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my dog walks as if he's drunk at times. he hasn't been injured. if he hears a noise, he runs and jumps on top of the end table without any trouble. he's 9yrs old and is a poodle mix. 20lbs. i hate to run all kind of expensive tests when his outcome isn't good. he's the same other than the way he walks, it started with his back legs and it seems to be spredding to his front. some kind of neurological problem. he doesn't seem to be in any pain. we can touch him all over without him minding. he doesn't shake his head as if he has an ear infection.

Submitted: 17 days and 18 hours ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 9

Already Tried:
nothing. he's eating and going to the bathroom. he doesn't seem to be in any pain although he kind of snapped at me which he never does. he's not agressive at all. sometimes he looks as if he's lost

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Older dogs are more prone to develop a neurological condition called vestibular disease, which adversely affects their balance/equilibrium. Depending upon the cause of vestibular disease, sometimes it just runs it's course and the dog will recover; other times, it may need treatment by the vet.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/vestibular-disease-in-dogs/page1.aspx

If your dog has also showed some uncharacteristic aggression, recently, and seems 'lost' at times, he may be experiencing a condition common in older dogs, called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is similar to dementia/senility in aged humans.

http://www.cdsindogs.com/

Weakened hind legs can often be attributed to canine diabetes and a condition called diabetic neuropathy.

http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/diabetes-mellitus.html

There's no doubt that it would be a good idea to have your dog assessed in person by his vet, and a routine senior blood panel performed. This is not terribly expensive, and will let you know his current health status.

I hope all will be well with your furry boy!

Cher

Accepts:
Expert:	Cher
Pos. Feedback:	99.5 %
Answered:	11/5/2009

Dog Caregiver--Extensive Experience

Extensive Experience Caring for Canines; Specializing in behavior and health concerns.

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Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 9

Already Tried:
nothing. he's eating and going to the bathroom. he doesn't seem to be in any pain although he kind of snapped at me which he never does. he's not agressive at all. sometimes he looks as if he's lost

Accepted Answer

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Pet's Sex: MalePet's Age: 9 Already Tried: nothing. he's eating and going to the bathroom. he doesn't seem to be in any pain although he kind of snapped at me which he never does. he's not agressive at all. sometimes he looks as if he's lost

Accepted Answer

Related Dog Questions

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 9

Already Tried:
nothing. he's eating and going to the bathroom. he doesn't seem to be in any pain although he kind of snapped at me which he never does. he's not agressive at all. sometimes he looks as if he's lost