Loss of Balance/Twitching with My Dog?

Ms. I · #1 02-22-2013, 01:57 AM

Hi guys. My Boston Terrier is about a wk from being 8 yrs old & has always been in excellent health. Out of the blue tonight, without any warning signs, he's walking around the house & at times, seems to slightly lose his balance. It seems that one of his hind legs twitches at times for several seconds, but I notice his face kind of doing it too. Then, his body will kind of be motionless & that's when he loses balance. I've NEVER seen him act like this before. He's not very active in general, didn't eat anything funny that I know of. I've been observing him now for 15 min.

I'm almost in tears watching him because I don't know what's wrong!

Can anyone give any input? Thanks a lot!

bison · #2 02-22-2013, 02:03 AM

I would take him to the vet first thing in the morning. This happened to my dog in his later years, and the vet thought he probably had a stroke and suffered some brain damage. I'm sure your dog will be fine, but it doesn't sound like something to mess around with. Could be anything from an allergic reaction to a seizure to who knows what. Hope he feels better!

smalltowngal · #3 02-22-2013, 07:54 AM

I would definitely take him to the vet, just to make sure of what is going on. You'll feel better knowing what's going on.

Caesar753 · #4 02-22-2013, 08:03 AM

Yep, you need to go to the vet.

legoac · #5 02-22-2013, 08:05 AM

Definitely take him to the vet ASAP, always better to be safe than sorry.

MrsC · #6 02-22-2013, 09:32 AM

How is he today, Ms. I?

Ms. I · #7 02-22-2013, 10:09 AM

Thanks for your comments guys. I've already started documenting his behavior.

MrsC, this morning, he seemed OK so far. No loss of balance yet really. He's been sleeping now again for the last hour in his bed, like he always does. OK, just got up & his footing seems a little unsure. I have to see if he's drinking more water than usual or not.

I've told my mom about what he did, so I'll see what she thinks too.

I have today off from work, but I have a 1/2 day training to attend.

Caesar753 · #8 02-22-2013, 10:15 AM

If it's a stroke, neurological problem, or a seizure, the sooner you get him to the vet, the better.

teacherintexas · #9 02-22-2013, 06:21 PM

I hope he is ok.

I agree with everyone else. Get him to the vet, if only to rule out a stroke or seizure.

Ms. I · #10 02-22-2013, 08:05 PM

When I told my mom, she said she'll take him to the vet while I'm at my training. The earliest appt she could get was 3:30, so I had just enough time to meet her at my apt where she could get him & keep him at her house until leaving for the appt. Then, I'll pick him up after my training.

It turns out my mom didn't tk him to the vet. She said he was fine, running & jumping around & she had even taken him for a walk. She called the vet & asked if I could bring him in tomorrow IF I see more symptoms. He's been fine just about all day today.

Hmm, thanks for the comments guys. I hope this was all it was.