MrSnappy Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I can't win for losing here. The right side of Red Dog's face is paralyzed. His lip is droopy, his ear does not move and he shows no blink reflex on that side. Obviously we are off to the vet as soon as they open. But does anyone have any ideas what this could be a result of? He was just AT the vet's a few weeks having teeth removed and was declared quite healthy, all things considered (old, autoimmune disorder, bad reaction to Ketamine etc.) I'm freaking out. He's not THAT old! He's not even 11 yet! He is not dehydrated and is eating and drinking just fine, and even played ball this morning. But if the ball bounces past him on the right he has no idea it just happened. ??? RDM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amc Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 A stroke would be the first thing that comes to mind. Do dogs get Bell's palsy (7th cranial nerve palsy?) Good luck with him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixie_Girl Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I am so sorry you and Red Dog is going through this. How scary. It sounds like stroke, but then, it seems like more would be involved than just his face. I wonder if it's possible some nerves were damaged in the tooth pulling or something left over from his reaction. Please keep us informed. Give him a hug and scritch for me. I will pray for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 My first thought is also stroke I'm sure there must be a variety of possibilities. Please let us know what the vet says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G. Festerling Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I hate to read this and am hoping for the best. Keep us updated. The truth is that they are never old enough for these kind of things. Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary M Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 RDM, As I recently became all too aware, age is unfortunately irrelevant with a lot of neurological issues. The fact that it is localized to the face I think is a positive (if there is such a thing) sign. I would say the thing to do now is to take mental notes of anything that is out of the ordinary with Red Dog, regardless of how innocuous it seems. I wish I could be more help. Sending good juju your way. Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCBERRI Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 That's what first came to mind too, AMC. I had a friend in school who had Bells Palsy. Hugs to sweet RD from my crew. I will be sending good vibes out to ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSnappy Posted December 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 Thanks all. We have just returned from the vet. RD is already showing improvement and now has a partial/incomplete blink reflex on his right side, though he needs eye lube to protect the eye since he cannot blink it shut all the way. The vet said the three main causes of something this would be a) tumour facial trauma or c) a stroke. He could not feel or see a tumour and says they are generally quite obvious. Also, since he is already showing spontaneous improvement (and can now see again out of that eye - he has pupil reflexes) he doesn't feel it is a tumour. He feels it was some sort of trauma to the nerve, and that it is healing. The most embarrassing bit, however, is that he now needs to wear Doggles to protect his eye that does not close. Jesus, who needs kids? RDM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 Poor RD. Glad to hear he's on the mend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy in AZ Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 Glad to hear RD is already improving and seems to be recovering. I hope your recovery is as speedy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I had a hypothyroid BC who would experience unilateral facial paralysis when his thyroid levels were too low. We kept having to increase his dose of soloxine. However, he had a more gradual onset and recovery. RD must look good in his doggles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clara Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 The most embarrassing bit, however, is that he now needs to wear Doggles ™ to protect his eye that does not close. Oh, poor RD! I don't suppose he's going to be allowed to wear his doggles in peace without some pictures on your blog, is he? Is Woo making fun of him? Glad to hear his condition is improving! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieDog Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I do know that dogs can get Bells palsy - i've seen a cocker with it and I believe it resolved on its own. Perhaps it would be worth running that by the vet too? Hope RD feels better soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryP Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I'm sure RD looks quite swank in his Doggles. When I was reading this, I wondered if a nerve may have been traumatized when he had his teeth pulled a week ago? The fact that it was localized pretty much ruled out a stroke in my mind. But, I'm not a vet. Hope he is feeling better and back to his old self soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 Oh, poor RD! I don't suppose he's going to be allowed to wear his doggles in peace without some pictures on your blog, is he? Is Woo making fun of him? I vote for everyone at TWAAW having to wear Doggles, photographer included, so that RD will not feel embarrassed. And of course we want photos! Seriously, I'm glad I didn't see this thread until after the vet visit. Hope things continue to work their way back to normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Stein Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 Bell's palsy is a symptom of Lyme disease -- do you have ticks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoloRiver Posted December 4, 2007 Report Share Posted December 4, 2007 I thought Bells Palsy myself. Humans can get it just by sleeping near a cold window. Poor RD. Poor you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaporflowers Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Glad to hear that RD is doing better! Can't wait for the inevitable doggles picture. I posted this link on the other forum, we were all worried about you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anda Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 That's scarry, RDM. Glad he's already showing improvments. Chris had a very mild case of Bells Palsy last year after a tooth extraction. It took about a month or so to totally recover. Please keep us posted on his progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anda Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Oops. Just wanted to wish RD a speedy recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Oop Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 So sorry to hear about Red Dog's newest issue. I'm glad his condition seems to improving. Sending him lots of get well vibes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chesney's Girl Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 I hope RD continues his recovery! Sending good vibes up to you both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tualizzy Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 I think Red Dog would be very handsome in his Doggles. Lizzy has a pair (and hates them...not a very cooperative Dingo) and looks like she's ready for business when they're on (which is not often if I don't want to loose a limb). Gald to hear he's feeling a little better. Best wishes & good vibes for a speedy recovery RD!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceredwyn Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Poor guy, hope he's doing okay. Neurological stuff is always scary. At least he's got good, healing energy focused in his direction from all of his fans! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexie Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 I hope RD's recovery is not slowed by how good he looks in his doggles or how much he likes them. Off topic comment--Tweed looked better in the coat than Piper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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