Why is my dog walking sideways. To start off i'm new here and didn't even know that this forum existed but am totally happy that it does. :) So I was wondering if anyone had a possible explanation as to why my dog is walking sideways. He is a 3 year old minature Yorkie and weighs between 2 1/2 and 3 pounds. For the last few days he has been walking sideways with his head down he also looses his balance whenever he tries to jump onto the furniture. We thought he walking funny because his nails were too long so we trimmed them, but he is still walking the same way. His personality is also beggining to change and he is not as playful. So if anyone has a possible reason as to why this is happening that would be very helpful and very much appreciated. Thanks! :) |
It is possible he is very sick. The symptoms you describe sound like liver shunt. You need to schedule a bile acid test to determine how his liver is functioning. The results will indicate whether additional testing is necessary. Portosystemic Shunts FAQ |
Unfortunately, disorientation and lethargy can be signs of some pretty severe medical issues, including liver shunt. I've have him checked by a vet as soon as you can. |
Actually, my cat had the SAME symptoms. The vet determined she had had a stroke. I don't know if it could be the same thing with your baby. But she had her head down, walked sideways, and occasionally fell over. (My cat is very small for 14yrs old. Only 6lbs.) She eventually healed, but now she no longer meows. The vet said it's a side effect. She opens her mouth, but no sound ever comes out. This was almost 5-6yrs ago but she's healthy as can be now. But I would get your baby to a vet ASAP. Liver shunt is becoming more and more common in yorkie pups and others (with much more experience than me) are saying this may be a symptom of that too. Best of luck... |
Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined so that would be my first guess. He needs to have a bile acids test: PSVA and MVD Research Summary |
I would definitely get your yorkie to a vet soon. Those are neurological symptoms and definitely not normal so something is going on. He needs a neurological exam and bloodwork done, including a pre & post meal bile acid test. How long ago did you cat show these symptoms? Is it possible they could have been exposed to some kind of toxic substance? What do your yorkie's gums look like? Are they pink, yellow, pale pink, white?? Is he a picky eater or ever have vomitting or diarrhea? Has he ever had a urinary tract infection, bloody urine, or crystals or bladder stones? With him being so small and being a yorkie, one thing I would suspect is a liver shunt or hepatic microvascular dysplasia. A bile acid test and blood chemistry should give you more information on how the liver is doing. Another thing it could be is something neurological. I know of a couple people with small yorkies that had atlanto-axial subluxation that put pressure on the spinal cord and caused neurological symptoms similar to what you are describing as well. And it's possible that there could be another neurological problem going on. |
The cat only showed these symptoms for a few days. We took her to the vet at the first sign of it. And then I think she only had those issues for maybe 2 days after... |
I agree. He needs a bile acids test. If that comes back normal, you may need to see a neurologist. |
go get a bile acid test!!!! i know oh too well these signs and the importance of detecting ANY health issue before it is too late. especially liver shunt. |
just looking for update? did you take him to the vet? |
Hi everyone. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. I've just been very busy. I did take my Yorkie to the Vet but they were unable to find what was wrong with him, they did however rule out liver shunt. He is still walking the same way but doesn't appear to be in any pain as of now. He has also gained his personality back and is acting as he normally would. The vet told us that he may possibly have a displaced hip because he is only 3 pounds and likes to jump alot. We have another appointment for him next week at an animal clinic in Orange County that deals with both orthopedic and a neurological problems. I will keep everyone updated as soon as I learn more. Thank you all for you responses.:) |
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I would also be concerned about it being Antlantoaxial Instability (which is very, very serious) |
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Take it to the vet it sounds like a liver shunt. We just went did this with Chance. She didn't want to play either. Does you baby drink alot of water? |
Hope your baby is ok. Its so sad to hear things like this. |
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