Ear / hearing issue with our boy

[Fstuff92]

Our 6.5 yo male dobie has always had allergies. He takes allergy meds year round (Claritin and Zyrtec).

A week ago he started shaking his head a lot, tilting his head, restless (whining and crying) and not sleeping thru the night. We assumed he had an ear infection. He's never had one before though so we weren't sure.

Took him in, they saw nothing concerning in either ear (mentioned a little 'debris' in one ear). Took a sample to test and found nothing. They did clean his ears with peroxide drops.

As the week has gone on he seems better overall. Not whining or cry, shaking head less but still doing it some, sleeping fine. But two days ago we noticed his hearing is bad (not hearing us come home ,etc.). This doesn't
appear to be a gradual decline but sudden. We have a scope and have looked it his ears and see nothing. We all know how smart these guys are and watching him, especially outside, it's like he knows he's not hearing all the sounds he's use to hearing. Feel soory for the guy.

Planning on calling the vet on Monday but wanted to get any thoughts or experiences from other dobie owners

 

[MyBuddy]

So sorry to read about your boy. I have not experienced this and hope others will chime in with their knowledge or experience. Wishing you the best.

 

[JanS]

So sorry to hear this. How is his balance?

Thankfully we have not dealt the hearing issues until they get really old but it's odd to come on so suddenly and at such a young age.
Let us know what the vet says. Has he had a DINGS test?

 

[Fstuff92]

Yeah , I think the it being so sudden has us thinking something else is going. Balance seems fine but haven't been able to play as much with these hot temps.

Haven't had any tests other than them taking a sample of ear wax or whatever to look at under a microscope / test for infection.

 

[Aaron56]

Yeah , I think the it being so sudden has us thinking something else is going. Balance seems fine but haven't been able to play as much with these hot temps.

Haven't had any tests other than them taking a sample of ear wax or whatever to look at under a microscope / test for infection.

Am guessing you did smell the ears really good?

Sometimes you can smell an ear infection before you can see it.

 

[JanS]

I wonder if one of those little burs or plant spurs got in there. I can't remember the name of them now but I hear they are nasty.

 

[Fstuff92]

That's a thought. He does like to nose around and do his business all up in bushes. Likes his privacy I guess

 

[GennyB]

Not trying to scare you but one of my dogs, Greta had some similar symptoms. Tests revealed it was a brian tumor. Hoping that is not the case for you but I feel you should at least be aware of the possibility.

 

[Fstuff92]

Yes, that's certainly something that's crossed our minds. Thanks for replying.

 

[MyBuddy]

Please let us know what the vet says tomorrow. We are always concerned for one of our own. And we'd love to see pictures of your boy!

 

[Fstuff92]

Well all is good now, it's a mystery. Dr's never found a cause but the head shaking is over and the hearing as returned. Everything seems normal now. Maybe it was just allergies or something in the ear

Wish I had a follow up with an actual answer but we'll take what we can get.

Thanks for everyones replies.

 

[BG1]

Thanks for the update!
Guessing like you..."Maybe a bug" is correct.
Has anyone spent to much time on the innertubes browsing trying to sleep...found the ear wax video posters for clicks...ewww! Brain bleach!

Srsly Its really good for a noob like me to be able to follow another "first time dobe" owner's posts who is a couple three years ahead, to see their questions and wise advice from the mentors here.
I now find myself browsing old threads and topics here just mining the gold nuggets...
Much more useful than the blackhead removal lady too! EWWW!
Appreciate you!

 

[JanS]

I'm so glad he's back to normal now!

 

[MyBuddy]

Thanks for the report! So glad that everything turned out good. He's a handsome boy!