Raindrop--Stroke like symptons

[yorkieusa]

Go read this link. The dog is fasted, as it explains, and then fed a fatty meal and tested again two hours later.

Anyway, this link explains it in detail.

How is a Bile Acid test performed, and what does it mean?

[Mom of 3]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

Bile Acid Test.

Oh yes, I have heard of that. I have not slept good the last few night, guess my brain is not working.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Mom of 3

Oh yes, I have heard of that. I have not slept good the last few night, guess my brain is not working.

Believe me! I understand.

[Mom of 3]

When I pick her up, her head goes one way, front feet go another way, and hind legs stick out. It's almost like a fish out of water, flopping around. I just feel so sorry for her. She is even closer to me than she was. (and she was like my shadow before) Poor little girl.

[kjc]

Sorry to hear Raindrop is not doing well. Please ask your vet about GME. It won't hurt to do a Bile Acids Test on her (checks her liver function), but I feel an xray of her skull will give him more insight as to what is causing her symptoms.

And honestly, as you live near an ER Vet... I would take her there tonight, ASAP. My heart is breaking for you. Please take her in to see a vet now. This is an emergency.

[yorkieusa]

This seems to be a pretty good article on GME:

Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis

[kjc]

This pup is in critical condition and needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. Read later, please take her to the vet now.

[FlDebra]

I am just now reading of Raindrop's serious problem. I know this must be frightening! You have gotten some good advice from members already, not sure what more I can add, especially some of the thorough responses from KJC. I think the vet's original guess of vestibule syndrome is probably a good one. If he is thinking strongly on that, that is probably why he is going more towards the "wait and see" approach which is fine for 72 hours....but tomorrow is Friday and I think it is time for Raindrop to get a specialist involved -- a neurologist. I would not want to continue the watch/wait throughout the weekend -- too hard then to contact the specialists.

Has Raindrop had ear infections? Was their evidence of an ear infection now? They often come before VS. I would want a BAT done, but I am not sure they would want to put her through that at this time. She would have to fast, get blood drawn, then eat a special meal at the vet's and they would keep her for a couple more hours and redraw blood. That is the test done to see if liver problems are likely but normally with her symptoms the vet will want her eating small amounts fairly often. A neurologist would probably want to see some other blood tests and get an xray/CT of the head. Even though it might be expensive, that would be my next move. I would tell your current vet, that you cannot let her continue through the weekend without a confirmed diagnosis and would like to get a neurologist referral from him. Hopefully you will have one close.

Praying Raindrop does have Vestibule Syndrome or another curable condition and recovers quickly and completely! The pictures just about brought tears to my eyes -- such a sweet little baby obviously not doing too well right now.

[Mom of 3]

I just call the ER and they said to bring her in, but it did sound like that V. Syndrome. Will let you know when I get back. Thanks, DArlene and Raindrop

[FlDebra]

ER vet is fine to reassure yourself for tonight but I would still want the name of a specialist in your area that deals well with neurological issues. Just in case it is not vestibule syndrome (which it really sounds like to me) you want to know you can quickly get in to see a neurologist. IMO.

[kjc]

Praying for little Raindrop to make it through this horrible ordeal, and prayers for strength for Darlene...

[lillymae]

Please ask the ER vet about the Dramamine. If she has vestibular syndrome the dramamine will make her feel better quickly, if the Dramamine doesn't seem to work then probably not VS.

[Mom of 3]

We are home. Poor Raindrop has 3 things. Horner's syndrome, (like Bells Palsy) Malassezzia Otitis and Vestibular syndrome. Doc tested some stuff from her ear and said it was that Otitis, or as she explained to me, yeast infection in the ear. The Horner's syndrome is the right side facial nerve inflammation, and the other is the Vertigo. Raindrop got a shot for the nausa, I have ear drops twice a day, and I have a pill ( 1/4 tab) every morning (Meclizine, 25 mg.) She gave me sheets with info on all the stuff. She explained the head over to one side, may stay that way, but it will take awhile to see. I may not have had all the blood work done tonight, but I feel a little bit better that something was done. Poor Raindrop has a bandage on her leg, but is sleeping now. She's lucky that way. Think I am going to follow her. Keep the prayers up for her. She is not out of the woods yet. Thank you all for being here for me.

[lillymae]

Please call her & ask about the Dramamine. She's dizzy & more then likely why she threw up. Nausia med will not help with dizziness.

[Mom of 3]

The medicine she gave me is for vertigo, or dizzy. It's called meclizine. She did mention that. (the dizzy part) My first doctor didn't even look in her ears, or do any tests.