My dog is acting somewhat disoriented and lethargic, out of character for him. Came home after work to find him like this. Nose is dry and pupils look large but same on both eyes. Wants me to carry him and did pee outside. Is Poodle/terrier mix, 11 years young. Is in general good health and all shots up to date. Does have history of 2 seizures that I knowof. Hit his head on concrete structure while chasing his ball 5 years ago, first seizure then.Another while just chasing ball in hallway. Both times had medical ck up after. Eating leaves to relieve stomach issues, ongoing issue. Any advice?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Dog Gender: Male Age: 11 years Name of Animal: Scooter Already Tried: Just keeping him calm, seems sleepy and not able to focus.
Welcome! I would be happy to assist you. I am a 2003 graduate from UC Davis and a Medical Director of a veterinarian practice.Hello, I am sorry to hear about this concern.The problem is that there are certainly obvious symptoms to suggest something systemically (internally) has changed, but not enough to indicate problems like pain, or stomach/intestinal distress, etc...But, the pupil change and lethargy, is more than enough at this age, to easily warrant a veterinary examination. The disorientation and not able to focus is the clue!What you are describing sounds consistent with possible vestibular disease. The most common symptoms can occur in any combination and include: head tilting, walking in circles, vomiting, fast eye movements back and forth (nystagmus) or the eyes pinned to one direction (strabismus), and/or drunk-like walkingVestibular Disease in DogsVestibular disaese, in general, can be caused by:1. Central disease which includes anything within the brain2. Peripheral disease which includes problems outside the brain like inner ear infections, toxin exposure, organ problems3. Old Dog Vestibular Disease. No known cause found on any tests and possibly attributed to having a stroke.Definitely, I consider this actually worth an emergency vet visit, and iniial testing definitely needs to include a blood profile that can help to look at many of the possible peripheral disease causes. Good LuckDr. Andy Please remember to leave feedback by selecting a SMILEY FACE followed by “Submit”. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message. This is necessary, so I may receive credit from the website for my response, even if you are a subscribing member. Receiving bonuses is also greatly welcomed. This is meant to be a chat, and for this reason, it is very important that you respond using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed BEFORE rating. Only rate my answer when you are finished replying. IF you feel the need to rate "bad" or "poor", please stop and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button. I would be happy to continue assisting further, and do everything I can to be of the greatest assistance. After we conclude this chat, I can be requested for additional questions through my profile. Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites at: Dr. Andy REMEMBER: Even after you submit feedback, you can still review our discussion or reply if needed. Unfortunately, I cannot legally prescribe medications or offer a definitive diagnosis without performing a physical examination, which is necessary to establish a client-patient-doctor relationship. Any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet.
What you describe in vestibular disease is consistent with what I am seeing present in my dog. He had blood work up the last time these symptoms were present and the same as now. These showed nothing
significant and that was only a couple of months ago. I will take him in tomorrow am. Is that what you would suggest? Any other info? thanks,
he is my best friend ever and I want the best care for him. Anything else I should be doing until tomorrow?
Hello, Yes.Of course, I can't assess the severity of his condition so I must suggest an ER trip now and not tomorrow. I am sure you understand I have to answer that way.Some of these pets are disoriented and can benefit from motion sickness medication. To help with nausea and motion sickness, many vets will recommend giving Meclizine:Meclizineor DramamineA wonderful medication for motion sickness AND nausea, is Cerenia (a once a day medication):CereniaPlease remember to provide a feedback rating. Much appreciated. Dr. Andy Please remember to leave feedback by selecting a SMILEY FACE followed by “Submit”. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message. This is necessary, so I may receive credit from the website for my response, even if you are a subscribing member. Receiving bonuses is also greatly welcomed. This is meant to be a chat, and for this reason, it is very important that you respond using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed BEFORE rating. Only rate my answer when you are finished replying. IF you feel the need to rate "bad" or "poor", please stop and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button. I would be happy to continue assisting further, and do everything I can to be of the greatest assistance. After we conclude this chat, I can be requested for additional questions through my profile. Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites at: Dr. Andy REMEMBER: Even after you submit feedback, you can still review our discussion or reply if needed. Unfortunately, I cannot legally prescribe medications or offer a definitive diagnosis without performing a physical examination, which is necessary to establish a client-patient-doctor relationship. Any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet.
Just lethargic but able to walk outside a bit in his usual manner. Then he just wanted to lie down. He did jump up as usual when I clapped to smash
a bug, as usual! Seems he forgot he was not feeling himself. Is not severe,
just alarming enuff for me to be concerned. I am pretty sensitive to him and his every day demenor. I am a massage therapist by trade. He is resting but does not want to eat wet food as normal but seems able to walk but would rather stay resting. Is not as profound as the last time with the drunk walking and fixed stare. thanks for asuring me at such a late hr. Last visit to ER said he seemed ok and to watch him. What should I be super concerned about in terms of symptoms that should be have me rushing to the ER? Thanks Doc!
Emergency:If you observe any of the following, you'll want to get into a ER veterinarian for better supportive care:- persistent vomiting or trying to vomit- bad diarrhea or bloody diarrhea- poor appetite that persists- excessive panting to suggest nausea or pain- bloated belly appearance or a tense belly- Inability to walk or stand up- walking drunk like- eyes moving back and forth repeatedly (nystagmus)- eyes pinned to one direction (strabismus)Good LuckDr. Andy Please remember to leave feedback by selecting a SMILEY FACE followed by “Submit”. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message. This is necessary, so I may receive credit from the website for my response, even if you are a subscribing member. Receiving bonuses is also greatly welcomed. This is meant to be a chat, and for this reason, it is very important that you respond using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed BEFORE rating. Only rate my answer when you are finished replying. IF you feel the need to rate "bad" or "poor", please stop and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button. I would be happy to continue assisting further, and do everything I can to be of the greatest assistance. After we conclude this chat, I can be requested for additional questions through my profile. Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites at: Dr. Andy REMEMBER: Even after you submit feedback, you can still review our discussion or reply if needed. Unfortunately, I cannot legally prescribe medications or offer a definitive diagnosis without performing a physical examination, which is necessary to establish a client-patient-doctor relationship. Any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet.
Experience: 2003 UC Davis Veterinary Grad