Balance/ear issues

[Mgraves04]

A couple of months ago my little guy, Jax, who is 1 year old, had an episode in which he stumbled around like he was drunk, while shaking his head. After a weekend phone consult with the vet, and a few hours of rest, he seemed totally fine. My thought was an ear infection, or other ear issue. Up until this point, Jax had upright ears 100% of the time. Then, his ears just started staying flopped over and he was holding them back and down. He seemed like they were uncomfortable. But the vet I spoke with on the phone was concerned that he could have a liver shunt due to a previous hypoglycemic episode and some digestive issues. That next week we took him in to have his ears checked, and his regular vet said, very emphatically, that dogs do not get inner/middle ear infections. He also said that it probably wasn't a liver shunt. However, he said he checked his ears, and that his outer ears looked a little bit red, probably due to allergies, and gave him an ear ointment to use for 2 weeks. That next week we went out of town and boarded him. When we got him back a week later, he could barely stand up to potty without falling over, he was so dizzy and stumbling. The vet thought it was because of the ointment and we discontinued it. When that didn't help, the vet decided that it must either be a liver shunt or a congenital brain issue causing inflammation and put him on steroids and a special diet. He also supposedly checked his ears at several visits. He got better and after a week or so, we did a bile acid test and it came back well within the normal range, so we ruled out a liver shunt and resumed a normal diet. We continued the steroids and slowly weaned him off. He hasn't had any more stumbling episodes, although his ears are still floppy. They won't even stand up at all, even though they were up for months. And he's just not quite as steady on his feet as he used to be. We just got back from another trip, and I noticed that one of his ears is extremely red and irritated and the other has a dried bloody discharge. Both are sensitive and he is obviously having ear issues. Could an untreated ear infection last this long and cause the balance issues? Or ear mites? I'm taking him to the vet ASAP, but...how can I take him to a vet that has told me multiple times that dogs don't get ear infections?!? I feel like he won't even consider an ear infection. So I need to find a new vet first thing on Monday. Until then, any suggestions to help my baby feel better? And any thoughts on his whole stumbling situation? Or any suggestions on finding a new vet in Vegas?

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh my gosh, so sorry you're going through all of this - how scary and frustrating!

I can tell you that my dog Wylie has had ear infections a few times - so I know dogs can get them. I don't understand why your vet would say they can't get them, that doesn't make sense. I would def find a new vet!

I'm worried there is something neuro going on here that is undiagnosed. Also, did you ever do the bile acid tests? I think maybe you should.

I'm going to move this thread to the Sick forum where it will get more attention .

[gemy]

Definitely time for a new vet. Surely there would be in Las Vegas a specialty vet hospital? I'd go straight there as they have all the different specialists. Just go, walk in as an emergency patient!

Too long this has gone on for sure. It could be a number of different things, but let them do their rule-outs. Oh yes go with your medical records, the results of all tests etc, the name of the meds and duration etc. Or if you don't keep your own copies then just phone your vet and have them send fax them over.

Good luck tomorrow, and I sure hope your boy feels better soon.

[ladyjane]

Poor baby. I would definitely look for a new vet. This could be anything from an ear infection (yes, they do get them and that vet needs to go back to vet school imho) to
a neurological issue. I personally would do what Gemy suggested...head to a board certified internist for starters. Might be a few dollars more, but they often are quicker to get to the diagnosis. You can find one at:

American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine > Home

We have a member who lives in Vegas...I will message her to see if she can make a suggestion about a vet.

Good luck, welcome to YT and please keep us posted!!

[lucyaboo]

So sorry to hear about your pup Jax. I'm not sure what vet you go to but it may be time for a second opinion. Two months with no real relief is not good for your little pup.

I can refer some vets,

I go here:
SAHARA PINES ANIMAL HOSPITAL phn 702 876 7580
DR KRISTINE ZIEGLER OR DR CHRISTINE BERCIER
6533 W SAHARA AVE (at Torrey Pines)
they are closed Sundays but open at 7 am on Monday
here is their website Sahara Pines Animal Hospital - Las Vegas, NV - Home


Another possible vet: (I have not been here but a local dog rescue I believe in thinks highly of them)

LEGACY ANIMAL HOSPITAL 702 263 9004
DR SUSIE COSTA
2591 WINDMILL PKWY
HENDERSON NV
they open at 8 am on Monday

[TxVicki]

I am so sorry your Jax is having ear problems. I can tell you that YES, they can get middle ear infections. My late Molly had that happen, she also had a burst ear drum which can be very painful until it's healed.

I highly suggest you find another Vet who is well informed in the working of the ear. If that means going to a specialist I would do it. Ear infections that are on going and go the middle ear without healing can very possibly lead to hearing loss.

I pray your baby will be OK.

[intilis]

Sending prayers for little Jax. Please keep us updated on what the vet says.

[gemy]

Just checking into see how your pup is doing

[bjh]

I am sorry that Jax is having ear problems. It sounds to me that he could very well have a ruptured eardrum. Here is a link to some information that might me helpful. How is his hearing? I hope he gets better soon.

Dog Health: Signs of a Perforated Ear Drum in Dogs

[Wylie's Mom]

Could you update us on your pup?

[Mgraves04]

Jax saw a new vet yesterday afternoon. She was fantastic and very thorough. She gave him an extensive exam as well as an ear swab. He does have a bacterial infection in both ears and she put him on ear drops as well as a broad spectrum antibiotic in case he has a middle ear infection. She was also concerned about his situation and thought it sounded like a neurological issue as well. There isn't a neurologist in Las Vegas, but she is calling a neurologist in Phoenix to get their opinion on Jax's symptoms. I expect to hear from her this evening, and will definitely post another update when I do. Jax is doing well, and his ears are on the mend.

[Mgraves04]

[QUOTE=bjh;4480996]I am sorry that Jax is having ear problems. It sounds to me that he could very well have a ruptured eardrum. Here is a link to some information that might me helpful. How is his hearing? I hope he gets better soon.

The vet did check his ears, and didn't mention a ruptured ear drum. Not sure if that's something she would have seen with a scope? His hearing seems normal, he comes when I call, quiets when I shush, etc.

[ladyjane]

Thank you for the update. Glad you were happy with the new vet and he is on meds for his ear infections.

How did the call to neuro go?