Why is my old dog suddenly losing use of one side and falling over?

Poor girl. The fact that she is wobbly and running into things, means that this is likely neurological. I would definitely have her seen by your vet right away for a thorough examination and brief neuro exam to see if we can find the underlying cause for this. One common cause for these types of sudden neurological symptoms in older dogs is vestibular disease, which can be caused by an inner ear infection, a brain tumor, or idiopathic (no underlying cause found). Idiopathic vestibular disease is the most common one we see and typically can improve on its own within a few weeks time with supportive care through your vet. I hope that things work out well for your pet Molly moving forward. Best wishes and take care!

What you are describing sounds like it may be seizure. This can happen at any age from getting into something or having a change in their nervous system or brain. At her age, it is safest to have her checked by a vet to make sure there are metabolic reasons this was started. If it is a seizure then there is medicine they can start to help prevent further ones and control it

That sounds concerning for a neurological issue with Mollie although in an older pet, arthritis can also affect how a pet walks. Neurological disease can be an issue by it's self but can also be caused by liver disease, toxins or electrolyte imbalances. I would recommend to take Mollie into a vet as soon as you can for an exam and likely bloodwork. Sometimes it can can be vestibular disease which resolves on it's own. Best to get her checked out. Best of luck!

Sorry to hear that Kobie isn't feeling right. In the picture, it also looks like he might have a left sided head tilt. Coupled with the other clinical signs you are listing, the basis of the condition may very well be neurologic rather than a primary orthopedic condition. I would have him seen by a veterinarian soon so that he can have a thorough neurologic exam. Depending on the results, the vet may be able to isolate and localize the condition to a certain part of the body and be better suited to direct therapy and diagnostics. In all likelihood, diagnostics are going to be required including blood work and imaging in order to make some headway in a diagnosis of the problem.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The falling/lethargy episode you described may have been a seizure. This may be due to toxin ingestion or epilepsy, which does occur occasionally in older dogs. Head shaking may be related or unrelated as an ear infection. I recommend having Sami seen by her vet who can perform bloodwork and x-rays and prescribe anticonvulsant medications if the seizures continue. I recommend bringing a video of the episode if you are able to, as his will be really helpful in determining if the episode was truly a seizure. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sobe. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. He may have suffered a seizure. He could also have a disease such as intervertebral disc disease that is placing pressure on his spine cord. Regardless, his symptoms are serious and require veterinary care. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hunter. I recommend seeking emergency veterinary care for him. Strokes are actually very rare in dogs, but can happen. More commonly, dogs will experience vestibular disease. This is a problem with balance that will result in nystagmus (eyes twitching back and forth), a head tilt, walking in circles, stumbling and falling down. This can be caused by an inner ear infection, hormonal disease or a brain tumor, but is usually idiopathic meaning there is not identifiable cause. This is referred to as Old Dog Vestibular disease. This is usually a condition that can be treated and the dog will do well. If this is not the case, he could be experiencing a toxin exposure, trauma or an infection. It is important to have him evaluated so that treatment can be started. I hope this information helps!