Why did my 12-year-old Lab suddenly collapse and stop moving?

Sounds like he may have lost his footing and then knocked himself cold (similar to when athletes get the wind knocked out of them after being hit) . Or he may have even had a brief episode of syncope (brief passing out episode due to an underlying heart condition). A silent seizure is also a possibility here. I would monitor him for now if he seems to have fully recovered and record any future events so that you can show your vet and get clarification on what may have caused this. I hope that Brownie continues to recover and do well. Best case scenario is that he got the wind knocked out of him, which in turn scared him. Best wishes moving forward! Take care.

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with your pet. There are any number of medical reasons that might explain this, but the most likely would be a seizure (not all are classic grand mal), or a heart issue. The best way to determine the cause is to let your veterinarian do a full exam & blood work to rule out any metabolic or otherwise obvious reasons for the episode. Then, if any treatments or medications are indicated, your veterinarian can discuss all options with you. Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry Buddy isn't doing well at the moment! He is a senior large breed dogs, and musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis are common in these dogs. Those would both cause him trouble walking. He could also have a problem with his back. Even though it doesn't appear he is in pain, dogs are very stoic and this will be painful for him. I would have him seen today by a vet for a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays. This test will help the vet diagnose what is causing his symptoms so he can be treated. He may benefit from pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

I'm sorry Jay is having trouble walking! In a senior lab, common causes of difficulty walking include arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint problems. My recommendation is to have Jay seen by a vet in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing his difficulty walking, and can discuss treatment with you. He may benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

It sounds like Ingmar could have a serious health issue related to heart disease, seizures, or toxin exposure. I strongly recommend you have him examined by a veterinarian right away as some of these issues can be life threatening. Your veterinarian can assess Ingmar for a heart murmur and take X-rays to determine if emergency heart medication is needed. If seizures are suspected, then medication may be needed to prevent them in the future. Blood work should also be done to ensure no organ issues are present. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Ingmar makes a full recovery!

I'm concerned that Gilby's issue may be more related to a possible heart condition or other health problem rather than being caused by the collision with the lab. It sounds like he may have been having a series of syncopal episodes. Its also possible that this was seizure activity that you were seeing. Take Gilby to your vet to be evaluated. If he's still doing fine its not super urgent.... you don't need to rush to an ER... however, make an appointment if at all possible in the next couple of days. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This sounds like a neck injury or caused by a bulging intervertebral disc. It also could be from cancer causing these neurological symptoms. I recommend a neurological exam, medication and the use of a harness so you are able to assist him to stand. Once they have a diagnosis you can take him to a rehab veterinarian who can help him get back on his feet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Oska.