r/GSP

This isn’t about naming vets or asking for recommendations - I’m asking what you would personally do in this situation.

This is a middle‑aged GSP (not elderly, not even 9 yet) with a long and complicated medical history. Over the years she has been seen by neurology, cardiology and internal medicine at a referral hospital, with very inconsistent conclusions.

To give a clear picture:

• The referral hospital originally pushed for an emergency MRI because they suspected a brain tumour.

• After the MRI + spinal tap came back normal, the diagnosis changed repeatedly:

vestibular > focal seizures > mini strokes > idiopathic hypertension.

• She has had an MRI, CSF tap, ultrasounds, ECG, urine tests, and every standard investigation.

• I was told her ECG was abnormal, which was later denied despite being billed.

• I was told she has splenic nodules and reduced elasticity in her heart valves.

• She is on 40mg Benazepril daily.

• She has had severe adverse reactions to GA. She is also a very high seizure risk.

• She has had systolic BP readings of over 260 documented by Doppler at the hospital and continues to have systolic readings of up to 200 at home to this day.

• I’ve also just sent off the Laboklin XXL genetic panel to rule out underlying causes.

Recently things have escalated:

• Her blood pressure readings (via veterinary cuff) have become extremely unstable.

• There is a consistent discrepancy between cuff pulse and actual heart rate (confirmed with PPG), suggesting a pulse deficit.

• She has developed Horner’s‑type eye changes, fluctuating eyelid droop, and episodes of pupil dilation.

• She has had disorientation episodes, especially when her medication is wearing off - taking long, incorrect routes back to me or running straight past me as if she can’t process where I am.

• She has marked heat intolerance even in mild temperatures even compared to other overweight dogs who aren’t exercised half as much.

• She has had incidents where she couldn’t recognise an open crate door.

She has been seen twice this week, had recent bloods, and is monitored at home with proper veterinary equipment.

This is not a case of avoiding vets, avoiding costs, or dealing with something mild.

My current vets have said they cannot take things further. She went for a second opinion today who said similar citing another referral hospital as the only option despite the objectively traumatic ordeal it was for both of us less than a year ago.

I am not willing to put her through anything involving separation from me or high‑risk diagnostics. I am also not asking for end‑of‑life advice - she is not at that stage, and I’m not looking for “enjoy the time you have left” comments.

My question is:

If this were your middle‑aged, medically fragile GSP with years of contradictory specialist opinions, extensive diagnostics already done, suspected pulse deficits, neurological‑type episodes, heat intolerance, and a history of severe reactions to sedation and you were absolutely unwilling to risk anything that could endanger them…

what would your next step be to keep them safe and stable?

I’m not looking for:

• “trust the professionals”

• “put her down”

• “she’s old, enjoy her”

• “you’re avoiding spending money”

• “you’re neglecting her if you don’t do X”

She is under veterinary care.

She has had every major investigation already.

She has been seen multiple times this week.

I’m asking specifically what you would do next within these constraints. I want to help her. I want to have her treated. I’m not willing to risk another seizure that could kill her.

Possibly considering paying some kind of expert to assess the extensive vet history from various places without having to take her/leave her anywhere?

Thanks to anyone who answers the actual question. It goes without saying that I’m feeling a large distrust in vets and feel like I’m being held over a barrel about it. I find it very strange in general that you wouldn’t allow a human child to be taken into a back room by themselves with a strange person just because they said “it’s fine, I’m a doctor” but this is the norm with animals.

No ethical treatment where I can monitor her safety will be ruled out.

We have to give our 11 month old GSP three eye drops a day. He is not a fan. Any tips on how to help make this an experience that isn’t hated by everyone involved?