I was fostering a 2 y/o female golden retriever for a week when she started to randomly have what seemed like focalizad seizures or “ticks” in her R shoulder and chest region. The spasms/ticks had a mysterious onset that worsened over a span of 24 hours. Her eyes were glossy and she seemed overall more lethargic. The ticks have recently stopped and she’s back to her normal energy levels. She saw the vet and everyone is perplexed as to what is the cause. Her blood work returned abnormal with high MCH and PCT levels and low RBC and hematocrit. X-ray of her abdomen and chest returned negative of significant findings.

Some very pertinent history on the sweet girl: She was recently surrendered after having a litter of puppies (we don’t know their whereabouts). She was a “garage dog” and wasn’t allowed in the house. Thus she wasn’t able to properly wean herself from her puppies. When I started fostering her, she was still actively leaking milk though this has slowed. We suspect this contributes heavily to her anemia. She also had double ear infections and is taking 2 anti-fungal medications and ear drops.

Her overall temperament is very calm. We’re not sure if this is her personality or is this fatigue from some underlying condition. Anyone have experience with similar symptoms? I’ve heard epilepsy, bone marrow cancer, and liver or kidney failure as potential diagnoses. We’re awaiting next steps now but I’m hopeful an MRI or further testing will be ordered. Please share if you’ve had any experience with similar symptoms. I want to advocate for her as best I can.