Doxie pup with head sway and stumbling

[DoxieDad1014]

2 year old male doxie pup
Head sway and stumbling on all legs
3 vet visits and no diagnosis 
Being treated for ear infection and was since given anti inflammatory 
Baseline blood work normal
Diet and everything else is fine
He did hit his head hard day before episode 
He tries to play ( and even tries to hump his sister! )
We are at wits end
It’s been 5 days
The scan we probably need is $2400
Please help
Thanks

[Daisy]

So sorry your dog is going through this. It sounds very coincidental that the head swaying and loss of balance came at the same time. Are the pupils dilated at all? If you use a flashlight and shine in his eyes will they constrict at all? Was an x-ray of the skull done? That may be a good starting point. It sounds as if the nerve that controls balance has been somewhat injured. If that's a case, your dog may need a dexamethasone injection and oral prednisone. This would be important to prevent things from getting worse and preventing permanent damage. Other conditions that may need to be checked out for that come to mind is atypical addison disease, intervertebral disc disease (which is very common in doxies) and vestibular/neurological syndromes.

[DoxieDad1014]

Thank you so very much Daisy
Your post gives me some hope
It’s been a terrible week
His pupils will dilate
No X-rays yet
We are on our way back to the vet clinic in about 30 minutes
I am going to ask specifically about the steroid treatment
Thanks again...

[DoxieDad1014]

Vet prescribed prednisone
Started it today
Hoping and praying it helps because his symptoms are gradually getting worse
Vet basically ruled out IVDD and Addison’s
Hasn’t ruled out Meningitis, brain tumor , stroke or brain trauma

[DoxieDad1014]

Update
Prednisone didn’t help
Puppy had CT scan and spinal tap on Tuesday and all was normal
Vet said most likely a cerebellum injury from head hit
Fortunately the pup has showed signs of progress last three days. Prayers answered!
Steadier on his feet and head sway is not as pronounced
Definitely not out of the woods yet but symptoms are definitely trending in right direction
Saw 5 different vets from two clinics and spent almost $3k and still no definitive diagnosis
Here is a warning to all small dog owners.....
If ur dog is small enough to run under the foot rest of a recliner, try and block access
Our pup hit metal bar under recliner at full speed ☹️
Thanks all...

[Daisy]

Good to hear your pup is doing better! Thanks for the update. It is so true, small dogs can get easily hurt. If there is head injury, it looks like fluids, head and neck elevation and mannitol are usually treatment of choice. Of course, a veterinary neurologist is the best option. Here are best wishes that your pup continues to improve.