Destiny was at The Ohio State Univ. Vet Clinic and had her BEAR hearing test along with a neurological exam due to her head tilting and rear paws/legs shuffling which I noticed when she walked across a thinner carpet in the kitchen area.
Based on the BEAR test and her normal ear drums, she has sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, most likely congenital/hereditary in nature.
I am more concerned about the results of her neurological exam. The exam suggests that she has lesions affecting her caudal cervical spinal cord (C6-C8) (neck), her rostral medulla (brainstem) and possibly her cerebellum. Most of the deficits are bilateral and fairly symmetrical. Since there is no history of onset and progression it is difficult to have an idea of the cause of these deficits. Differentials would be an inflammatory process (active or inactive), degenerative diseases, and les likely a congenital anomaly orpost-traumatic deficits. The recommendation is to have a CBC/Profile, UA, cervical radiographs, MRI of brain and cervical spine, +/- CSF. They want me to monitor her for progession of her neurological signs.
I will be having some of these tests done for her-the CBC/Profile and the x-rays. I am looking to raise some funds in order to pay for them. She has been treated for a UTI and had to change antibiotics because it was not clearing up. So far I have spent a little over $310 for her vet care.
She is a sweet girl but plays a bit too rough and does not know when to stop playing for two of my Bs who have health issues-one who has Fanconi and one with an esophagus motility problem. She gets along with all my Bs though-2 females and 2 males. She is spayed and up-to-date on vaccines and is on monthly heartworm medication. She is housetrained and cratetrained. She has only had 2 accident in the house and these were due to her UTI. She has been with me and out of the shelter for almost 3 weeks.
I am hoping to take some pictures this weekend whenever the rain will stop. She is possibly a B/Herding/Spitz mix and is about 10-11 months old and weighs 32 lbs. She will lay on the ground like a herding dog even when the grass is damp/wet. She runs around the kitchen table and the living room chasing the Bs and vice versa.
If you are interested in donating to her care or know a rescue group or someone who could take her permanently, please contact me at jensrescue@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Jennifer Hill
