QUESTION

I have a 14 year old dog that recently suffered from Vestibular disorder, she was treated with Antibiotics and steriods as Vivitonin is not available in the country where I live. She was responding well and had begun to move around freely when on going into the house she just lost the use of her right back leg. I took her to the vet again he gave her a series of antibiotic injections and steriods saying that it was old age. She still cannot walk and has lost her appetite, any advice on this?

John

ANSWER

Dear John,
I would be concerned as to the ongoing use of steroids as I know no benefit in there use in treatment of central vestibular disease. There has been published reports of using very high dose methylprednisolone and having benefits when given within the first few hours of the attack but not beyond that. If Vivitonin is not available I would be looking into high doses of EPA (fish oils) and Vitamin E as these can help neutralise the oxygen free radicals that can cause problems. I am not certain about the range of infectious diseases in Guyana so can not comment on the relevance of antibiotic use but in my experience infectious causes are nearly always seen in young animals that have not developed an adequate immune system. To stimulate appetite you could look at Vitamin B compound which will help if the liver has been depleted. If bloods testing is available in your Country then I would be doing a test looking at liver and kidney function as soon as possible but keeping off the steroids where possible.

Paul Wilson