Afternoon Everybody,

Wonder if you can help. We have a near 10 week old Dobe puppy. Aside from being the cutest thing in the world he has a balance problem which I was aware of at the time of purchase. The breeder has explained that it is a vestibular infection of some description which is causing an ear balance problem. He should get rid of this in due course naturally.

This really manifests itself only occassionly when he may be very clumsy occassionaly (more so than your normal pup !) and may vere off to one side when walking. Its not a huge issue and he's off to the vets in three weeks time for the second set of jabs anyway. You know what vets can be like - any information/suggestions to be prearmed with appreciated. Otherwise Max is a lively and lovely pup with good manners.

Thanks all and have a good day.

Daren

Hi Daren,
Have you taken the puppy to the vets for a check up yet? If the pup has an infection is it on antibiotics/medication? I am no expert, just nosey Apparently it is 'vestibular syndrome' as opposed to a 'vestibular infection' that improves over time and this has connections to Hyperthyroidism and so puppy should be blood tested. Vestibular infections need treatment.

Naiomi,
We only picked him up on Saturday. Unfortunately a couple of days before my wife had to put her horse to sleep unexpectedly which has made our lives a little more complicated than we first envisioned. He is off there next week (earliest appt). Perhaps my real reason for posting was that having just lost one friend I am really dreading any prospect of bad news.
The breeder (whom I consider to be very trustworthy) took him to the vets two weeks before to make sure and got the all clear. But Dobes being what they are (health issue wise) then I thought I might ask. Especially since there seems to be a fair few Dobes owners/breeders about here who might be up to speed with some of the breed problems if not a lot of people with general experience.
But to be more definative - no he's not on medication except puppy dobe energy!!!
And being nosey is just fine! Its a quality which expands knowledge - and is fun

Hi Daren,
Sorry to hear about your wifes horse.
I am sure that you will get loads of replies this evening. From what I have read, (if it is a vestibular infection) your puppy will be fine if he starts a course of antibiotics. Why don't you get in touch with the breeder and ask if the pup has already had any antibiotics. If so, it should have cleared up by now, 'if not - why not'. The breeder shouldn't have really sold you the puppy in this state. I also read that if your pup gets 'wobbly' you should put his feet firmly on the ground (don't pick him up ) and hold his head so that his line of vision is on the horizon (hope that makes sense) this should allow him to regain his balance.

No doubt !
Thats why I have the earliest appointment I can get. The breeder says that the vet did not prescribe and has been commonplace in some Dobes anyway. He not had antibiotics to my knowledge and I have requested more info from the breeder on the subject. I will wait with baited breath........and hope

If next week is the earliest appointment you can get at your vets, with all due respect, I'd change vets

Thats always the problem with good vets. Plenty of bad ones around here.
But I have a newer appt booked now. Thanks all