eps and weird virus anyone else ?

[stanley09]

out little puppy stanley is 17 weeks old and for the past 3 weeks he has had some nasal problems - sounds like he has alot of mucus in his nose / sneezing clearing his throat - brought him to the vet about 3 times. he started on antibiotics which didnt clear and then moved onto seperate tablets and drops. Then just drops.
we were not happy with his progress, so we brought him back to the vet on sat. They said he should be fighting the infection, but his glands were really swollen and it looked like he had tonsilitis. He is on more antibiotics now and appears to be making some small improvment.
Also we are a bit concerned, a couple of times his back legs have stiffened slightly when walking and we are unsure if this is the beginings of episode faling syndrome.
The vet seemed a bit bleak, Just wondering has anyone else experienced this with their puppy and if he recovers from the infection whats the long term outlook if he does have episode falling syndrome? are their mild cases that can be lived with ? would appreciate your comments, as i am so so worried about our little guy.

[diddy]

Hello and . Im sure someone will be along shortly with advice for Stanley. It does not sound as though he actually has Episodic Falling syndrome as they usually collapse with this. Lots of info and advice re EFS can be found in the link in the Health Library.

[diddy]

Hello and . Im sure someone will be along shortly with advice for Stanley. It does not sound as though he actually has Episodic Falling syndrome as they usually collapse with this. Lots of info and advice re EFS can be found in the link in the Health Library. Im wondering if he has a hip of joint problem, but have no first hand experience. Dont worry as someone will probably have been there,done that, and they will be along shortly! Best wishes.

[Kiddo]

Goodness sakes that's a lot for a little guy to deal with.

I don't have great medical advice for you, but I do have 17 years of being a dog owner...and honestly, it seems like a lot of puppies come to their new homes with some sort of nasal type symptoms. Usually it's something from their litter mates, or even adjusting to the new home environment---new allergens, etc. But, you'd think after 3 weeks, antibiotics, and other drops/meds, etc. he'd be feeling better. The stiff legs---I don't know. I'm surprised your vet didn't suggest a more thorough work up on that, especially so you could tell your breeder, and/or find out more.

I'll certainly be thinking positive, healthy thoughts for you and your baby. Hope all is well soon!!!

~Dawn

[Tania]

I do not have any advice to offer. Welcome to you and Stanley and I am sorry you have all these problems so soon.

[Love my Cavaliers]

Just to ease your mind - Oz had a very scary episode of EFS when he was four months old and nothing since. He is an active healthy two year old now. There are videos of EFS on this board if you do a search. I don't know if Stanley has EFS, but I agree with Dawn that your vet should check out other reasons for the stiff legs. Oliver walks with very stiff back legs and he has degenerative disc disease in his back, but he is managed with medication and rest when he has a flare-up. Other than during his flare-ups, he still runs and plays even at 8+ years old. I really don't understand why your vet presented you with such a bleak picture. I would press for more information and a more thorough work-up, or a referral to a specialist.

[stanley09]

Thanks so much for all your responses. My husband rang the vet today, we felt stanley had improved a bit. Transpires that my husbands brothers dog, was in just after stanley and had similar symptoms ( except the stiffness in the back legs ). The two dogs met about two weeks ago, the vet feels that its a virus, but stanleys immune system has not kicked in as strongly as it should have esp as he is still so young. He said he would extend the length of his antibiotic course and told us to monitor him closely and call him if we felt there was any change. In relation to the stiffness in his legs we havent noticed it much in the last day or two. Vet said to keep on eye on him but really wanted him to clear the virus first. Fingers crossed he keeps improving, he is getting lots of tlc and is in great form and loving his food which are all good signs. Thanks again and I will keep you posted on Stanleys progress. Its amasing how much they become a part of your family and hearts so quickly !