Equilibrium Problems...?

[buffbuttercup]

hi all, my going on 15 yr old catahoula cross has been a little wobbly. the last few days it has become apparent she is having some troubles with her balance, seems to be on the right side which leads me to believe it's ear-related. she fell down while running the other day and we thought she just tripped, because she gets pretty goofy and excited when dana comes to visit, but i have been noticing that it wasn't just a fluke or an accident. does anyone care to comment on what they think it could be? ear infection? neurological? she is acting fine otherwise, eating, drinking, - well she never has been much of an eater, sometimes she goes for days without eating. freakin' weirdo. any thoughts? i'm a 'wait and see' kinda girl.
thanx

miss bella, catahoula/border collie

 

[thebritt]

Older dogs can commonly aquire "vestibular syndrome", aka "vestibular disease". You might want to look it up. We've been through this with a couple of our older dogs - sometimes you'll look into the dog's eyes and they move back and forth, as if on a merry-go round and trying to focus on something. It can be hard to watch - you know they don't understand what's going on. Sometimes a vet will prescribe anti-dizziness meds. Hope all goes well. One of my dogs showed these symptoms on and off for about 2 years, so it's hard to tell if your dog is close to "the end" or just needs some meds.

 

[buffbuttercup]

thanx, britt, i hope it's not a big deal. she isn't exhibiting the 'merry go round' symptoms, thankfully. possible just an ear infection? got a recommendation for a good vet - haven't found one i like since moving from california. will try them out if this persists. she has been the picture of health her whole life save for energy related injuries. i get nervous since they're so old - i have her brother with me as well.
anyways, just wanted to say thanx for the speedy reply.

 

[sourland]

Possibly an inner ear problem or small stroke. Look into her eyes. If there is a slight side to side jerking (nystagmus), she has probably had a stroke. I'm a wait and see kind of guy about a lot of things, but this probably needs a vet's attention depending on level of severity.

 

[buffbuttercup]

the eyes are tracking and still. doesn't seem to have trouble until she gets moving pretty fast. am watching her closely. will update with progress/decline /. on a positive note, i just had a sweet snuggle fest with my BR cockerel