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Sent to Pet Experts June 21 10:29 PM

my 12 year old Norwich Terrier developed vertigo and had two major attacks since Jan 06. He had a CAT scan and spinal tap and nothing was found. For the past 4 months, he has been on Prednozone and Meclyzine daily. He is not the same dog, has lost his sight, never barks, and goes around in circles for hours panting, bumping, and falling down. I tried to step him down off of steroid, but after two weeks he started leaning to one side. Is this permenant or is there ANYTHING else I can try with him. This is a terrible condition and I just want him to get back to normal.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 12; Male; Breed: Norwich Terrier

Already Tried:
Prednezone, Meclizine

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
June 22 12:02 AM (1 hour and 32 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
This sounds like vestibular disease which can be due to an inner ear problem or a neurological issue. You can read about this here.
http://marvistavet.net/html/body_vestibular_disease.html
If the CT scan did not include the bulla (inner ear) as a focus x-rays of that area might give you information on needed care.
This is more technical but becomes more readable down the page
http://www.vcsmilford.com/vs.html
Unfortunately the answer is maybe he can recover depending on where and what the problem is triggering this. I have had several senior rescues with this problem who ended up with a head tilt but recovered. I had one that nothing could help and we later found it was a brain tumor.
If you have not seen a veterinary neurologist (and based on the CT scan you may have) that would be one avenue to pursue. This site lets you search for vets with that specialty
http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
If that step has been taken then you may want to try a different direction and see if a holistic care option might work. This site may help you find a holistic vet to work with
http://www.holisticvetlist.com/#search
Accupuncture might help for example.
Good luck with the little guy!

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NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 7085 Pet Accepts
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