Why is my 16-year-old dog shaking, head-shaking, and losing balance?

The symptoms you describe can be caused by a neurological condition such as a stroke, spinal cord inflammation, or a mass. It can also be due to back/neck issues or an ear infection. Certain toxins or viruses can also be to blame. It is important for Mia to be seen by a vet to determine the underlying cause and begin the appropriate treatment. There are services in many cities that provide home visits from vets, who can perform a neurological exam on Mia. In the meantime, Mia should be kept quiet and calm in case she is in pain. I hope this helps and that all is well with Mia!

Hello, It sounds like Taisie is experiencing some neurologic abnormalities. It is hard to say without physically examining her what the problem is, but some possibilities are spinal pain, a herniated disc, vestibular (inner ear) infection or disease, or a brain tumor. Any of these issues could cause drastic changes in balance and falling, but the treatment for each one would be very different. I would recommend taking Taisie into her veterinarian to be examined. They can offer you the best diagnostic and treatment plan based on their physical exam. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This could be anything from symptoms of poisoning to an ear infection or vestibular disease to a tumor or neurological condition. I recommend getting her seen by your vet as soon as possible for an exam, bloodwork, possibly x-rays, so your vet can determine the cause of Portia's balance problems and be better able to advise you on treatments.

Hello. It sounds like she may have had a mild episode of a condition called Vestibular Syndrome, an imbalance in the inner ear(s). If it has been a while since she saw a vet, it would not be a good idea to have her checked out. At this age, 2chainz is considered a senior citizen & things can begin to change. A good wellness exam & geriatric bloodwork is highly recommended to make sure she is as healthy as possible going into her "golden" years. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Since it has been happening for some time and she has recently developed new symptoms, Emma should be examined by your veterinarian. A physical exam and bloodwork (CBC, chemistry/thyroid panels, urinalysis) may diagnose metabolic or neurologic issues, especially in a senior pet. Severe, chronic ear infections may also affect balance.

This sounds like severe arthritis of the hip, it could also be a neurological problem, possibly due to some sort of intoxication. I strongly advise taking her to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.

That is very unusual. There are several things that come to mind that could cause the signs. Ingesting toxins, an inner ear infection, stroke or viral infections are all possible. Anytime a pet appears off-balance you should be concerned and I recommend to take Nigel in to see a veterinarian right away. The doctor will need to perform a few basic tests to try to figure out the cause of the imbalance. Treatment will depend on the cause. Best of luck and I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to post any additional questions.