Vets can't figure out what's wrong with my dog!

[sandyvt]

I was wondering if any of you have ever heard of this illness:

My dog, Ollie, gets sick for 3 days every month (like clockwork). He develops a high fever, wont eat or drink, and shivers. After 3 days, he is totally back to normal. This has been occurring for the past 4 months (he is 7 months old). My vet has consulted with 4 different vets and one specialist, and no one can figure out what's wrong. They have tested and ruled out: liver shunting and endocrine system problems. All of his blood work is normal and his ultra sound was normal. There is no infection of any kind. The specialist now wants to do a spinal tap, even though he does not have symptoms of encephalitis. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Mysweetbabies]

I don't know what to say since I haven't dealt with this. Is a spinal tap dangerous to a dog? Hopefully someone that has dealt with this will be on soon. Sorry, I'm no help. Welcome to YT and Ollie too

[yorkieusa]

This is way over my head, but you can read it and see what you think. Have you discussed idiopathic encephalitis? I found this info:

What is idiopathic encephalitis?

Idiopathic encephalitis is a general term for cases in which an infectious cause cannot be found. In many cases of idiopathic encephalitis, an underlying immune-mediated cause is suspected because these animals improve after suppression of the immune system. Immune-mediated diseases occur when the body's immune system (white blood cells) mistakenly attacks normal tissue, in this case brain or spinal cord. There have been a number of different types of idiopathic encephalitis described in dogs. A few examples of idiopathic encephalitis are listed below along with characteristics of each disease:

•Granulomatous meningocencephalomyelitis (GME)
•Synonyms: inflammatory reticulosis
•Breed/Age: any breed but usually small breed dogs (Terriers and Miniature Poodles over represented), predominantly middle aged (3 to 6 years-old)
•Clinical features: may affect any area of the brain or spinal cord, may be focal or multifocal

Veterinary Teaching Hospital :: North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

[sandyvt]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I'm desperate to help my little boy! There are some risks involved in spinal taps, so that's why I'm hesitant to have this procedure done since he does not display the characteristic symptoms of encephalitis. He's had so many tests run, I am trying to spare him any more discomfort.

[sandyvt]

Karen,

Thank you for your reply. My specialist is affiliated with the K-State veterinary teaching hospital, so they have been advising on this illness as well. He does not show any symptoms of encephalitis, but they are grasping at straws. He has had these attacks once a month whether he is on antibiotics are not. Just imagine having to watch your dog suffer thru being sick for 2-3 days per month, not being able to help him, and then wake up the next day, like he has never been sick at all. It's frustrating, but I am hoping that people will read this forum and offer any suggestions, just like you did! Thanks

[107barney]

I dont have much to suggest. I think if it were my dog, I would have to find out and I'd do the spinal tap.