Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 15yo dog had a Vestibular attack in March and gradually came out of it but of course still had a head tilt. Then mid May she started shaking her head (there is no ear infection btw) and one of her front legs started knuckling under and she kept stumbling etc. Took to vet where she continuously circled (does not do at home but had never done at vet) and between one thing and another vet dx probable brain tumor. Due to her age I have not subjected her to a neuro visit which would entail MRI etc (due her heart she has problems with anesthesia). Ok so vet prescribed prednesilone to help with inflammation (10mg daily she weighs 30lb)but already I see side effects I do not like (increased appetite/drinking/poop eating/panting/pacing). Please, please tell me if there is something else that might help her instead. I am giving her Nordic fish oil caps, she eats a raw diet btw. Would it be wrong of me to say no more pred for her? I think vet said it would extend her life but are the side effects worth it. Thanks for your input. anne

There are several things I would suggest. You are feeding a raw diet; make sure it has few or no carbohydrates, which go to feed the tumor cells. Instead of fishoil softgels, use liquid fishoil, a teaspoon per day, along with an equal amount of coconut oil. I would also look into Dichloroacetate (DCA), as well as turkeytail mushrooms. Once you've started these, wean her off of the prednisone.