[Mandy36]

My dog has been ill since Feb this year. The vet is saying its something neurological but can't give me a specific diagnosis with out a CAT scan (which I can't afford and I don't have insurance).
Her symptoms were left leaning and left head tilt. Steroids and antibiotics were prescribed. They worked for sure because she didn't have an episode for over 3 months but as I started weaning her they came back on.
Now she's just developed stumbling and falling over in this last week. She fell in the sea yesterday and couldn't right herself so my friend ran in and saved her.
My vet keeps putting everything down to the steroids and underlying illness.
Does anyone know anything else??
She's a Patterdale Terrier and they are generally a healthy bread with no genetic illness's. She's only 8 but has prematurely aged during the last 6 months.

[holyguacamole]

It could be several different things. I'm assuming the vet prescribed antibiotics/ steroids thinking that it was some type of ear infection? There's a nerve that runs through the middle ear and if that area is infected, it could become inflamed- affecting balance, coordination, and can cause a head tilt. It might cause the dog to vomit, or not want to eat. One thing to check at home is the position of her eyes. If her eyes are steady and move normally, this is most likely an ear infection. If they don't hold steady, if they move rhythmically to the side or up and down, it could be a central nervous system issue. She may have even had a seizure.

If you're unable to afford vet care-- depending on where you live, sometimes you can call your local humane society or look up places that might check her out for free, or charge less.

Good luck.

[LadySam]

Have the ears been thoroughly checked?
It could very well have another cause but is often times an inner ear problem.
These symptoms can occur with what is referred to as vestibular disease.
Head tilt, nystagmus (dancing eyes) vomiting, falling over, stumbling, and circling are all included.
There are sensory organs in the inner ear that tell us which way is up and which way is down as it relates to balance.
So if there is an inner ear infection that hasn't cleared it makes sense that it can recur.
Has the vet exhausted other diagnostics?

[Mandy36]

Thank you for your reply.
The vets have ruled out an ear infection. They gave her an x-ray and said they couldn't find anything but they knew there was inflammation so hence the prescription.
The thing that's getting me is that there's nothing wrong with her eyes. If there was then I'm sure there's be a diagnosis. She has all the symptoms of so many things but the non flickering of the eyes and non vomiting rule it out! And keep in mind that this has been going on since Feb but the steroids have kept the symptoms at bay for most of that time.
I'm at a loss but I thank you for trying to help me. Xx

[Alty]

Thank you for your reply.
The vets have ruled out an ear infection. They gave her an xray and said they couldn't find anything but they knew there was inflammation so hence the prescription.
The thing that's getting me is that there's nothing wrong with her eyes. If there was then i'm sure there's be a diagnosis. She has all the symptoms of so many things but the non flickering of the eyes and non vomiting rule it out!! And keep in mind that this has been going on since Feb but the steroids have kept the symptoms at bay for most of that time.
I'm at a loss but I thank you for trying to help me. xx

I really think it's time for a second opinion, or request to see a specialist. This has been going on too long without an actual diagnosis.

[teachnk]

Have they ruled out a stroke? I agree with Alty, I would definitely get a second opinion.