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Why is my dog leaning, head tilted, and yelping? What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pekingese | Male | 9 years and 9 months old | 22.5 lbs

Dog is leaning to the right side head tilted same way with mouth open and tongue out and is yelping at times. Took him to the vet but they do not know what is causing him to do that. They said his white blood cells were elevated and gave him antibiotics and some pain meds. What else could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 31st, 2017

Poor guy. He could have a condition called vestibular disease. This is a debilitating condition that resembles vertigo in people. It can have underlying causes such as a brain tumor, inner ear infection or most commonly it can be idiopathic (no underlying cause at all). I would recommend going to a different vet for a second opinion and physical exam. Vestibular disease is usually self limiting (improves on its own) over the course of 2 weeks, but you can get medicaiton prescribed by your vet to help with Buster’s motion sickness and nausea. Cerenia works well for this, and so does some over the counters that you can ask your vet about. Also a high white blood cell count in absence of a high rectal temperature indicates there is only inflammation and not an actual infection.

I hope this was helpful and I hope your pet Buster feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

Vestibular disease: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=564

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 14th, 2017
Poor Max. This does sound a bit more than just arthritis. It sounds like he may have a condition called vestibular disease. This is a neurological condition that causes a slight head tilt, a staggered gate, and dizziness. He probably is empowering because he feels and balanced and slightly off. This can also make pets a little nauseous. Talk to your veterinarian about getting him on medication to help ease his discomfort and also motion sickness medication can help him deal with these symptoms. The vet will also want to check for an inner ear infection, which can be the cause of some vestibular disease cases. I hope your for baby feels better soon!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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