Hi everyone.
I’m asking for help because I’m at my wits' end with Vaïa, who is 18 months old. She has been chasing shadows since she was 4 months old. We are talking about a real addiction that makes her completely unresponsive to any other activity during these times. Out on a patio, the sunlight affects her so much it's as if she's ill; she no longer responds to her name, and won't play, eat, or even drink. We have obviously seen a veterinary behaviourist, but they had never seen this behaviour before. We then consulted another vet who suspected epilepsy, so we tried a course of treatment, but it didn't work and we didn't take it any further.
She is currently taking fluoxetine, but the behaviour has never stopped. To answer your questions in advance, Vaïa is a dog who gets out every day, plays, and has things to chew on, but to be honest, even after a long hike, once we get to the hut at the top, she still manages to focus on shadows and just switches off from the world.
We were living with it and trying to limit the triggers, but this weekend, my partner was visiting family with her, and after spending three or four hours under the table violently pawing at shadows, she attacked the family Chihuahua for no reason. Yet, she is such a kind and affectionate dog, who is usually quite submissive with other dogs.
We are thinking of seeing a veterinary neurologist to further investigate the possibility of a neurological issue. We are at a loss; we love her with all our hearts and we can tell she isn't right during these episodes, which can last the whole day, during which she won't eat or even go to the toilet. Have any of you seen a similar case? Do you have any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help.
