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our dog has been shaking for several days now, loss of balance, won't eat (like she doesn't know how to use her tongue), drinks little. We feel it's getting worse. Our vet ran tests, all came back normal. Any suggestions or ideas? She is a 3 year old cairn terrier. Other dogs in house not sick.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Cairn Terrier Gender: femal Age: 3 years old Name of Dog: Danica Already Tried: using syringe to squirt gatorade type drinks into her mouth. fixing rice, scrambled eggs - no luck. She keeps banging head against floor, trying to bite and locate food instead of using her tongue. Yet, she's alert and basically shake free when laying down. She also can't jump onto things anymore.
I am sorry your young dog is having these problems. Could you tell me what tests your vet ran and when? Also, is she spayed?
I'm not sure of the tests but they included normal blood work, plus tests for organ damage. All came back normal. Red blood count was at the high end of normal, but she felt that may be due to dehydration. She gave several boluses of liquid, since we didn't want her left overnight hooked to IV with no one there. Also put her on a muscle relaxer. Vet thinks it might be neurological. I need to leave the house soon, for an appointment. Can I finish this later?
It does sound like a neurological issue. I am not sure if the muscle relaxants are making it better or perhaps worse. She will need hospitalization and a complete neurological work up if these issues continue. I'm not sure it can wait until tomorrow since she is doing so poorly. You may benefit from taking her to an emergency facility tonight where she can be admitted and placed on I.V. fluids. I would try to find a clinic where there is a neurologist on staff who could see her tomorrow. If she is admitted through their ER today, she would be early on the list to be seen tomorrow by the neurologist. You can find a specialist at this web site http://www.acvim.org/websites/acvim/index.php?p=3
Most of these specialists work in a speciality center with a critical care center or emergency room and you should be able to call today and see if you can bring Danica in today for admission, supportive care, and transfer tomorrow to see the neurologist.
I hope this is helpful information. I may not be online later when you get home, but I will try to get back online tonight to check if you need to discuss this more. I hope Danica will be feeling better soon.
Experience: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with 10 years experience.