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Old dog vestibular disease

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Our dog Rascal is 14 years old. He was recently diagnosed with idiopathic old dog vestibular disease. The vet prescribed 10days of antibiotics and 14 days of Prednisone. At first he improved from unable to walk to having a head tilt and being slightly unsteady on his feet. The antibiotics were completed 2 days ago and we are tappering the prednisone. His symptoms are getting worse. I haven't noted any facial paralysis. The vet didn't see any signs of ear infection. He mention a visit to a specialist as the next step. Any similar experiences or advice?

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    MDSPHOTOM
    We had a Dalmatian that started having these issues at the same age as your B. Vestibular disease got worse causing her to lose her balance and fall when walking, loss of strength in her hindquarters and incontinence. I am not aware of any treatments for the VD, but there are a number of human treatments for strokes that might be able to be used in dogs.
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    The original article is here, for those interested: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0028496 I'm no scientist, so much of it was lost on me. I do admit being inherently skeptical of attempts to represent THE origin of dogs… I can't figure out how these studies account for how human relationships with dogs have developed over tens of thousands of years, and I'm far more interested in the way that culture and history have shaped the way we think of dogs -- or even what even counts as "domestication!" A lot of the Asian spitzes historically straddled and crossed that line, for example, roaming free as packs of wild dogs. Anyway, I also find it interesting that they chose a number of island-based village dogs to sample (i.e., the Taiwanese tugou, which is also close to my heart). @Mr B, I chuckle at your comment about "phasing over to the Basenji." I frequently think of doing just that so I don't have to deal with all these giant furballs all around my home!! But I think I will always be partial to the Asian spitz breeds. I love the look of your Jindo, and your Shiba is adorable too.
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    Here is the test information that Missy had done and an article with the portion that includes Melatonin for treatment. I have inlcuded the webpage for the entire article. She has not been on the Melatonin long and I am slowly increasing her dosage but she is definitely not as puffy in the intestinal area as she was. The Adrenal Panel with Combined Dex Supp/ACTH Stim Test for Dogs: The following hormones are tested in the adrenal panel: Cortisol, Estradiol, Androstenedione, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Progesterone and Aldosterone. REVIEW ARTICLES Steroid Profiles in the Diagnosis of Canine Adrenal Disorders Jack W. Oliver, Proceedings 25th ACVIM Forum, Pp. 471-473, Seattle, WA. 2007. http://www.vet.utk.edu/diagnostic/endocrinology/pdf/Steroids%20Profiles%20in%20the%20Diagnosis%20of%20.doc Melatonin. Results of in vitro cell culture (human H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells) studies in our lab55 revealed that both 21-hydroxylase and aromatase enzymes were inhibited by melatonin. Also, in dogs with adrenal disease that are treated with melatonin, and repeat adrenal steroid panels are done, cortisol levels are consistently reduced, and estradiol levels are variably reduced.29 Inhibition of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme would lower cortisol levels, and inhibition of the aromatase enzyme would lower estradiol levels. Estradiol levels were decreased in a prior study of dogs treated with melatonin.31 Results of in vitro studies with human MCF-7 breast cancer cells also revealed that melatonin inhibited aromatase enzyme, which resulted in reduced estradiol levels.56 Melatonin treatment for cases of mild adrenal disease in dogs may be effective, and particularly in cases where sex steroids are increased. Jennifer
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