Old lab walking in circles

**Volley13** · 12-05-2011, 06:50 PM

Our lab Sissy is 13 yrs old, and has a couple of issues. First, she has a thyroid condition for which she takes Soloxin 2x a day. She's been on it for a couple of years, and it's been working well for her.

She also has an eye condition where she is blind in one eye. The vet thinks its a nerve issue in which the eye has been pulled back, so if you look at her, you can barely see her left eye. To confirm the issue, it would cost appx $1500. She's not in pain but does rub her eye sometimes.

Here's the kicker withe this eye issue; she walks in circles more and more. I think, in part, since she's blind in the left eye, she naturally would turn to her right. Now, she comes into a room and walks in circles more and more. I work from home, so I see it progressing.

Anybody familiar with this, I would appreciate your thoughts or possible treatment....tks.

**Sophiesmama** · 12-05-2011, 07:51 PM

My 15 yr old poodle is blind in one eye and gets around normally. I wonder if the walking in circles might be a different issue?

**Sams Mom** · 12-05-2011, 07:55 PM

I'm sorry. No experience, but walking in circles sounds neurological.

Hope it's this last one the idiopathic one also called "Old dog vestibular disease" as it's treatable.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body...r_disease.html

What does your vet say about the circling?

**Volley13** · 12-05-2011, 08:18 PM

Agreed; it does sound neurological, which goes back to the eye issue which the vet suggests is nerve related...tks.

**Sams Mom** · 12-05-2011, 08:32 PM

Wish I could be more helpful. It's tough to watch them get old.

**Volley13** · 12-06-2011, 01:16 AM

Yeah, it is tough watching them get old.hopefully, we can get in to see the vet this weekend.

**nellies mom** · 12-06-2011, 09:54 AM

My Nellie is on Thyrosin for her thyroid condition. Maybe it is time to switch drugs. Also consider dementia which can cause the walking in circles. Good luck, hope your vet has some answers.

**paloma** · 12-09-2011, 04:09 PM

I really don't think walking in circles has nothing to do with her blindness, could it be a sign for anxiety?? Of course the memory thing makes sence too...Hope the vet give you good answers, tell us when you now!

**MidwestGirl** · 12-09-2011, 04:42 PM

I agree with the neuro posts. I'm sorry

**3TailsWaggin** · 12-09-2011, 05:18 PM

My old lab had similiar issues. Her eye sunk back in her head and then, about six months later she began to walk in circles to the left. She had a seizure and then could barely unbend from going left. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and we had her put down. So sad. I'm sorry you are dealing with this.