Enlarged Heart

Question
Our 5 yr old Italian Gray Hound was diagnosed with vestibular symptoms 10 weeks ago.  She was first placed on prednisone, antivert, and baytril.  She was then placed on Deximethisone and remained on the Baytril.  When we try to ween her off the dex her severe dizzyness and disorientation returns.  Blood work and heart worm are negative.  3 days ago she developed fast shallow breathing patern and enlarged abdomen, lethargy and wretching.  Our vet did chest xrays and said that her heart was enlarged.  Our vet seems to think that the medice may have caused the heart problem but is very unsure.  We are looking for some answers.  We have discontinued the Baytril and weening her off the dex.  DO you have any possible ideas as to what is wrong with her.  Thank You!

Answer
Hi Larry,

True vestibular symptoms occur due to an peripheral nerve issue (like an inner ear infection) or a central brain problem.  Personally, I've never seen a heart condition cause vestibular symptoms, but can, due to lack of oxygen, cause dizziness and fainting (syncope) and respiratory issues (panting, fast breathing, etc).  Just based on your description and without a physical exam I can not make a diagnosis.  It is very possible for medications to cause more problems than they are fixing but I would be very cautious just to blame the meds for causing all the other issues.  

My recommendation is to continue diagnostics to get a diagnosis so you can treat effectively.  If you dont feel that your veterinarian is giving you enough answers then you can always ask for a referral to an internist.  The next step would probably be ultrasound of heart and possibly abdomen and a complete neuro exam looking for more clues to this mystery.

Good luck to the both of you.