Morning all, We have had Simba for 4 weeks now. He seemed tired and spent most of the day in his bed, which we assumed was due to being tired after playing. On Friday we have noticed that he is struggling to stand up. It gradually got worse and in Sunday we took him to the Vets. The Vet checked him over and suggested that he may have either nerve damage or Meningitis (although he didn't/doesn't have a fever - one of the signs for Meningitis) . He gave him some anti-inflammatories. These seems to work, although Simba still struggles to stand. Once he is up, he walks fine. Simba has had his first lot of jabs 2 weeks ago, and was due the second lot on Tuesday, but the Vet advice us to postpone these. Someone suggested that it may be growing pains, but the Vet suggested that this may not be case, as Simba over reacted when he checked his movement and nerve endings. Simba is not off his food, and still eats a healthy meal, keeping it down and his stools are normal too. Please share if you had similar issues. Do we seek a second opinion?
Hi there, I am sorry to hear this. You must be very worried. What is your vet's plan? Do you go back after a few days, when the anti-inflammatories are finished? A good question to ask your vet is 'what is the next step?'. If he wants to see how the puppy improves after x number of days on anti inflammatories then that seems reasonable. If a vet can't give me a clear idea of what happens next, then I would definitely seek a second opinion. I'd also want to know a bit more about the 'nerve damage' theory. That seems a bit vague. Some vets are brilliant vets but not so great at communicating with humans So I find it helps to 'grill' them a bit and ask lots of questions, especially that 'next step' one.
I hope your pup is back to normal soon. Don't hesitate to go back, or ring your vet for advice if you are at all worried.
Hi, and thanks for the response. The Vet has said that we should try the tablets for 7 days. If things don't improve, then he (the Vet) would like to do a CT scan, and test some fluids from Simba's brain. The Vet rang this morning to see how he is. TBH, he is no worse than he was Saturday or Sunday, if anything slightly better, but this could be because of his medication. We will complete the course and or if anything worsens, take him straight back. Once again, thanks you. Nolan and Simba
