13 yr old collie cross stumbling
Discussion
My 13 year old dog Beth has started to occasionally stumble or fall recently. I noticed a very slight change in her a few weeks ago and have been watching her ever since. She was in at the vet for something unrelated a few days ago, I mentioned it, and was just told to monitor it. I've done that and think it's getting worse. I'm wondering about Vestibular disease, my wife thinks Beth's more likely to stumble after she shakes the head, but I haven't seen a connection so far.
She slipped in the garden today and was limping briefly, although that seems to have righted itself now. It couldn't really be coming to a head at a worse time, I'm supposed to be away for 10 days from tomorrow, something that was planned to help get over the death and subsequent burial of my oldest friend on Friday last week. However, I'm right on the edge of cancelling this now, as I'm too wound up about Beth to want to go.
My other half is staying behind for a week, but joining me for the last few days, at which point her family will be here to look after Beth. It's not ideal.
She slipped in the garden today and was limping briefly, although that seems to have righted itself now. It couldn't really be coming to a head at a worse time, I'm supposed to be away for 10 days from tomorrow, something that was planned to help get over the death and subsequent burial of my oldest friend on Friday last week. However, I'm right on the edge of cancelling this now, as I'm too wound up about Beth to want to go.
My other half is staying behind for a week, but joining me for the last few days, at which point her family will be here to look after Beth. It's not ideal.
Sorry to hear about Beth and the loss of your friend 
Have you noticed her eyes flicking or anything like that? One of my elderly dogs had a vestibular 'event' years ago and her eyes flicked from side to side and she had a head tilt. I took her to the vet and she was put on medication - sorry, can't remember what.
The other thing that springs to mind with what your wife says is an ear infection, which could affect her balance?
Have you noticed her eyes flicking or anything like that? One of my elderly dogs had a vestibular 'event' years ago and her eyes flicked from side to side and she had a head tilt. I took her to the vet and she was put on medication - sorry, can't remember what.
The other thing that springs to mind with what your wife says is an ear infection, which could affect her balance?
Thanks for the reply. I haven't seen anything like you describe so far, but I'm open to any and all suggestions. I obviously can't be sure how far we are into whatever this is, but I hate seeing her suffer and it's making me ill thinking about having to go away. Rationally, I know a few days won't make much difference, but being rational takes a bit of a back seat at times like this.
Realistically I have to go. I've told my wife in no uncertain terms that I'll want a heads up if she deteriorates so I can get back. Just to compound things, I live in a town house, so lots of stairs for Beth to have to negotiate. I don't have a problem carrying her if that's what's needed, but Claire will struggle with that.
Realistically I have to go. I've told my wife in no uncertain terms that I'll want a heads up if she deteriorates so I can get back. Just to compound things, I live in a town house, so lots of stairs for Beth to have to negotiate. I don't have a problem carrying her if that's what's needed, but Claire will struggle with that.
My 14 yo chocolate Labrador has been doing this for the last 6 months. The best way that I can describe it is that her brain is sending move messages that not all of her limbs can respond to in time. She also has a “distant”, glazed look of bewilderment, which can only be described as a bit of doggie dementia. “Who am I? How did I get here?”
Talked to the vet and conclusion is that she is an old, loveable dog.
She is in no distress and appears to enjoy passing each day quietly with the occasional walk.
I hope your pooch can continue in otherwise good health for a long time still.
Talked to the vet and conclusion is that she is an old, loveable dog.
She is in no distress and appears to enjoy passing each day quietly with the occasional walk.
I hope your pooch can continue in otherwise good health for a long time still.
garythesign said:
Sorry tomread what you are going through at the moment.
My old cocker had doggy dementia and it sounds like yours is at the early stages.
No advice but wish you all the best
Thanks, I think I'll just have to grit my teeth and see how / if it develops, and act on it when I know more. I think this will be the last time I go anywhere without her, just can't relax.My old cocker had doggy dementia and it sounds like yours is at the early stages.
No advice but wish you all the best
Stuart70 said:
My 14 yo chocolate Labrador has been doing this for the last 6 months. The best way that I can describe it is that her brain is sending move messages that not all of her limbs can respond to in time. She also has a “distant”, glazed look of bewilderment, which can only be described as a bit of doggie dementia. “Who am I? How did I get here?”
Talked to the vet and conclusion is that she is an old, loveable dog.
She is in no distress and appears to enjoy passing each day quietly with the occasional walk.
I hope your pooch can continue in otherwise good health for a long time still.
Thanks, I don't think it's got that far yet, but some insight into what I might need to expect can only help. I hope yours continues to be happy, sometimes it's all you can ask for.Talked to the vet and conclusion is that she is an old, loveable dog.
She is in no distress and appears to enjoy passing each day quietly with the occasional walk.
I hope your pooch can continue in otherwise good health for a long time still.
Is this front or back leg stumbling.
My 16 Yr old staffy started with the back legs, and it slowly became worse, until he had to let her go, turned out to be a spinal tumour.
Hope yours is something less drastic, but old dogs will soldier on if they can, it's the hardest part of being an owner.
My 16 Yr old staffy started with the back legs, and it slowly became worse, until he had to let her go, turned out to be a spinal tumour.
Hope yours is something less drastic, but old dogs will soldier on if they can, it's the hardest part of being an owner.
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff