My Fur Kids

Two days ago I noticed that, while she was panting, my older Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lexie’s right jowl seemed much more slack than left one. Plus, she was drooling more. She also did some unusual circling now and then--and the scariest part was some fortunately infrequent darting of her eyes.

Naturally, I took her to the vet. Diagnosis? Unknown. Lexie has some kind of neurological malady on the right side of her head and face, and it’s not clear what caused it. A stroke? Maybe, but she’s too young for that to be likely. The sun? I don’t leave her outside for long periods. Some kind of tick or other insect bite? Maybe, but we’ve found no sign of it.

At the moment, it seems most likely to be a major ear infection. Cavaliers are prone to certain types that sometimes require surgery.

Her stumbling has gotten worse, but she seems stable now. We’re keeping an eye on her and will rush her to a doggy neurologist or ENT specialist if she gets worse. With luck, she’ll improve instead.

Meantime, she can now join her best friend Mystie on medication--since we’re always dealing with Mystie’s chronic tummy issues.

When I don’t feel well, I let it sit for a while. Generally, whatever it was goes away. When my babies, my dogs, don’t feel well, they get a trip to the doctor ASAP.

Is that true in your household, with your pets, too?

Oh, and by the way, happy birthday to my younger son!