Strokes?

Steve called me on Tuesday and said that Angel seemed a bit "off" to him. Since I was out of town, there wasn't anything I could see or do until I got back.

My best guess is she may have had a stroke- but I don't know how to verify that, or what else it could be.

She's still getting around, but now has a pronounced head tilt, and is circling a bit in the direction of the tilt. She gave me tons of kisses last night when I came home, and she's still eating fine (and eliminating).

Anyone know anything about strokes in dogs? Or what else might cause the head tilt in a geriatric blind/deaf dog?

Oh poor Angel. I'm sorry, Allie. I've heard a few people who had pugs with vestibular syndrome (?) that can cause a headtilt-I think Uncle Cecil just went through it.

I have no advice, just wanted to say I'm sorry and will be sending lots of good thoughts Angel's way!

Could you get her to a Neurologist? I know A&M is a good distance from Fort Worth, but maybe there's a neuro specialist nearer to you.

I can offer not advice, just my well wishes and hoping everything is okay with Angel !

Possible it was a stroke although most often with strokes you see mobility issues--often on only one side, facial sagging, etc. Could very well be vestibular.

Saira wrote:Oh poor Angel. I'm sorry, Allie. I've heard a few people who had pugs with vestibular syndrome (?) that can cause a headtilt-I think Uncle Cecil just went through it.

Thanks Saira - I'm doing some research on that. It indicated that the dizziness usually causes nausea, and a disinterest in food. Since she's still eating and drinking easily and on her own, I'm not sure that's what it is.

Here's something I did find:
[color:dbc6=blue !important][color:dbc6=blue !important]Veterinary [color:dbc6=blue !important]care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations. Other disorders that result in signs similar to vestibular disease include:

Inner ear infections

Thiamine deficiency

Head [color:dbc6=blue !important][color:dbc6=blue !important]trauma

Metronidazole (antibiotic) toxicity

Middle ear polyps

Middle ear cancer

Uhm, Angel has been on metronidazole for a long time. That or cancer are both potential culprets. Will call the vet.

No advice, just hugs and good wishes for Angel.

All of those are possibilities, but she's the right age for vestibular. And I know a ton of vestibular dogs that never showed the nausea or anorexia--just the head tilt and the tendency to circle.

Hope it's nothing big.

northernwitch wrote:All of those are possibilities, but she's the right age for vestibular. And I know a ton of vestibular dogs that never showed the nausea or anorexia--just the head tilt and the tendency to circle.

Hope it's nothing big.

thanks Blanche! I appreciate all of your knowledge sharing. I've got a call into my vet, and can take her in later today or tomorrow if need be. But will start with him and take it one step at a time.

I think my own state about where she is (end of life stage) is making me worry about everything - when will I know it's time, is she suffering, is she happy - all of those things just ramp up my worry-meter.

TxAllieGrl wrote:

northernwitch wrote:All of those are possibilities, but she's the right age for vestibular. And I know a ton of vestibular dogs that never showed the nausea or anorexia--just the head tilt and the tendency to circle.

Hope it's nothing big.

thanks Blanche! I appreciate all of your knowledge sharing. I've got a call into my vet, and can take her in later today or tomorrow if need be. But will start with him and take it one step at a time.

I think my own state about where she is (end of life stage) is making me worry about everything - when will I know it's time, is she suffering, is she happy - all of those things just ramp up my worry-meter.

Fair enough. The metronidazole toxicity DOES look like a possibility although what I've read says it's a bit rare.

It's hard when they are elderly. I always end up thinking the same questions you are. What's fair to the dog, what makes sense, etc.

I really doubt this is from Flagyl (metronidazole). BUT it could be a brainstem stroke or a vestibular problem. Only a neurologic exam will really distinguish between these, as both can present with head tilt, nystagmus, etc.

Hope she's doing better soon.

viralmd wrote:I really doubt this is from Flagyl (metronidazole). BUT it could be a brainstem stroke or a vestibular problem. Only a neurologic exam will really distinguish between these, as both can present with head tilt, nystagmus, etc.

Hope she's doing better soon.

thanks Alice!!! (and it's good to see you pop over here...don't be such a stranger)

oh no! sending you well wishes along with T's and P's. oh, and hugs! Please let us know what the vet says.

northernwitch wrote:All of those are possibilities, but she's the right age for vestibular. And I know a ton of vestibular dogs that never showed the nausea or anorexia--just the head tilt and the tendency to circle.

Hope it's nothing big.

Buster's got a permanent head tilt due to vestibular problems - he never had the nausea or anorexia, though. He hasn't had a full blown episode in awhile (thank Dawg! that boy has enough problems!) but when he did, he would circle & have nystagmus for awhile. I hope that Angel is feeling better soon & you get some answers from the vet visit.

Hugs to you and Angel. I think you've gotten some great info so far. Nell gets the head tilt thing when she has an ear infection but sounds like there's more going on than that. Let us know what the vet says!

I'm hoping for a simple ear infection that clears up quickly. Poor Angel. Big hugs to you both. I'll be thinking good thoughts for your sweet girl. Please give her a lovin' from me.

Sending good wishes.

You and Angel are in my thoughts and prayers Allie. I hope it turns out to be nothing serious. Please keep us posted.

Allie, I think a visit or phone call with the vet is a good start.

The only experience I have with neuro problems are a brain tumor.

My thoughts are with you and Angel.