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My dog has Discospondylitis. Why is he drowsy and uncoordinated?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

With a dog recently diagnosed with Discospondylitis, taking Clyndamycine (present) and Metacam (just finished) - could you expect drowsiness? Our dog's head drop's and he dozes off while sitting and sleeps a lot in general. He is also a bit un-coordinated after waking. There seems to be a pattern of good days and bad days with energy but the pain has all subsided. Does this sound normal in recovery of this disease?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2017

Hello. I am sorry to hear about your little one. With Discospondylitis, this is an infection within the spine and vertebral bodies, which is why you are on Clindamycin (an antibiotic). With this condition you should not be seeing any drowsiness. I would be concerned about the infection spreading. For the drowsiness I would have your dog into the vet. In terms of the walking, if it is just after waking up and not all day, this suggests there could be something abnormal within the brain, as is the concern for the drowsiness. If he is abnormally walking all the time I would be worried about nerve involvement at the site of the infection. From what you are describing I would be getting a recheck with your veterinarian in order to check his temperature, and they will likely recommend a blood test to look for signs of infection improving or worsening. It may be needed to add in a different antibiotic, or to perform other tests (like a CSF tap possibly, depending on what they are seeing, and send away for a culture). I hope your little one feels better soon, but I would suggest a re-visit with your vet. You always have the option of going to a specialist as well, as this is a complex condition, so if you are interested in that please discuss that with your vet and they can arrange it for you. Good luck with your pup.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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