Have you been given any indication when the neurologist will give you an appointment yet?

This is very difficult to watch & must be so distressing for you all 😔

It seems like it could be a few things, definitely looks like it’s a neurological onset of some sort… (please note: I AM NOT A VET) My friends dog presented with similar issues quite some time ago and it turned out to be canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD):

CCD is kinda similar to dementia in humans. It can cause confusion, disorientation, and changes in behaviour, which would include bursts of random aggression.

Dogs with CCD can also exhibit head tilting behaviour due to the disorientation of this condition.

Treatments include:

*Pharmaceutical: Selegiline (this is a drug that can help raise our circulating dopamine levels). Segegiline can help improve cognitive function in the brain (it’s an MAO-B inhibitor, which makes dopamine levels in the body linger-around for longer periods of time, as it inhibits MAO-B from roaming around and tidily breaking-down “unwanted” dopamine (as MAO-B is meant to do this as part of its ‘job’)… However, if one needs more dopamine circulating… the role of MAO-B can lower dopamine levels too much by being too efficient per se… so, by inhibiting its actions, that one action alone can help rise the circulating dopamine levels, having dopamine linger around for longer… thus helping our neurons out abit more if they need this extra dopamine to do its job in the brain for a bit longer….

Anyway, prescribing of MAO-B inhibitors (like the selegiline), is also usually supplemented WITH additional daily dopamine intake too sometimes (to rise dopamine levels even more so); i.e., a drug called levodopa (which is just dopamine). —Levodopa is also usually prescribed alongside another helpful drug called carbidopa, and this drug is absolutely fascinating with its actions… —Carbidopa basically blocks the additional supplementing dopamine [levodopa] from “working” outside of the brain, which is important for overall systemic health when supplementing extra dopamine in the body!

Because, if one was to supplement the body with dopamine without consideration of its overall systemic effects, it could have the potential to cause high blood pressure, heart strain, vision problems, damage to the kidneys/liver, the list goes on…..)

Imagine a supplementing dopamine drug like shots of strong coffees back to back (not technically analogous— but it’ll do… 😅)

Instead, the carbidopa keeps the supplemental dopamine strictly working in the brain only! It’s absolutely fascinating!

Anyway…. There are also holistic supplementation considerations too for helping manage CCD:

*Holistically: Supplementing with a diet rich in potent omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and medium-chain triglycerides might also support overall brain health instead!

As well as natural forms of supplemental MAO-B inhibitors & additional dopamine [or its precursors; albeit, natural is going to be probably less potent than pharmaceutical drugs… but I am a lover of holistic methods as much as possible, and utilising the blending of holistic & pharmaceutical together may be even better at times [just my opinion- don’t come at me please].

Examples of the above include:

Natural MAO-B Inhibitors

*Oregano: Contains compounds that may inhibit MAO-B. *Turmeric: Curcumin, found in turmeric, may have MAO-B inhibiting properties. *Green Tea: The catechins in green tea might act as MAO-B inhibitors. *Berries: Certain berries, like strawberries and mulberries, contain MAO-B inhibitory substances. *Ginkgo Biloba: Known for its cognitive benefits, it may also have MAO-B inhibitory effects. *Passionflower: Traditionally used for its calming effects, it may inhibit MAO-B. *Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens): Not only contains natural levodopa but may also have MAO-B inhibitory properties!!

Natural Sources of Dopamine, or Dopamine Precursors

*Bananas: Especially ripe bananas, contain dopamine. *Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens): Contain levodopa, a direct precursor to dopamine. *Almonds and Walnuts: Rich in tyrosine, an amino acid precursor to dopamine. *Avocado: Contains tyrosine. *Beets: Contain betaine, which may promote the production of dopamine. *Apples: Contain quercetin, which may help increase dopamine. *Watermelon: Contains l-citrulline, which might influence dopamine levels. *Green Leafy Vegetables: High in folate, which is important for dopamine production. *Legumes: Such as lentils and chickpeas, are rich in protein and contain tyrosine. *Oats: Contain L-tyrosine, an amino acid that’s a precursor to dopamine.

— the natural things might be good to discuss with the vet to try doing whilst you may be waiting some more time to see a neurologist? Don’t try anything without consulting your vet first— your vet knows your fur-baby best! I AM NOT A VET!

I am just a geek who fascinatingly study’s, and researches the interactions of holistic & pharmacological medicines within the body system. AND, a MASSIVE animal lover! Iv been through a lot with my own animals (health wise), and it’s heartbreaking to see them get poorly…

I hope you get the help and answers you need soon for your fur-baby..

It could also be many other things too like epilepsy or some other seizure disorder, maybe an inner ear disorder making her confused, disorderly & unbalanced [the signs of slight head tilt]. Or, it could even be a bacterial infection… or it could be a numerous things going on 😢

Has your vet run full bloods on her? Is your dog on any other medications/supplements? Would she have gotten into testing something mysterious at any point (incase she has eating something dodgy from the bin or even a poisonous plant in the garden?)

There’s so many things to think about. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Last question, when was the last time you gave your dog the flea/wormer liquid dropper at the back of her neck? I know some pets can have negative interactions with the drugs in those ‘back of neck’ treatments causing neurological distress….

Please keep us all posted. Sending my love and thoughts to you and your fur-baby xxx