Why is my senior dog suddenly acting strange and disoriented?

I’m wondering if you’re dog might be showing signs of a neurologic problem. I would recommend checking in with the vet who performed an exam when the blood work was checked to see what they would recommend as the next step. Referral to a neurologist might be recommended, or they may have another thought as to what is causing these signs.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I am sorry to hear that Whitey is not feeling well. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. She may be quite ill with these symptoms. I would recommend having her blood tested and having abdominal x-rays taken. I hope this helps and that Whitey gets better soon. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that Luna is having this issue. I suggest you get her to a vet as soon as possible for an exam and treatment. This sounds very serious. I don't know exactly what is going on with her but it sounds neurological - maybe a form of epilepsy or a brain lesion. Could also be due to a toxicity or a problem with her eyes. I strongly suggest you get her an exam as sion as you can.

Yes, that could be possible. Dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction, which is essentially dementia in dogs. This can cause behavior changes. Being sick can also lead Nelson to act aggressively because he feels so badly. I'd have him seen by a vet first thing in the morning for a health check. If he does have canine cognitive dysfunction, it can be managed with diet and medication. I hope this helps!

Large breed dogs rarely live to be 12 years or older. Even if his blood testing (senior panel) is normal that doesn't mean everything is OK with him. Blood testing is not the only diagnostic tool we have to tell if an animal is healthy. It's a good place to start but it is not the end all, be all. I suggest you have some x-rays done of his chest and his abdomen. He may arthritis in his spine or other joints that is making him crabby. He may be showing signs of congnitive dysfunction (dementia). There are medications that may help him depending on what is going on. The first thing is ruling out medical issues (like arthritis, a tumor in the abdomen, an enlarged heart, etc). If nothing obvious is found then it is likely dementia and again, medications are available that may help him.

The signs that you describe with Cleo really worry me about something going on in her brain, such as a tumor. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Take some videos of her behavior to show your veterinarian as well. Less likely but an inner ear infection may cause similar symptoms. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

I would recommend that Blaiser be examined by a vet. The symptoms you have mentioned could certainly be behavioral (sudden accidents in the house, only eating when you are near), but the wobbly appearance could indicate an internal medical illness, cancer, or neurologic disease. After a thorough physical exam, the vet may perform a neurologic exam to pick up on any subtle neurologic deficiencies. The vet may also recommend bloodwork to look for anemia, infection, liver or kidney disease, or electrolyte imbalances, all of which could cause symptoms such as you have described.