Question:
I am hoping you can help me with my pet problem.A breeder asked me if I would care for a purebred miniature dachshund, 8 months old. He was in perfect health for 4 months after he was sold. The owner then went on vacation for two weeks, and, when she returned, the dog was depressed, deaf, blind and would not eat.All of his blood tests are normal, and the vet suspects a type of brain/neurological disorder of some sort. He sleeps most of the day, eats very well and is just beautiful, but very thin -- 5 pounds. He is a bit hard of hearing and initially gets very scared when he is picked up. His back legs seem to be getting weaker, and when he shakes himself off, he often loses his balance.We don't understand what happened to this wonderful creature. Please give us your thoughts on this. Thank you.
K.L.G., Belle Plaine, MN Feb 18, 2007
Answer:
I am glad you sent me a photo of your dog. I wish more readers would include a photo of their companion animals. Seeing the animals may help me better understand the problem.The dog's head is clearly domed and disproportionately large. This, along with the progressive loss of brain and neurological functions, indicates that he has a congenital disease called hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. Unless an artificial drain is inserted to relieve the pressure inside the brain, the pressure of the accumulating cerebrospinal fluid will cut off circulation and the brain will waste away.One telltale sign of the early onset of hydrocephalus is the presence of one or more soft spots on the head, where the skull bones were prevented from fusing by the swelling brain beneath.My advice is to let him go in peace. He is already far gone. As long as he is kept comfortable and feels secure, he is not likely to experience much fear or pain.
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