things don't 'fit'.

I think you are absolutely right to follow this through to top experts, when there is so little evidence to support the diagnosis. Like anything, you should always get a second opinion!  I am very interested to see the results, whilst not forgetting that this is your beloved boy we are talking about.

Hi ChinaBlue, it was Pfizer who stipulated which veterinary hospital who was to perform my dog's autopsy, when i phoned the hospital the day i recieved the experts email, i was told they do not discuss findings with the clients only with the vets, i have my own theorys why it is hush hush, but i cannot denigrate anyone at this present time,
i agree with what you are saying, as all research states it comes on slowly over several months/ years, my dogs  severe symptoms arose within 24 hours, he had always been a very fit active healthy dog before having his final months supply of rimadyl

There may be a problem getting samples released as you didn't pay for the autopsy. New varieties of diseases pop up all the time and may vary slightly from breed to breed, your lad may have had a late onset/rapid deterioration type not seen before because the dogs have not been investigated beyond death.

Good Luck with your ongoing research and investigation.

Hi Rhona, the thought that it could be a new  rapid acute late onset strain, did not cross my mind at all, what a fantastic point, if as you say more tests can be done, we could find the answers out, here's hoping
thanks for your input & care

This set me to reading up on it, because I only know it in BC's. I didn't realise what different symptoms it presents in different breeds. I came across a video about bulldogs (I think in Czechoslovakia) and by the video I would have sworn on my life that the dog had DM. The presentation I know of in collies includes severe aggression which is usually the cause of them being euthanised by the time they are 18 months or so - terrible. But what a range of symptoms across breeds. Again, like you - not once did I come across rottweilers mentioned. It would be very concerning for the breed if it did turn out to be a correct diagnosis.

Very interested to hear what the other expert says. I think with a disease that presents such variety and difficulties, an expert in the disease is the only way to go really.  Let us know what happens.

Carlasway
Don't know if you ever came across this
http://www.k9obedience.co.uk/doghealth/treatment/rimadylandmetacam.html