Chocolate Lab lost hearing suddenly...

[AversaS]

So my chocolate lab recently lost her hearing. For the last few days, we were worried that she has gone deaf. I recently looked at what can cause temporary (I was being hopeful) hearing loss in dogs. As it turns out, one of the first results mentioned Gentamycin as a common culprit. We recently (about a week or so ago) started using Gentamycin to help with her head shaking.

(If you remember some of my posts from a while ago, Coco has a bout of Vestibular Disease due to an inner ear infection. We were told to use Gentamycin to help with the rest of the infection if it wasn't gone after a week of using the pill antibiotics.)

So, I was wondering if anybody's dog(s) 1. ever used Gentamycin and 2. has partial or profound hearing loss. Also, did it come back, and if so, how long did it take for it to return. We have since stopped using the medication for fear that this is the cause, and for fear of it getting worse.

[rubyred]

Sorry to hear this. I don't have any advice, but hold tight cause I am fairly sure someone will be along that will have some suggestions. Have you been back to the vet?

[AversaS]

Not since. Last we were told, they said just to continue treatment with the medication if she is still having ear problems after the pills run out, and then to set up another appointment after that.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I don't understand your tendency to self-diagnose (probably a brain tumor). Now, you're deciding to stop the dogs meds, I'm assuming without contacting the vet.

Stop guessing, reading internet drug info or pamphlet and take the dog to the vet already.

[AversaS]

First off, I NEVER self-diagnosed a brain tumor. I am going to go out on a limb and say that you didn't read the entire thread before. That is what the VET TOLD ME. And yes, I am going to stop using the ointment if it is causing my dog to go deaf, and there are a lot of other cases of deafness in dogs. And when there are vets that say to stop using the ointment if it causes deafness, then I am going to do what is best for my dog.

I have taken my dog to the vet. And I have followed and reported on everything they have told me. So I am not sure where you are coming off saying I haven't taken her to the vet, and that I need to stop self-diagnosing.

Isn't the point of this forum to hear from other dog owners? All I am wondering if there is anybody else that experienced the same side-effect as what we are having.

[edit] Perhaps you would like to see what I saw. http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...-deafness-dogs
You know, the internet is a very valuable tool. I am not using it for an official diagnosis. As soon as I saw something wrong with my dog, I took her to the best in the state for treatment. THEY are the ones who said it could be a brain tumor, they were the ones who told me EVERYTHING that I have reported.

[AversaS]

Also, I did not decide to look up the medicine, and then look up problems with it. I looked up "Temporary Deafness in Dogs," and it just so happened that a majority of the sites mentioned the medication that my dog was currently on, and they also said to stop use immediately, because it could cause permanent damage.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

People can go back and look at your posts if they're interested and see how things transpired. I am merely telling you to give your vet a call BEFORE you stop the meds. Why would you not?

[AversaS]

It started with my dog not being able to walk. We thought that she had a problem with her hind legs. We took her to the vet IMMEDIATELY! The vet is the one who said BRAIN TUMOR. Not me. I never would have thought a brain tumor until the VET brought it up.

And I am stopping them because they are causing her to go deaf? And they are causing other dogs to go deaf? They just are still on the market because there isn't anything more effective at killing the bacteria. But they also say that if the medication is causing deafness, to stop usage immediately. I am NOT going to cause more harm by continuing the medication.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Originally Posted by AversaS

It started with my dog not being able to walk. We thought that she had a problem with her hind legs. We took her to the vet IMMEDIATELY! The vet is the one who said BRAIN TUMOR. Not me. I never would have thought a brain tumor until the VET brought it up.

And I am stopping them because they are causing her to go deaf? And they are causing other dogs to go deaf? They just are still on the market because there isn't anything more effective at killing the bacteria. But they also say that if the medication is causing deafness, to stop usage immediately. I am NOT going to cause more harm by continuing the medication.

That's the point - you don't know if they're causing her to go deaf, regardless of what you read on the net. I just want to know why you can't pick up your phone and call the vet. They prescribed it, let them know immediately what's happening.

This forum or what you read on the net can't replace the vet's advice. I come on here for advice too, but not before I 've called the vet, when it's serious.

I try not to ask people to substitute my judgement for their own after I've given my opinion. So, of course, you're free to do what you want to.

[saluki-sue]

DTD, if the dog has lost her ability to hear right after the meds were started and there is a warning that the med can cause hear loss and to stop the meds. Then that is what should be done. It sounds to me like the OP has been keeping their vet in the loop and is just looking for someone else who may have had the same experence with their dog and this med. I don't think there is a reason to jump on this person when they are trying to do everything right for their dog and follow their vets advice.

OP, I've never used that med and haven't know any other dog owners to have the same problem as you dog. I do hope that stopping the meds helps your girl get her hearing back. Keep us posted.