08/02/2025
2025 keeps doling out the punches... 👊
Yesterday I was working from home with Keno by my side. He began to flail wildly and was having what appeared to be a seizure/stroke. Stiff limbs, unresponsive, head and body turned to one side, whale eyed, slight bleeding from the mouth. Terrifying to witness! Immediately corralled the other 6 dogs away and somehow managed to heave the 85 lb dude (actively seizing) in to the truck. Didn't even close the front door and broke the sound barrier getting him to the vet.
He didn't respond to a double dosing of the anti-seizure medications... the vet asked what we were willing to do since he was an older dog. We already lost two in the family this year, I dreaded losing a third and said we will do all we can. When she asked that, in conjunction with not responding to the medication, it was very worrisome!! They stabilized him with sedatives but when his oxygen was removed his tongue turned purple (lack of oxygen). It was all touch and go.
All symptoms combined, there wasn't hard clues pointing to any one diagnosis. They kept him for the day to observe and test. All labs and imaging came back pristine. This was all a relief but still didn't point to a diagnosis. Later he developed nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) which led them to believe this was an episode from vestibular disease.
Although not ideal, it was the best outcome (in my opinion). There is no cure or even hard set treatment but it is manageable. Being idiopathic, no one even knows what causes it. An episode can last hours/days/weeks... He is home, resting. He's still very uncoordinated on his feet and seems a bit confused but overall doing well. Hoping that resolves over time.
If I am slow to respond to messages please bear with me! There's a lot happening around here!! Thanks for understanding!! Also, if you have any tips about dogs with vestibular disease please share them!
