Sudden Attack of the Wobbles?

[QueenScarlett]

Hi there.

 

Today while at the park my oldest dog at almost 12 years old started to 'limp'. Her head was tilted to the side as she was holding up her opposite front foot as she ran. 

Naturally I went to check her right front foot, thinking she might of injured the foot.

I found a bur, but she continued to walk funny with her head to the side so I started freaking out. I stopped her and took of her harness and checked her body all of her feet. By this time she had lost her balance and had laid down on her side while I checked. I couldn't find anything on her, so I let her get up and try to walk. She was walking in that high stepping/unbalanced way (Similar to the way Wobblers Disease looks) for a minute or so and then all of a sudden it was over. She was walking and running normally again.

I've been monitoring her for hours after and she seems completely fine.

I'm not sure what to make of it, it scared me and I'm worried it'll happen again.

 

(Other info: She has a heart murmur and is on daily meds for it)

[Rebanne]

could have been a mild seizure. I'd suggest a vet visit and if it happens again before you get to the vet try and video it.

 

[Deeds]

It could be this https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vestibular-disease-in-dogs

[jemappelle]

My old cattle dog did something similar.  By the time we got to the vet she was fine.  The vet thought it was a neurological incident and possibly geriatric vestibular disease.

[QueenScarlett]

7 hours ago, Deeds said:

It could be this https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vestibular-disease-in-dogs

This pretty much explains the incident, thankyou for linking that. 

I'll keep an eye on her and if she has another attack I'll take her straight to the vet. And possibly video it if I can manage it

[sandgrubber]

Vestibular disease sounds like Meniere's disease in humans (my mother had it). 

[PossumCorner]

Rheneas had vestibular about 2 years ago, the vet saved him, he was 14, very touch-and-go for a while there.  (He is now 16ish and coping, just).  It does need treatment - pain and nausea management, antibiotic for probable ear infection and fluids because being unable to control standing, walking, bending to drink they are dangerously dehydrated.  I think the fluids saved Rheneas, other treatments kept him going.

 

  @sandgrubber I have severe vertigo attacks, apparently just about everyone carries the mostly dormant virus, and it kicks in at times of stress when the immune system isn't at its best.  It is a rotten debilitating thing, no real treatment beyond nausea management and wait it out - 2-3 days or up to 6 weeks.   And for sure does have a lot in common with vestibular so far as symptoms.

[MiraBounty]

Even if you think you have it all figured out, take her to the vet still. Explain what happened in detail as the specialist might have more intel and it could be something more serious, especially at her age. Better be careful than regret it later.