Recent Feedback
Our 4 year old beagle mix, Jack, started showing signs of an ear infection almost a year ago. We brought him to our vet, who prescribed him some ear drops and cleaning solution for his ears. It seemed to do the job. Then a couple months later we noticed some muscle atrophy on the left side of his head. We brought him to our vet again and he didn't know what to tell us. Long story short, the muscle atrophy is above and below his left eye. The third eyelid shows on the left side quite a bit and just yesterday his third eyelid started to show on his right side. He also has been circling to the left and pacing more and more, his head tilts to the left, he has awful balance, he's running into things, needs assistance walking up and down stairs, seems to not be interested in being by us, and has an awful time keeping water in his mouth. We had brought him to another vet about a month or so ago, who found that both his ears were loaded with old infection gunk (which he removed all of). He said he had a severe inner ear infection and he had found that his left eardrum had ruptured and he was now deaf on that side. He said he had never seen scar tissue like he saw in our dog. The new vet now has him on steroids (prednisone), antibiotics, and pain killers for the past few weeks. He seemed to be getting a little better but now seems to have taken 3 steps back. My question is, do you think this is being caused from the inner ear infection or do you think there is something else going on? I've done a lot of research and brian tumor seems to keep popping up. We are thinking of bringing him to see a neurologist, but we know all they are going to say is that they will need an MRI done. We want to do whatever we can to help, but MRI's are very expensive. We are at a loss...please help.
Optional Information: Type of Dog: Beagle MixDog's Gender: MaleDog's Age: 4Name of Dog: Jack
Welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian and specialist and will do my best to assist you today!My question is, do you think this is being caused from the inner ear infection or do you think there is something else going on? Based on your history I am much more concerned something else is going on.Notably when you report, "the muscle atrophy is above and below his left eye. The third eyelid shows on the left side quite a bit and just yesterday his third eyelid started to show on his right side"I've done a lot of research and brian tumor seems to keep popping up. We are thinking of bringing him to see a neurologist, but we know all they are going to say is that they will need an MRI done. We want to do whatever we can to help, but MRI's are very expensive. We are at a loss...please help. Regarding this comment - I can not argue that fact. Based on your history - something intracranial is a concern, not just peripheral ear disease.You can ask the vet if they can do a CT scan (about 1/2 the price) but is not going to give the same amount of detail as a MRI.I do understand the concern - unfortunately if the signs continue the other option is high dose steroids and antibiotics (both systemic and topical - in the ear)Regardless - I do think that seeing a neurologist is a VERY good idea.Minimally for their examination - they may say this is more peripheral - but with that said - I do worry this is more than an ear infection which would warrant further evaluation.Hope that helps and answers all your questions!Before rating - Please REPLY at any time if more information is needed and I would be glad to reply back and help!Positive RATING (EXCITED FACE or 5 STARS) and bonus is appreciated as this is the way the professional receives credit for their time. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message. Please remember to ONLY rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please STOP and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites: CriticalCareVet. Just type your future question in the text box to direct it to my personal attention.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. This is for informational purposes only. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet, rather information online, and any treatment provided should only be performed after consulting your veterinarian
Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Specialist