Head Tilt Question

Question
We just adopted a beautiful healthy lab from the Animal Shelter-his previous owner was moving to an apt.out of state & could not bring him w/the move.  We are very pleased with our new dog-the only problem I see w/him is a head-tilt on his left side that is constant,even when he runs he is tilting his head-What could have caused this & can you get a brace or some sort of device to train his head to stay in a more upright position.  Thanks for your time... I asked the animal shelter about this concern & they were not sure but believed he has always done this-even as a pup-(possibly birth defect)he is 3 now & his ears are in good cond. Sincerely,  Paula

Answer
I have never encountered it, and doubt it is common.  I would check with a vet. Even if he came with a vet check and up to date on shots, he needs protection form heart worm and fleas.  There are good over the counter flea controls, and with only one healthy young dog in the house, you may not need to do much about them.  Heart worm medicine must come from the vet.  It is also a good idea to have his records in the vet's computer so you get reminders when shots are due again.