7 year old Chihuahua -stroke or vestibular problems, when do you let them go?

[boble1]

Hi

My dear little 7 year Chihuahua hasn't been well since Christmas.

She had bloody mucous and the vet did a blood test for pancreatitis. Her results were so high the machine couldn't read them.

She was put on 4 tablets, twice a day which sorted her tummy out and have hopefully lowered her levels. Has been put onto a diet of wet Chappie and boiled chicken breast.

I mentioned to the vet that I think she is blind in one eye and it was like her left front leg was asleep - like she couldn't feel it properly. She has a head tilt to the left and is walking into things.

I suggested to the vet that maybe she had had a stroke? The vet check her eyes and they were moving from side to side. The vet said that this is a vestibular stroke which is different to strokes in humans. She has Vitofyllin for this.

She has improved - being thoroughly spoilt laying in a new bed in front of the fire. She has been running out as soon as she hears the Chappie tin being opened.

This weekend, she seems to have gone downhill. Her stroke symptoms are worse. She is banging into things when walking, it's as if her vision has gone in the other eye, she doesn't want her food today and is just laying there sleeping in front of the fire.

My question is, when do you know it's time to let her go. Poor baby is only 7. Is there any other medication she could have instead of the Vitofyllin?

Thank you for reading this x

I’m sorry you haven’t received a reply to this.

@Suzi888

Awww, thank you.

She went back to the vet that evening and the vet agreed she has got worse and she may have a lesion in her head.

She thinks she might only have a month left.

She is on a high dose of steroid to bring down any swelling there may be.

I must say, the next morning she was waking around and alert.

So sad that she seems better but that's thanks to the steroids.

xx

I had to let my beautiful Chihuahua go at only 4 years, also with a brain tumour. We tried everything possible for 6 months but he was never the same, he was a teacup that doubled in size due to all the steroids and it was like he wasn't there any more. He started to have severe seizures that became more and more frequent and we just knew when the time came. I do think you'll know. I'm so sorry for you and your girl .

@WaitinginVain

Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry It is so terribly sad to watch the decline.

The waiting game is killing me and watching her perk up after the steroids makes you think she's getting better, but deep down you know it's the medication.

The vet has asked for me to bring her in tomorrow for a review or if not, then a telephone consult. She was quite shocked at the difference in 5 weeks.

xx

I would absolutely want to do it sooner, rather than let her reach the end on her own, especially if she is suffering.

It is really really hard though 😟

I think i would want a second opinion or something which confirms the diagnosis for such a relatively young dog.

Oh this is so sad! The poor wee thing 😔

I’m so sorry OP it’s so traumatic when they are so very poorly. I think for peace of mind you should get a second opinion as I think this will give you clarity on what you do next, I really feel for you.

Thank you everyone.

The vet said the only way of knowing for sure would be an MRI and if it was a brain tumour, then there is nothing they could do.

She enjoys pottering around the garden, sleeping in front of the fire, she loves her food, goes to the toilet in the garden.

When I got back home from taking the kids the school this morning, she greeted me in the hallway. It was lovely.

I will ask about further tests, the only problem is that I don't have pet insurance unfortunately.

I will update after seeing the vet tomorrow.

I appreciate the kind words

Yes let us know how you get on, sounds like she still has some quality of life at the moment, yes tests are expensive but if you can afford it at least it will give you confirmation that you are doing the right thing whatever you decide.

Oh dear I was going to suggest a possible ear infection…

I only ask as my I thought my Lab was having a heart attack. He got up, staggered to the door was leaning to the side the whole time He went outside, defecated and collapsed. Had to get DH to put him in the car, he then vomited twice when we got to the vet. 2 hours and £700 later and it was just an ear infection. He was still leaning a bit, but they have him an injection, told me to clean the ears out and he had steroids for about two weeks I think. He is now as right as rain (or was u til he tore his knee) but that’s another story!

Mine was checked for a brain tumour initially by literally just putting their finger close to the eyeball to see if he blinked or not. (He did blink). They also shone a torch at the eye to see if he reacted. He didn’t appear to be having a seizure but the vet mentioned, old dog vestibular disease. The vet wanted him to have an MRI just in case there was a tumour - I declined and went to another vet for a second opinion. If yours is bumping into things that suggests a loss of sight - oh it’s awful isn’t it. I’m so sorry, it’s the not knowing what to do.

If you (or anyone on the thread is in receipt of benefit) you can obtain free treatment via PDSA for a small donation if you can afford it. xxx

I know this is an oldish thread but wanted to know how you and your dog were doing now?
My border terrier(8yrs) had a seizure 2 weeks ago and has not been quite right since.
This morning he could not get out of his bed and we are literally having to hand feed him and give him water from a syringe.
The vet has now said its likely to be a brain tumour and they recommended we put to sleep.
We didn't want to just give up so he is on a low dose of steriods for a week to see if he improves.
It is heartbreaking and came out of the blue.

@ellebelli have you looked up Canine Epiloid cramping syndrome? It's so common in border terriers it's also referred to as Spikes. There is a group on Facebook that I'll try and find! It's caused by a gluten allergy and is treated by feeding a non gluten diet and treats. Maybe have a look at some videos of those fits ? Epilepsy is fairy common in borders too and can be controlled with medication.

There is a Facebook group too