Diet change could help dachshund with ‘shaker syndrome’

Question: My miniature long-haired dachshund Gus has exhibited “shaker syndrome” episodes since about age 2 or 3. He begins to shake and loses control of his hind legs. He maintains eye contact and does not appear to suffer any pain. He will sometimes vomit after an incident, and willingly enters his crate when the tremors subside, after he has regained control of his legs.

After these episodes,

Gus appears to act normal again and resumes eating and playing. He will be 7 years old in a few months. My own research about this condition indicates it could be inherited, and that dogs with it can still live a normal lifespan.

In your experience, would any changes in diet or activity reduce the frequency of these episodes? Do medications help? — J.J., Falls Church, Virginia

Answer: Your dog’s condition, evident in certain breeds, does point to a genetic susceptibility, but the actual cause has not yet been determined.

It may be an autoimmune inflammatory brain disease, possibly triggered by an infection, or so-called vaccinosis: an adverse reaction to vaccination. I would avoid further vaccinations and the use of anti-flea drugs, which can affect the nervous system.

I would put your dog on a whole food diet, as per my recipe on my website, that you can prepare yourself. Add some antioxidantrich blueberries and other finely chopped or blended raw fruits and vegetables (apple, papaya, pineapple, kale or broccoli), plus antiinflammatory fish oil. Discuss with your veterinarian a treatment with prednisolone (not prednisone) on a periodic regimen of increasing and then decreasing the dose, with intervals of no medication and possible maintenance on gabapentin. Melatonin, a natural plant product and potent antioxidant, may also be beneficial.

Q: We are concerned about our 6-year-old rescue cat, Mia. She has sneezing episodes from time to time that worry us. Most times, the thick mucus she expels is light yellowish to brownish, but at times, it is bloody.

Is there anything we can do, or should do, for her? — K.H., St. Louis, Missouri

A: I doubt that the smoke from the house fire was the cause of this condition. Respiratory virus infections, common in kittenhood and especially in shelter situations, can lead to chronic secondary bacterial infections, especially in the sinuses. When the cat is stressed, or even just during changes in seasons, there can be a flare-up of sinusitis. But a chronic, persistent herpes or feline immunodeficiency virus infection could be involved, along with secondary bacterial infection — meaning lots of pus and mucus. And in some cases of sinusitis, there are dental problems, where an infected tooth root and bone erosion can actually track infection into one of the sinuses.

So I advise a full veterinary wellness examination.