Dog Community

Neuro problems in young pup

Posted : 10/28/2008 7:32:30 PM

We had a 3 month old purebred GSD dropped at our shelter last night with no info. He appears healthy in every other way except he has a severe head tilt. Does not appear to be blunt trauma to the head and no other marks on him. He runs and plays like a normal puppy; only marked difference (besides head tilt) is that he will sometimes run into things. Other than that, he can negotiate basic obstacles (going around a chair or table instead of running into it), circles well in both directions (though he is stronger to the right, the way his head tilts), and will run and jump too. He can stand on 3 legs easily and corrects his legs/feet immediately if I displace them. Is there any treatment for neuro problems like this that will help him get better? Is there a genetic fault among GSDs that could be presenting itself? He goes to the vet tomorrow to be officially diagnosed, but I'm wondering what we can do for him...

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/28/2008 7:50:46 PM

Could also be the results of distemper, altho 3 months old is pretty young to have survived distemper.

Could also be a really severe ear infection, or even a birth-related neural trauma (his neck got hurt/damaged because mom yanked him out with her teeth -- he could be lucky he's alive)

When you can, could you email me or phone me? I've called the shelter a couple of times and I'd kinda like an update and do you need more supplies for those pups??

AgileGSD

Posted : 10/28/2008 9:18:53 PM

It could be hydrocephalus - it can cause a head tilt and vision issues for sure and sometimes the physical symptoms (domed head, whale eye) are not obvious as the puppy gets older.

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/28/2008 10:23:39 PM

There are a lot of things that cause head tilt. Even hypothyroidism and coccidiomycosis. Does the pup have nystagmus, too? If he does, and the eye movement is side to side, that's more indicative of inner ear problems, if it's up and down movement of the eye, that tends to indicate CNS stuff, and is more serious as a rule. Dogs with head tilt should be supervised when going up or down stairs, as it's easy for them to take a tumble.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/head-tilt-in-dogs-vestibular-signs/page1.aspx

sandra_slayton

Posted : 11/7/2008 12:36:12 AM

WHEN MY KAYCEE HAD A DEEP INNER EAR IFECTION, HER AD TILTED TO THE SIDE. ALSO, SHE HAD NO SMELL, NO REDNESS OF HER EAR, ANYTHING THAT INDICATED AN EAR INFECTION. IT WA FOUND WHEN IT GO SO BAD SHE HAD A VERTIGO EPISODE AND WOULD DUMP OVER FACE FIRST AND TO THE THE LEFT--WHICH HAPPENE TO BE THE BAD EAR. WHEN IT HAPPENED I THOUGHT SHE WAS HAVING A SEIZURE AND RUSHED HER TO THE VET WITH TEARS STREAMING--IT WAS NOT LONG AFTR I HAD LOST HER BROTHER, HUNTER,TO PROEART6. GREAT RELIEF TO FIND ITWAS EAR NFETION.

mrv

Posted : 11/7/2008 7:04:36 AM

It can be alot of things. You might want to check the reactions and size variations in pupils. That can be a lasting sign of a head trauma. As a young animal, some neurological insults can improve. The only way to find out is diagnosis and waiting (there may be treatments). Good nutrition and ruling out any possible medical issues will help in recovery.