Wobbly puppy - Page 2

Dear Ann At such a worrying time I thank you for taking the time out to give us an update. I check this posting for replies every day in the hope of hearing good news or at least some sort of conclusion to her problem. Please rest assured you are not alone, I am sure just as I am, that many are praying for a successful outcome for you and your pup and wishing they could do more. Anyone who has been in the breed long enough and who cares, knows exactly how helpless one can feel at such times. Our best thoughts are with you... All the best Sue B

Hi all. Just to let you know, the blood tests have all come back clear, no liver, kidney problems, no infection, no diabetes no nothing. I am off to the Royal Veterinary College on Wednesday this week to now have further tests. Although not as bad as she was last week, she is still doing the funny turns and still acts drunk every day. I'll let you know how the college goes.

Hi Ann Thanks for the update. Although no conclusive cause of the problem yet, the clear blood test results are a relief, insomuch as it eliminates some organ problems. Her slight improvement from last week also offers some encouragement. Perhaps the improvement is due to the use of the Broad Spectrum antibiotics. Fingers crossed this is the case with your pup. Now awaiting your next update after your visit to the Vet College. All the Best Sue B

I have spent the day at the Royal Vet College, lovely place, they have done extensive tests on the liver, glucose levels etc, and all have come back clear, the vet there is now convinced it is some sort of epilepsy. His opinion is she will either grow out of it, or will get worse. He hasn't put her on medication yet as he said she was too young, and to see if she improves over the next few months. So my dreams of what I was hoping to do with this puppy are now shattered after all the money invested so far I am now left with the possibility of a very expensive pet. Thank you all for your input. I will let you know if she gets worse.

Thanks once again for the update Ann. It could still be an infection you know, so don't give up hope just yet. Good Luck and I hope everything works out ok. All the Best Sue B

Ann, So glad I found this message. Please reply to me!! My GSD pup has been doing the same thing as yours exactly. We are off to the Royal Veterinary College on Monday & I know what the verdict will be. My pup is also from German lines & so this poses the question, is it hereditary? Is there a chance that a dog can be identified as a carrier? I would love to know your dogs breeding so that we can compare. Could you let me have your email address as I do not want to print anything on this site regarding my dogs breeding for legal reasons, maybe will do so once I have a definate diagnosis. Her sire is new to the country & is probably being used quite a bit. It's very worrying. My vet also thinks my pup has HD, we will xray her once the other things have been sorted out.

OK This will sound a bit Silly but... We had a horse do this and come to find out he had an infected tooth that had ruptured and allowed the infection to settle onto the brain stem, He had all kinds of neuro symptoms, We put him on antibiotics and after one year of rehab on his face he look normal again, Part of his symptoms were that one eye drooped, one ear drooped, and side of his face fell, Looked like a stroke really but was all because the nerves were affected by the infection settling on brain stem. Could be worth looking into. You have my absolute sympathy and I wish you all the best !

Since most usual causes have already been mentioned here, I'll pose a couple of other possibilities I know of. There have been cases of dogs going swimming that contract toxic algae which get into the nose and/or ears and can cause mild encephalopathy. This would explain the soft neurological sign in one eye. There are various types of tick and mosquito born infections and viruses which can cause encephalopathies and/or brain stem irritaion. Just a a rule of thumb I would ask the vet to give the puppy a broad spectrum antibiodic injection such as ciprofloxacin which will penetrate the blood brain barrier quite easily. Exposure to certain soaps, chemicals, weed killers, bug repellants or certain plants in the garden or yard can cause the same symptoms. I have heard it alleged that DEET can in rare cases cause these symptoms in animals and humans. Also they can be caused by a vascular irregularity in the brain which is either a developmental aberation or genetic. I think subcuaneous ringers lactate and vitamin C, folic acid & B12 supplementation is also a good idea. Actually, any infection, even mild, such as a mild bacterial infection in the gut after it passes can cause an aseptic meningeal-encepalopathy as an autoimmune reaction in rare cases. This may even be a very rare reaction to the adjutant in an immunization which is used to enhance a desired immune reaction. I hope everything works out for you as we all know how terribly upsetting it is to have a beloved GSD that we cherish sick, especially when one has waited so long for it.

Hi thank you for the recent comments but this thread was started well over a year ago when I had the problem, the pup has now moved on to a more suitable home as she was brought for breeding and showing and obviously we couldnt do either, the breeders were very helpful and she went to a lovely quite country home who had had an epileptic before I gather she is now controlled with medication and is doing fine. Thank you all.

You are lucky that you managed to pass the dog on as she was obviously just a commodity to you. For all you know our dogs could be related & we could possibly have helped to identify a carrier & prevent others from experiencing the heartache & expense of an epileptic dog. I've enjoyed showing & breeding & I could return my pup to her breeder & like you start off with another who would bring me financial gain or show ring glory, but as far as I am concerned, a dog is for life, not just the show ring. No first prize in the ring compares to that last hug as you say goodbye to your canine companion of 13 yrs whom you have lavished with care & devotion, knowing in your heart that you always did your best for them. Reading some of the comments on this site makes me feel great sadness for the future of this most beautiful & noble of breeds.