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Vestibular Syndrome?
My 8 year old precious chihuahua has been tilting his head to the left. We first thought he was mimicking my daughters pup because they've picked up little tricks from each other before. I've read a lot of other questions on here about the same kind of symptoms so when we saw his vet I asked that they go ahead and start antibiotics just to see if maybe it had something to do with his ears. He checked out perfect, thyroid, everything perfect. No raised temp either. They said if I don't see improvement in 3 days (have a 7day RX) that he needs to see a neuro. I want to give him the best care possible. He's been with me, by my side literally all of his life. He was actually prescribed/recommended and he's been the best prescription I've ever had. He's not unhappy, no sign of pain, loves to play and be brushed! I can't let him on the sofa by himself because he will fall if he gets too close to the edge if the edge is on his left, or walking down the little steps I purchased to make it easier for him to get up and down from the sofa because he lists to the left and has fallen twice in the same day this week. I'm sure that's more info than anyone really needs but he's everything to me! With all that said, my husband was recently laid off and took the first job he found and it barely covers the mortgage. Can someone tell me what a neuro can do for my baby at this point? My vet said they would sedate him and do a CAT scan looking for brain lesions or signs of a stroke. Once done, what would we do different for him? I myself need a MRI due to a fall and am putting it off but if this is life saving for my baby I will find a way to pay for it. Please, any thoughts, experiences, recommendations would really help me out. Thanks for taking the time to read this....sorry it's so long!
Ok....I was just re reading a previous post and it looks as though I said something I shouldn't have lol! I was trying to say he loves to...lets see, use his toes as pacifiers? Is that "clean" enough lol? I seriously didn't mean that to come across as crude! And it seems your misfits4me name showed up randomly in the middle of a sentence! Oh well, if nothing else it made for a great laugh!!! I'm guessing some glitch in the forum?
Hoping you and yours are all well!!!! Dene'
Hoping you and yours are all well!!!! Dene'
Love it! BOOMER-SOONER! Lol!
Happy to hear your Sams results. It sounds as though you have what I believe to be a DREAM of a vet!
Fidget has not shown signs of an ear infection with this....nothing. No odor, discharge, scratching or rubbing. He does love his ears rubbed, both of them. He loves when both ears are massaged....looks silly like I'm rubbing his temples for a headache!
The vet turned him on his back to see if that would make his eyes go back and forth (no sign of that standing normal either)and they didn't, It just made him angry....full on angry yippy chihuahua mode! I will try the back left leg thing you suggested, might take a while. He hates his feet touched. He seems to be feeling much better. After my son had been home for less than 24 hours he was protective of his lil green fuzzy monkey....a toy he likes to play with. He even started....I know this might sound odd but he ***** on his front toes! Lol, he's done this since he was a baby, it's his "I'm going to sleep now" ritual. I really believe he was thrilled to see his big brudder as both of my boys are referred to where Fidget is concerned. He's so smart, knows each of us by our names. We've always played this game asking him "where's Bubba?" Or "where's Nat?" and it never fails he goes to whoevers name is asked. I saved his toys from when he was a baby and I bring them out every once in awhile. They each have names.....baby red bear, noodle legs, his girlfriend and he knows each Misfits4Me'sone!!! They are just so smart. I've always just talked to them as if they do understand. We had a cat for many years that is now living with my dearest friend in Houston and she calls me all the time frustrated asking me "What is Tootsie trying to tell me?"! That cat says Momma plain as day with a few other words that are a bit harder to understand but my friend has had many cats in her 77 years and has never had one that talks like the one we gave her.
Ok, I've chatted you up enough. You are a busy lady! I think the last question to be answered is about Immunizations. His last round was late 2009. I refuse to get them annually. He's so small I know they are toxic that often. After reading somewhere years back that my lil 7 pound baby got the same dose as my 132 pound Golden did I twas livid. The vet we saw actually wanted me back in 5 days to administer his vaccines and I said no way, go ahead and make the appointment but we won't be coming. And they did, said they were required.
As soon as I got him I took him to this vet, bought the insurance program, paid my monthly dues and admittedly enjoyed taking him for any concern at any time without the office visit co pays. I beliehve in my heart that policy served him well but I also believe you have to constantly educate yourself. Do what your gut feels is right, even while being told I was wrong. I discontinued that policy and have spent almost $500 on this event alone. I'm going to do some research to see if we can find a holistic vet. Hope all is well on your home front!!! Dene'
Happy to hear your Sams results. It sounds as though you have what I believe to be a DREAM of a vet!
Fidget has not shown signs of an ear infection with this....nothing. No odor, discharge, scratching or rubbing. He does love his ears rubbed, both of them. He loves when both ears are massaged....looks silly like I'm rubbing his temples for a headache!
The vet turned him on his back to see if that would make his eyes go back and forth (no sign of that standing normal either)and they didn't, It just made him angry....full on angry yippy chihuahua mode! I will try the back left leg thing you suggested, might take a while. He hates his feet touched. He seems to be feeling much better. After my son had been home for less than 24 hours he was protective of his lil green fuzzy monkey....a toy he likes to play with. He even started....I know this might sound odd but he ***** on his front toes! Lol, he's done this since he was a baby, it's his "I'm going to sleep now" ritual. I really believe he was thrilled to see his big brudder as both of my boys are referred to where Fidget is concerned. He's so smart, knows each of us by our names. We've always played this game asking him "where's Bubba?" Or "where's Nat?" and it never fails he goes to whoevers name is asked. I saved his toys from when he was a baby and I bring them out every once in awhile. They each have names.....baby red bear, noodle legs, his girlfriend and he knows each Misfits4Me'sone!!! They are just so smart. I've always just talked to them as if they do understand. We had a cat for many years that is now living with my dearest friend in Houston and she calls me all the time frustrated asking me "What is Tootsie trying to tell me?"! That cat says Momma plain as day with a few other words that are a bit harder to understand but my friend has had many cats in her 77 years and has never had one that talks like the one we gave her.
Ok, I've chatted you up enough. You are a busy lady! I think the last question to be answered is about Immunizations. His last round was late 2009. I refuse to get them annually. He's so small I know they are toxic that often. After reading somewhere years back that my lil 7 pound baby got the same dose as my 132 pound Golden did I twas livid. The vet we saw actually wanted me back in 5 days to administer his vaccines and I said no way, go ahead and make the appointment but we won't be coming. And they did, said they were required.
As soon as I got him I took him to this vet, bought the insurance program, paid my monthly dues and admittedly enjoyed taking him for any concern at any time without the office visit co pays. I beliehve in my heart that policy served him well but I also believe you have to constantly educate yourself. Do what your gut feels is right, even while being told I was wrong. I discontinued that policy and have spent almost $500 on this event alone. I'm going to do some research to see if we can find a holistic vet. Hope all is well on your home front!!! Dene'
Well, "Boomer Sooner"....I'm an OU Alumni!!!
Yes, All is well w/Sam's ultrasound...Thank you for asking....NO stones or masses....The reason My Vet (Who is Holistic by the way), wanted this was that Sam's yearly bloodwork showed excessive elevated Gallbladder levels.....Nothing to compare it to though, as he (Vet) has just started adding this test as part of a blood panel....Scanned the Liver & Spleen, too....I inquired about "Why the Spleen?"...He said because a lot of cancers start there & go undetected, so he checked! I Love my VET!!!!!
I'm curious about Fidget's back leg....Do this: Stand him up on all fours, turn the foot (Of the leg you've noticed) under where he's standing on top of the foot.....See how fast he can reposition the foot back to normal.....Let me know if it was quickly, some hesitation, or slowly or not at all....That may give us a clue with what's going on with him....
Also been wondering: When your Vet checked his ears, did he/she actually see any infection, irritation, redness, swelling, gunky substance, or odor? Or did they just guess? Do you know? Is he digging at this ear at all? Itching it or anything? Does it look clean & smell fresh to you?
Something else: Did your guy get vaccinated anytime lately? Like the last few months? Was it given in the shoulder blades?
OK, I think I'm done for now.....Enjoy your son being home.....I believe mine's coming in today.....He's out of college, but works & lives in another town.....He told me this week that he may be coming home today......So, we both may be able to enjoy our son's this weekend!!!!! Bye, Karla
P.S. I know there's something else I wanted to ask, but I can't remember what it was as the moment...It will come to me later...Probably the second I push the "Post A Comment" button! ;)
Oh yes, I know, now....Are you seeing ANY odd eye movements? Side to side or up & down...It may kinda come & go.....Anything different....Watch him & let me know.....
Yes, All is well w/Sam's ultrasound...Thank you for asking....NO stones or masses....The reason My Vet (Who is Holistic by the way), wanted this was that Sam's yearly bloodwork showed excessive elevated Gallbladder levels.....Nothing to compare it to though, as he (Vet) has just started adding this test as part of a blood panel....Scanned the Liver & Spleen, too....I inquired about "Why the Spleen?"...He said because a lot of cancers start there & go undetected, so he checked! I Love my VET!!!!!
I'm curious about Fidget's back leg....Do this: Stand him up on all fours, turn the foot (Of the leg you've noticed) under where he's standing on top of the foot.....See how fast he can reposition the foot back to normal.....Let me know if it was quickly, some hesitation, or slowly or not at all....That may give us a clue with what's going on with him....
Also been wondering: When your Vet checked his ears, did he/she actually see any infection, irritation, redness, swelling, gunky substance, or odor? Or did they just guess? Do you know? Is he digging at this ear at all? Itching it or anything? Does it look clean & smell fresh to you?
Something else: Did your guy get vaccinated anytime lately? Like the last few months? Was it given in the shoulder blades?
OK, I think I'm done for now.....Enjoy your son being home.....I believe mine's coming in today.....He's out of college, but works & lives in another town.....He told me this week that he may be coming home today......So, we both may be able to enjoy our son's this weekend!!!!! Bye, Karla
P.S. I know there's something else I wanted to ask, but I can't remember what it was as the moment...It will come to me later...Probably the second I push the "Post A Comment" button! ;)
Oh yes, I know, now....Are you seeing ANY odd eye movements? Side to side or up & down...It may kinda come & go.....Anything different....Watch him & let me know.....
Hi Karla!
Thanks for the note and thinking of my lil buddy today. Sorry to hear one of yours has to have their gallbladder scanned :( Hope you got good results!
I'm headed back to the original vet in the AM for a second week of the antibiotic. I called them today and was told I paid for two weeks of the RX and didn't know why I only got one weeks worth. I'm gonna pick it up in the Mornin. They declined the steroid request. I want to say he's a bit better....I feel like he's looked at me a few times without leaning as bad but then there have been more than a couple of times that he has had some issues with his back left leg not moving very well. The first time it really upset me. So hard to see them struggle. And then there was one night that he was a little frisky and tried to play with his fave toy, a green monkey.....so I'm thinking positive and after all that gonna say I see a hint of getting better!
I'm going to ask about a scan to see if they can get a read from that for the inner ear. $75 would be far more manageable!
Please let me know how your fur babies are. Also, you mentioned chicken parts for food. Where do you get your recipes from for them? I'm certain hot dogs aren't the best choice to give, but he loves them and it makes his day. Not to mention how easy it is to give him his meds! Amazingly he hasn't had any gastrointestinal issues from the RX. I read where they can cause ugly side effects but we have sailed right through that thank God! He's extra happy tonight because my son is home from college, he goes to OU in Norman and Fidget LOVES his big brothers and sister!
Great to hear from you and will be looking forward to your next note. Enjoy the weekend! Dene'
Thanks for the note and thinking of my lil buddy today. Sorry to hear one of yours has to have their gallbladder scanned :( Hope you got good results!
I'm headed back to the original vet in the AM for a second week of the antibiotic. I called them today and was told I paid for two weeks of the RX and didn't know why I only got one weeks worth. I'm gonna pick it up in the Mornin. They declined the steroid request. I want to say he's a bit better....I feel like he's looked at me a few times without leaning as bad but then there have been more than a couple of times that he has had some issues with his back left leg not moving very well. The first time it really upset me. So hard to see them struggle. And then there was one night that he was a little frisky and tried to play with his fave toy, a green monkey.....so I'm thinking positive and after all that gonna say I see a hint of getting better!
I'm going to ask about a scan to see if they can get a read from that for the inner ear. $75 would be far more manageable!
Please let me know how your fur babies are. Also, you mentioned chicken parts for food. Where do you get your recipes from for them? I'm certain hot dogs aren't the best choice to give, but he loves them and it makes his day. Not to mention how easy it is to give him his meds! Amazingly he hasn't had any gastrointestinal issues from the RX. I read where they can cause ugly side effects but we have sailed right through that thank God! He's extra happy tonight because my son is home from college, he goes to OU in Norman and Fidget LOVES his big brothers and sister!
Great to hear from you and will be looking forward to your next note. Enjoy the weekend! Dene'
Hello Dene'....Hows your guy? If this is a bacterial infection, you should be noticing improvement by now....Any signs of him being better? Even a hint???
Something else I thought about: I wonder if an ultrasound would show the lower skull & ear canal? It may be something to ask your Vet......They are not as expensive as an MRI & I was just thinking it would be possible...
I'm in Oklahoma...One of mine had an ultrasound today of the Gallbladder, Liver & Spleen.....The cost was &75.00, so I immediately wondered if an ultrasound would work on a inner ear????? I wish I would have asked at the time, but unfortunately I didn't! :(
Let me know how he is when you get a chance......Thanks & take care, Karla
Something else I thought about: I wonder if an ultrasound would show the lower skull & ear canal? It may be something to ask your Vet......They are not as expensive as an MRI & I was just thinking it would be possible...
I'm in Oklahoma...One of mine had an ultrasound today of the Gallbladder, Liver & Spleen.....The cost was &75.00, so I immediately wondered if an ultrasound would work on a inner ear????? I wish I would have asked at the time, but unfortunately I didn't! :(
Let me know how he is when you get a chance......Thanks & take care, Karla
Thank you Karla! I needed a smile and you caused it. My precious is loving his meds in hot dogs...makes him so happy. I'm just not sure he's doing so good tonight. A bit more stumbly than he was yesterday, just a bit, and really made a mess trying to drink his water. Trust me the mess is not an issue .... He's just never ever done that and it hurts my heart to watch. He even looked at me after like he was sorry. I kept telling him it was just water and it was fine!!! He's SO SMART! He knows almost everything I say, reads all my moods. Even would whimper when my blood pressure was going up and I needed to take meds when I had some health issues a few years back. He would come to me and get in my lap and whimper and on a whim I took my blood pressure and it was high! He still knows when my RA is acting up and I'm uncomfortable. Karla, sometimes you love em so much it hurts. I will let ya know what I find out. And thank you again. You were talked about today quite a bit to family and friends and they all agree how blessed I am to have "found" you! G'nite :)
Hello Dene'.....I wouldn't add any other antibiotic as of yet...I would at least try 2 weeks of the Clavamox w/Steroids and see if you see any difference.....If not, another Antibiotic can be added or changed all together....
If you possibly can, I'd go back to the Vet you used and trusted....At least you know she will listen to you.....She sounds great!
I know about those drives....I just got back from 120 mile trip to grocery shop; mainly for the dogs! They will be excited, as I was able to find some chicken hearts (Which they love!), so the trip was worth it.....I live in a small rural community with only one grocery store, so we must travel to buy the good stuff! ;)
Also, thank you for the compliment...I do appreciate it! Keep me updated on your guy & how he's doing......You sound like a wonderful mom! Karla
If you possibly can, I'd go back to the Vet you used and trusted....At least you know she will listen to you.....She sounds great!
I know about those drives....I just got back from 120 mile trip to grocery shop; mainly for the dogs! They will be excited, as I was able to find some chicken hearts (Which they love!), so the trip was worth it.....I live in a small rural community with only one grocery store, so we must travel to buy the good stuff! ;)
Also, thank you for the compliment...I do appreciate it! Keep me updated on your guy & how he's doing......You sound like a wonderful mom! Karla
Karla,
Thank you! I felt in my heart three days couldn't be long enough! I'm going to ask for steroids and at least one if not two more weeks of clav. Should I ask for the Zenequin as well? I do not want him to be uncomfortable, that thought just hurts my heart. He's loving taking his pills in cheese or lunch meat and enjoying his meals. So far no tummy upsets. He's had 3doses. If this vet won't work with me I'm going to see if the vet we used back in 2003 is still practicing. She was a dream, so kind. I had a 13yo Golden that had to be put to sleep. She had taken care of him for the two years we were there and sent me his paw print in plaster with his hair clippings tied with a bow and a sympathy card signed by the entire office. She also had to do the same for my 19 year old kitty. It's a drive to get there but I know she would try anything if she thought it was a good idea.
Thank you again! I've read many of your posts/responses and what an angel our fur babies have in you! Dene'
Thank you! I felt in my heart three days couldn't be long enough! I'm going to ask for steroids and at least one if not two more weeks of clav. Should I ask for the Zenequin as well? I do not want him to be uncomfortable, that thought just hurts my heart. He's loving taking his pills in cheese or lunch meat and enjoying his meals. So far no tummy upsets. He's had 3doses. If this vet won't work with me I'm going to see if the vet we used back in 2003 is still practicing. She was a dream, so kind. I had a 13yo Golden that had to be put to sleep. She had taken care of him for the two years we were there and sent me his paw print in plaster with his hair clippings tied with a bow and a sympathy card signed by the entire office. She also had to do the same for my 19 year old kitty. It's a drive to get there but I know she would try anything if she thought it was a good idea.
Thank you again! I've read many of your posts/responses and what an angel our fur babies have in you! Dene'
Clavamox is used for ear infections.... If this is an inner ear infection, 3 days won't touch it! 7 days is unheard of and you'd be looking at more like 2-4 weeks to completely clear it.....However, normally steroids are used along with it for inflammation & to dry up fluid.....Steroids act as a diuretic in this case.....Also, clav. can be mixed with other multi-organism antibiotics like (Zenequin) for harder to treat infections....
The vestibular signs of an inner ear infection are incoordination, dizziness, etc, & can be disturbing. Plus, very, very painful!
Your Vet seems to be moving you on too soon! Yes, a cat scan or MRI would be helpful, but a lesion of the brain or stroke is NOT what they should be looking for! AN MRI in this case would show a mass (Usually a benign cyst) or fluid (Pus) in the ear.....There is a surgery to correct this.....However, the correct antibiotic & drying agents should be tried first.....Also, a specialty surgeon would be required....
First of all, strokes are rare! Alot of diseases are blamed on strokes, but I feel it's because they couldn't put a label on the disease being treated....
I DO understand finances in these cases....However, your doctor hasn't treated long enough to determine your next move.......
When you have time, look into Care Credit.....It's a credit card specifically made for human and animal medical needs.....Many Vets AND Surgical Centers accept it as a form of payment....Then you pay back in monthly installments to the card company......The interest rate is decent! You can sign up online at Carecredit.com.....It may help you out......
Please, let me know what you think.......Karla
The vestibular signs of an inner ear infection are incoordination, dizziness, etc, & can be disturbing. Plus, very, very painful!
Your Vet seems to be moving you on too soon! Yes, a cat scan or MRI would be helpful, but a lesion of the brain or stroke is NOT what they should be looking for! AN MRI in this case would show a mass (Usually a benign cyst) or fluid (Pus) in the ear.....There is a surgery to correct this.....However, the correct antibiotic & drying agents should be tried first.....Also, a specialty surgeon would be required....
First of all, strokes are rare! Alot of diseases are blamed on strokes, but I feel it's because they couldn't put a label on the disease being treated....
I DO understand finances in these cases....However, your doctor hasn't treated long enough to determine your next move.......
When you have time, look into Care Credit.....It's a credit card specifically made for human and animal medical needs.....Many Vets AND Surgical Centers accept it as a form of payment....Then you pay back in monthly installments to the card company......The interest rate is decent! You can sign up online at Carecredit.com.....It may help you out......
Please, let me know what you think.......Karla
Thank you for responding! It's called Clavamox 62.5 mg one tab twice a day. From what I read a very general antibiotic. Didn't specify ear infections.
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