My boxer Bo is 4 years old and has been suffering from dizziness and uncordination since Christmas. Though it has not gotten better, it has not gotten worse. I have worked a small vet clinic for around 3 years while I am going to nursing school so I originally thought they could fix the problem. Since these symptoms could be associated with hypothyroid, they checked his levels. They did a total panel to make sure that he didn't have an CNS infection. His thyroid was low so he was placed on soloxine, prednisone and an antibiotic. He is still yet to improve. I know that more than likely he has a tumor in his cerebellum or in the vestibular area of his brain but I guess I am still in denial. I was wondering is anyone has seen these symptoms and they have not been associated with a tumor. Have any of your pets with similar situations improved or is it a lose-lose battle. I cannot afford a MRI and if I could would probably not chose to have one. I just don't think I have the heart to put him through chemo. He is not suffering and is quite happy. He still has a big appetite. For now we are just going to make sure that he remains safe from falls. Thanks!
uncordination-brain tumor? feedback wanted
- Thread starter shannonlt
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Sorry to hear about Bo. Can I suggest that you do a search of this forum (search button is near the top of the page, in the blue bar). Choose advanced search and use the terms 'brain and tumor'. That will find you quite a few previous threads where people shared their experiences, which you may find useful.
Here's a couple of those results, but there are many more: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59977
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67355
Here's a couple of those results, but there are many more: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59977
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67355
Mom2tyson
Boxer Booster
Sorry to hear Bo's not well. Our first dog, Boomer, was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor a couple years ago. Unfortunately he didn't make it. His symptoms were rather sudden and included pacing, looking lost, sometimes he would stand in the corner of a room and just stare at the wall like he didn't know how to get out and sometimes it was like he didn't know who we were. The only way to diagnose his brain tumor was through an MRI wich was about $2,000 and the only way to treat it was through chemo wich is very costly again and can only buy time. Have you ever thought maybe Bo's problem may have something to do with his equilibreum. That would make him dizzy and cause vomiting. I've heard that a real bad inner ear infection can do that.Good luck and hopefully Bo's better soon.
Bo is worse
I thank you so much for replying. Bo, however is much worse. Today he has just laid around. He didn't go to use the restroom until five pm. I am almost certain that he had a seizure during the night while I was asleep, lethargic behavior tells you a lot. I took him to another vet for a second opinion a couple of days ago and he too thought the signs were positive for a tumor in his cerebellum or a vestibular tumor. I am at peace with the fact that he is going to the Rainbow Bridge soon. My only hope is that (as bad as this sounds) he will pass in his sleep, instead of me having to put him to sleep. Once again thank you for replying, anyone else out there that their pet is in the process of passing, I am so sorry!!!
I thank you so much for replying. Bo, however is much worse. Today he has just laid around. He didn't go to use the restroom until five pm. I am almost certain that he had a seizure during the night while I was asleep, lethargic behavior tells you a lot. I took him to another vet for a second opinion a couple of days ago and he too thought the signs were positive for a tumor in his cerebellum or a vestibular tumor. I am at peace with the fact that he is going to the Rainbow Bridge soon. My only hope is that (as bad as this sounds) he will pass in his sleep, instead of me having to put him to sleep. Once again thank you for replying, anyone else out there that their pet is in the process of passing, I am so sorry!!!
Aimee
Boxer Insane
My Baxter suffers from a tumor in his cerebellum. I am so sorry for you and Bo, I know how difficult this is. I would recommend taking Bo to a board certified neurologist. They will perform a neurological test that helps them determine what Bo may be suffering from. Since Bo did not respond to the prednisone, it is possible that he may not be suffering from a tumor. Prednisone initially helps alleviate brain tumor symptoms because it reduces the swelling in the brain. My neurologist asked a host of questions to try and narrow down Baxters troubles, even questions like whether or not he had had access to a litter box and could have eaten cat poop. Good luck to you and Bo.
wably
Boxer Pal
Brain Tumor
I am so very, very sorry to hear about Bo. Our Bacchus also had a brain tumor/cancer and though the initial symptoms were different (facial seizures - not incoordination) an MRI confirmed a tumor in the frontal lobe. He never got sick from the chemo which was lomustine/CCNU given in pill form at home once every six weeks. The prednisone worked very well to control inflammation around the tumor and didn't become a problem until after 7 months of continuous use when Bacchus developed iatrogenic Cushing's Disease from the prednisone, which caused other complications; once that happened he declined very rapidly to the point where the only loving thing left that we could do for him was to bring the vet out to our home and say goodbye in order to release him from prolonged and pointless suffering. Even though the end was the hardest thing I have ever done, we would probably do all the same things for him if we had to do it all over again because it gave us an extra 7 precious months with our sweet boy, during which he enjoyed us and we him. He always looked to us to protect him, and I feel peace in knowing that in the end I kept my promise to him that he would never suffer needlessly on my watch. He brought so much unbelievable joy to our lives for over 8 wonderful years - the least we could do was offer him that final protection from pain and misery, even if it broke our hearts in doing so. We miss him so much, but know he's burning up the trails at the rainbow bridge with his new buddies!
Sending many good, healing and caring thoughts your and Bo's way -- please know that you are not alone. There are many like me out here. Bo is depending on you and he knows he's in good hands.
I am so very, very sorry to hear about Bo. Our Bacchus also had a brain tumor/cancer and though the initial symptoms were different (facial seizures - not incoordination) an MRI confirmed a tumor in the frontal lobe. He never got sick from the chemo which was lomustine/CCNU given in pill form at home once every six weeks. The prednisone worked very well to control inflammation around the tumor and didn't become a problem until after 7 months of continuous use when Bacchus developed iatrogenic Cushing's Disease from the prednisone, which caused other complications; once that happened he declined very rapidly to the point where the only loving thing left that we could do for him was to bring the vet out to our home and say goodbye in order to release him from prolonged and pointless suffering. Even though the end was the hardest thing I have ever done, we would probably do all the same things for him if we had to do it all over again because it gave us an extra 7 precious months with our sweet boy, during which he enjoyed us and we him. He always looked to us to protect him, and I feel peace in knowing that in the end I kept my promise to him that he would never suffer needlessly on my watch. He brought so much unbelievable joy to our lives for over 8 wonderful years - the least we could do was offer him that final protection from pain and misery, even if it broke our hearts in doing so. We miss him so much, but know he's burning up the trails at the rainbow bridge with his new buddies!
Sending many good, healing and caring thoughts your and Bo's way -- please know that you are not alone. There are many like me out here. Bo is depending on you and he knows he's in good hands.
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Bo is gone
I took Bo for a ride today, that was the only way to get him come outside and use the bathroom (he refused to get up all day yesterday and most of the morning today). I watched him try to deficate and fall, then he tried again and actually fell into his own waste. It was a hard fall on his back. Here in Kentucky it has rained the last two days, yesterday he fell in the mud trying to pee, he has always hated to be dirty and would lick the mud off of himself before he would go back inside. Anyways I put him in the car for what would be our final ride together. He has been just laying around moving only about once a day to go to the bathroom and get a drink of water. His appetite had also went. He would just lay there and tremor and not even sleep, I do believe he was very unhappy in his situation. He talked to me this morning, boxers will talk and talk, but I felt he was crying to me to help him. So I did the only thing that could help him at this point. I took him to my vet and held him while he went to sleep. His best friend a lab mix died around two years ago and I truly felt when he closed his eyes that he was running with Chloe once again. I want to thank you guys for your support and ask that you hug your boxer tonight and tell them how much you love them. I know that I gave him the best home that any dog could have and loved him as much as I could but in these times you all ways feel that you could have done more*
I took Bo for a ride today, that was the only way to get him come outside and use the bathroom (he refused to get up all day yesterday and most of the morning today). I watched him try to deficate and fall, then he tried again and actually fell into his own waste. It was a hard fall on his back. Here in Kentucky it has rained the last two days, yesterday he fell in the mud trying to pee, he has always hated to be dirty and would lick the mud off of himself before he would go back inside. Anyways I put him in the car for what would be our final ride together. He has been just laying around moving only about once a day to go to the bathroom and get a drink of water. His appetite had also went. He would just lay there and tremor and not even sleep, I do believe he was very unhappy in his situation. He talked to me this morning, boxers will talk and talk, but I felt he was crying to me to help him. So I did the only thing that could help him at this point. I took him to my vet and held him while he went to sleep. His best friend a lab mix died around two years ago and I truly felt when he closed his eyes that he was running with Chloe once again. I want to thank you guys for your support and ask that you hug your boxer tonight and tell them how much you love them. I know that I gave him the best home that any dog could have and loved him as much as I could but in these times you all ways feel that you could have done more*
I am so sorry for your loss it is so hard, but also a relief since he is no longer suffering.
Your situation sounds just like mine with Cody, he also had a tumor that was affecting his brain and spinal cord. He would fall while trying to go to the bathroom. I could also tell that Cody was telling me to help him and put him out of his pain. He was always so strong that I think he didn't want people to see him like that and it was hurting us so bad too.
Atleast he is running free with Chloe and Cody, free of pain. I doubt he would want you to be sad, easier said than done, but it will get easier.
Your situation sounds just like mine with Cody, he also had a tumor that was affecting his brain and spinal cord. He would fall while trying to go to the bathroom. I could also tell that Cody was telling me to help him and put him out of his pain. He was always so strong that I think he didn't want people to see him like that and it was hurting us so bad too.
Atleast he is running free with Chloe and Cody, free of pain. I doubt he would want you to be sad, easier said than done, but it will get easier.
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