Hello all,
after advice again! My boy still isn't right and I am concerned.. I am starting to lack confidence in my vet although have been very good in the past. Do you think an ear infection could cause a stiff neck and lack of food eating? (not completely off food but not as enthusiastic as usual! ) I only ask as when he was in just over a week ago he had a temp and antibiotic jab given. Had a very large lump appear on his neck and has only just gone down yesterday... hence me thinking the jab caused a stiff neck (not lifting head properly and will cry if you lift it :-( ) but he seems to still have this not wanting to move his head up! His ears were cleaned last week by me so know that they were done properly, but today he seems to have very dirty ears again, they look very red inside and his left one doesn't smell too nice, (but then do ears have an unpleasant odour anyway ) would be grateful for any advice whilst searching for a different vet to go to!

Can't really give any advice re your dog or vet, but one thing I have observed in one of my dogs is that if I feed too rich a food (ie high protein and oils/fats)  her ears get very irritated and red and very waxy :(  - just like an infection, but it goes away when she's given less rich/ simpler food  

I do think a serious ear infection could cause temp, sore neck and lack of enthusiasm for food tho ;) - although it's possible the injection also caused a sore neck ;)

Have you been back to your vet to discuss this?

I have discussed over the phone, but they didn't seem that interested that he had a swelling the size of a tennis ball on his neck! hence me wanting to go for a second opinion elsewhere
I just can't work out if it is his neck /shoulder area or what!  I have given a firm stroke all over his neck/shoulders and he is happy for this to happen no crying out etc. but if you lift his head to normal height he willback away and start to yelp I'm just at a loss poor boy, he is so not himself!

I'm sure you're allowed to ask for a second opinion ;)

I always feel lack of interest in a vet is a good reason for finding another vet, after all you're paying them, so they should at least be interested in what they are doing ;)  - just my personal opinion ;)

I hope you can get some answers soon

Thanks Dill! I just feel for the poor boy! he isn't in pain when walking about, but just doesn't want to run or play etc now for a 10 month old pup that doesn't seem right (and totally opposite to the pup we have lived with up until this past couple of weeks!

Hi Emma,

I'd get him to another vet asap - sounds like something is definitely wrong, like you said a 10 month old Dober pup not wanting to run a round and play like a loon isn't normal :-)  His ears shouldn't be smelling and if they're mucky and red aswell it does sound like he might have a bit of an infection.  Hopefully it'll just be down to that and when he has treatment for it, will be back to being a loopy loon.

Karen

I would also get him to the vet if he's unable to move his neck and that the lump was that big.  Sounds like he had some kind of reaction to it and by now he should be getting better.

You may also if things don't work out with the ears need to get his thyroid function tested as ear problems can be the first sign plus lethargy.  Hopefully though it's just a reaction to the injection.

ok, thanks all, I will be taking him, just wanted to get another opinion before they put me down to being an over protective doggie owner :rolleyes:

Hi all,
Thanks for all your comments, have taken blade to vet this morning and the outcome so far this morning is that he has a sprain on a neck muscle (thats what she is thinking!) I have to go back tomorrow and see if there is any improvement in him on the neds he has been given.. If not then she wants to do an x-ray just to rule everything else out like wobblers etc.
Thanks again
Emz

Definitely ask for a second opinion, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  I didn't ask for a second opinion when my GR was ill after his booster and sadly he died.  My biggest regret.  Go for a second opinion for your boys sake!
Maria