Neurological Promlems? (vet, pomeranian, treatment, infections)

[mrspink]

Tonight was a rough night.

Our dog Bear (age 7) walked into our bedroom as I was picking out a pari of shoes and just started "bowing", sticking his hindquarters in the air, losing balance, his jaw was locked, and his back legs limp. Once this passed after several minutes, he was walking with a severe sway to the left. Then to top it all off, a minute or two later, he had no control over his left eye.

I immediately called the vet and they said it was most likely something neurological. We were preparing to take him in, but ten minutes later he was fine.

I realize I do not hold a license to practice veterinary medicince, but it sounded an awful lot like a stroke.

Has anyone seen this before? I was a wreck...I've had him since I was a senior in high school (my graduation gift from my boyfriend who is now my husband), and he is a part of our family.

Any encouraging words, or tips/experiences with this type of situation would be greatly appreciated.

[Va-Cat]

He is a little young for it but it could be Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome. Is he a large breed?

I'm not a Vet but I can have you look at a few things that might help to calm you down a bit.

Look at his eyes. Are the pupils equal in size to each other? If so thats a really good sign!

Hold his head straight and look into his eyes. Is there any wavering back and forth? If not thats another good sign! If there is some wavering, thats a sign of Vestibular syndrome

Have him stand. Take his back paw and put it so his toes are curled under (don't force it). Does he straighten it so his pad is back on the ground? Another very good sign!

Definately have him checked out tomorrow. If it is Old Dog Vestibular, don't worry too much. My 14 y/o dog Gator has it and he hasn't had another bout sisnce his first one in December.

Let us know how Bear is doing

[mrspink]

Thank you. I tried to do all those things and nothing seemed out of sorts. He is a pomeranian, so he is a small breed. Thank you for your input!

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by mrspink

Thank you. I tried to do all those things and nothing seemed out of sorts. He is a pomeranian, so he is a small breed. Thank you for your input!

I'm glad all of that is negative. The other thing you can check is his ears. Sometimes ear infections can effect balance and mirror neuro problems. Take a look at his ears and make sure that they are clear. If his ears are clear too, you should be able to sleep tonight. I won't ask you not to worry - I'm a dog owner/lover too. Just don't worry too much. Get him in to see his vet tomorrow just to be sure that he is ok. Let us know how it goes.

[brightdoglover]

Good advice. I had a senior dog for a brief time when he started all of the above, and I assumed a stroke. The secretary on the phone apparently said to the vet on the side, "Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome." The dog was already getting better when I took him to the vet, and I think she put him on an antibiotic for a week because it was thought that maybe that helps. He recovered fine and died at a ripe old age of 15 1/2 (RIP, Powell).

[mrspink]

Thank you all for the responses. Bear is fine now, and is his normal self. Cuddly, playful, demander of attention lol...so I'm not too concerned, but am keeping a closer eyes on him as he ages.

[Katie1]

My coz cat did this many yrs ago They found she had bad ear mites! Did you take him to the vet yet?

[AnywhereElse]

Are you using any spot-on flea treatments as some of those have been known to cause neurological problems?

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by AnywhereElse

Are you using any spot-on flea treatments as some of those have been known to cause neurological problems?

Good grief - are you going to cite doodlekisses.com as your source for your "scientific" information again.