Gadget is a very sweet little fellow who has been with his foster family since June. Not long after arriving, he developed some concerning symptoms such as vocalizing (sometimes seemingly random), a severe head tilt and circling to the left, nystagmus (rapid eye movement side to side), and hypermetria (high stepping). Shortly after that, he started knuckling in both legs on the right side.

His vet immediately referred him to a neurologist, and luckily, we were able to get in quickly. Infectious encephalitis has been ruled out via bloodwork, but without an MRI and spinal tap, we won't have a definitive diagnosis. Likely possibilities are autoimmune encephalitis, neoplasia, and hydrocephalus. Two areas of his brain are affected (left forebrain, right caudal fossa).

Gadget was put on a high dose of prednisone, along with gabapentin and amantadine. He's made wonderful progress and many of his symptoms have quieted down. His head tilt has completely disappeared. Given this reaction to treatment, it's more likely that he has an autoimmune encephalitis, but again, we can't say for certain.

The good news is that he's doing so well his neurologist feels comfortable tapering down his prednisone, and we've just begun to do so. Hopefully, he maintains all of the progress he's made, but at the lower steroid dose. If all goes well, we will try lowering his prednisone dose even further next month.

Gadget requires regular bloodwork and urine tests every two or three months, at a minimum, to be sure he's able to handle the prednisone (long term use can result in unwanted side effects such as diabetes, liver, or kidney disease, among others), and that nothing else is going on. We also check in with his neurologist regularly via phone appointments.

Gadget also has dental disease and seborrhea. These issues are not related to his neurological issues, but the prednisone has caused thin skin and an increase in his flaking. Regular medicated baths should help with his seborrhea, but unfortunately, dental surgery is not an option.

Even with his neurological issues, Gadget is a very sweet boy who tries so hard to be good! He doesn't like to be startled or rushed, and it helps to work in "slow motion" with him. For example, we say "touch" before touching him and "pick up" before picking him up. Routines are very important to him.

Gadget is fine with the other dogs in his foster home, and over time, has felt comfortable venturing throughout the home by himself. After three months, he's also now able to be in his small fenced in yard without a harness and leash so that he can wander as he pleases, but he is never unsupervised in the yard.

Gadget will remain on medical hold for at least the next few months as his medications are adjusted and his responses to these adjustments are evaluated. Our biggest hope, of course, is that he's able to be comfortable and happy and fairly symptom free on the lowest dose possible for him.

When Gadget is ready for adoption, he will need a very patient owner who accepts him for the sweet little pup he is. He will never be without his neurological issues, but the love in his heart shines through very clearly! You will be his world and he will love you with all of his little heart.

As with any dog, we do not know what the future holds for Gadget and whether his symptoms will return or worsen. He will always require regular visits with his vet and neurologist, but hopefully, he will have a long and happy life.

Sex:  Male

Currently fostered in Oneida County, NY

This dog is looking for a forever home. If you think it could be yours, read more about adopting from BDRA before submitting your application.

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