Update on Pasta
It’s been ten days since we started Pasta on medicine for low levels of thyroxine in her blood, which is one possible cause for the slight drooping on the left side of her face that appeared suddenly about two weeks ago.
We were originally going to take her in for an MRI at the recommendation of one of the vets who examined her, but after I received a nice, informative email from Dr. Bart De Ridder in Belgium following my original post about Pasta’s condition, I did more background research on possible causes for partial nerve paralysis in dogs, and I realised that a blood test we had done for Pasta about a month before the condition manifested indicated low levels of thyroxine, which is a hormone produced by the thryoid gland.
Upon reading more on the subject, I learned that low thyroxine level is a possible, and frequent, cause of facial nerve problems in many types of dogs as they grow older, including golden retrievers. We consulted the senior vet the next day, and showed him the test results. He concurred that it was better to try addressing the low thyroxine level first, and then move on to an MRI later if required.
So far, there’s no apparent change in the facial droopiness, but it does seem like Pasta is more energetic than ever. She’s taking long walks and bouncing around like a puppy, so she seems completely healthy but for the slight problem with her left eye.
Time will tell if the thyroid medication will eventually help resolve the facial nerve issue, but in the meantime, Pasta’s having a great time.
01 Dec 07 07:56
Tony,
Glad to hear the news on Pasta!
Here’s wishing you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season and coming new year.
Ron
01 Dec 07 22:15
Happy to hear this!
I love hte picture of her.
All the best for her treatment!
MOna
03 Dec 07 17:12
Glad to hear that Pasta’s doing well ^^
Keep her in my prayers!
07 Dec 07 14:05
Hi Tony,
I cross my fingers for Pasta’s recovery and hope the treatment works out well!
I kind of know what it feels when things goes wrong… We have a 16yr old dog who has been quite healthy till last July when things looks quite bad… (other that half deaf&half blind, she lost one of her kidney & now on diapers ;p) but she’s still with us now :p (however, we are morally more ‘prepared’) Another 3yr dog which we rescued, turns out to have a genetic handicap ‘Ehler Danlos syndrome’, which requires almost 24h supervision to protect her having holes/stitches/dislocated joints! Hah… yes, sometimes I’m quite surprise how far we can ‘learn’ about deseases, health problem, different health supplement/treatment just from our beloved pet’s problem! ;p
I guess some people must find it a bit ‘too much’.. but love doesn’t count…
Keep us updated… & lost of kisses to Pasta!
Natasha
And yes, we love Akibahara! And Bic, and Yodobashi! 
ps: gosh.. we didn’t know you’re in Japan! We were just there for 10days!
09 Dec 07 11:56
Hey T,
Beautiful shot of Pasta! The blue skies and ginkgo(?)leaves make a super backdrop…wish I were still there, although the weather must be colder now.
Hope Pasta continues to fair better - enjoy her company and please give her a big lonnng hug from me.
AL