My 14-year-old Labrador is stumbling and falling. What's wrong?

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are several things this could be including: degenerative myelopethy (usually a gradual onset), a blood or cartilage clot in the spine, or a spinal disk problem. We cannot rule our cancer either, unfortunately. I’d recommend getting in to your vet (tomorrow ideally) as a good physical exam and further questioning can narrow this list down dramatically in some cases. Best wishes to you and Phoebe!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on your description, it is difficult to say for sure what the cause is. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would start by having her blood tested and have abdominal x-rays taken as well. I hope this helps!

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.

Poor Boo sounds like she is in pain! Hip dysplasia is common in large breed dogs like Labs, and it could cause her difficult standing up. I would have her seen by a vet in the morning for a lameness exam and x-rays. These tests will help identify what is causing her problems getting how up and how best to treat it. The vet may prescribe her pain medications if they feel it's needed. Please do not give Boo any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Poor Milly! That is very concerning. I would recommend taking her in for an examination by a veterinarian. Falling can be a sign of cardiac disease or neurological disease. Sometimes it can be something like Old Dog Vestibular disease which causes severe neurological signs like circling, nystagmus (eyes bouncing back and forth) head tilt and falling over. This condition usually self resolves, but needs a veterinarian exam to differentiate from a more serious condition. Sometimes it can be a heart problem which is causing poor circulation which would require medications. A veterinarian will do an exam to localize the problem to a system and then blood work . Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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!