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My Shih Tzu puppy can't stand, is paralyzed. What's wrong with him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 21 days old | 15 lbs

I have a Shih Tzu puppy that is not even a year old yet that seems to be paralysed favoring one side can not get up he still drinking water but cannot eat he will roll over and over but cannot stand I don't know what is wrong

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on September 2nd, 2018

Oh dear! I'm afraid this sounds like a serious problem. If Oreo seems paralyzed on one side, cannot stand up, and is not eating, he needs to be taken to an emergency clinic right away to be seen. He may have sustained some type of head trauma or ingested something toxic, or may have a serious neurologic disease such as meningitis or encephalomyelitis.

The ER veterinarian can do a complete neurologic exam to help determine what is causing his symptoms, and may also recommend blood work or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem so he can be started on appropriate treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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