This is my first post on this board.

My dog Barbie is 15 this year, for the past month she has been ill, loss of balance and not herself, about 2 months previous her head had started to tilt very slightly.  She has now taken a turn for the worst, after X rays for neck/back problem - nothing showed, the vet treated her for a middle ear infection, she responded well and made a full recovery.  But a week or so later she is now much worse, been sick, off food, not able to get about without falling, head very tilted.

She is back on the anti-biotics for one last chance, I am hoping so much that it is and she will respond, she has had an anti Biotic injection and so far two days on the pills.

Decided to keep on with this til Friday (seven days) and then probably have to have her PTS, she has been my best pal for 14 years and its ripping my insides out.

Any advice please, or experiences to share?

Hi Sharon, welcome to the forum. :)

So sorry to hear about Barbie, I'm afraid I've no advice but I'll keep my fingers crossed for her. :)

Kath. xx

HI

My mom had the same problem with her Shih-Tzu...Make sure the vet is testing his blood OFTEN...The vets (she saw several) told her it was Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrom, possible seizures and several other diseases that may cause him to be off balance...He refused to eat and couldn't even hold down water.  when we (excuse the language) bitched and complained enough to get him to check his blood.  Whe discovered his liver was failing, by the time the vet checked it, it was to late to do anything about it, so please don't let this scare you because this may not be your dogs problem...Just keep in mind if you instinct tells you something isn't right, don't always assume the vet is right...Only you know when something is wrong...So please make him do the blood work, the actual test wasn't that expensive and its worth it if you can catch it in time..

shon

Sadly my lovely little Barbie was PTS yesterday afternoon, she had lost her sight during the morning in one eye, and was so poorly when I went to check on her at lunchtime, I felt it was the only option left for her at 15 and being so desparately ill.  I feel sick inside, we had been together for 14 years, I have another dog who I have had for year, but she was very very special, its like part of me is gone.

I am so sorry to hear of Barbies passing,  you showed her a lot of love by letting her go at what was obviously the right time for her, I hope your memories will ease the sorrow for you.