He was fine a couple of hours ago. I noticed about half an hour ago his head is slightly tilted to left but it doesn't seem like he has any dizziness. It's about 2 o'clock in the morning in my country and I'm home alone without a car so I cannot take him to a vet at the moment so a quick answer will help a lot. Thank you very much. By the way he is a Yorkshire terrier and 13 years old.
2006-07-19 11:13:37 · 6 answers · asked by yorkican 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ear infection is most likely, but at his age it could be a small stroke. Get him to the vet when you can. If it's a severe stroke (major bleeding in his brain), there is nothing any vet can do for him anyway. It can wait until morning. Good luck to you both.
2006-07-19 20:34:12 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be a neurological problem. You can try and touch his head where it's tilting and see how he responds; if he seems to be in pain. It could be a mild stroke. Check to see if his breathing sounds normal, look at his pupils to see if they are dilated (easier to do if he has lighter eyes). Note whimpering or other noises like wheezing. Also keep your eye on his gait. See if he begins to walk awkwardly. Take mental note of it for the vet.
Then call up a couple of animal hospitals because one of them may be open, even at this time. And you can describe the symptoms over the phone to them. If this is stroke, you will need to get him care immediately, as strokes can worsen with time if left untreated.
If that doesn't work and you have medical insurance, call your hospital and ask to speak with one of the doctors or nurses on call. Best of luck to you and your companion.
Added: Rag is correct. It could also be an ear infection. For example, bilateral otitus media would cause the dog to be disoriented, which could trigger him to tilt his head. Extreme unilateral tinitus is another possibility.
2006-07-19 18:16:59 · answer #2 · answered by Rewsna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A.Check the ear for ear mits(causes head tilting because of the noise the little bugs make, you can buy meds at pet store) B. Smell the ear, if there is a foul smell coming from the ear, prolly has an ear infection. you might be able to buy the med for infection at pet store, but its dif. at the vet.
2006-07-19 18:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by lala 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a tilted head may indicate that your dog has had a stroke. At his age..this is definitely a possibility. Get him to a vet as soon as you can.
2006-07-19 18:17:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
besides stroke could also be an ear infection or vestibular disease (which can also cause dizzyness).
The vestibular will go away (eventually) on its own but the ear infection will ned antibiotics and the stroke may call for meds too. get to the vet when you can since only he can sort this out.
2006-07-19 18:23:27 · answer #5 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is their an emergency vet that you can call? In my city we have a 24 hour emergency vet clinic. If you do, please call them ASAP. I am not a vet, just a dog lover, but it sounds like a possible stroke. http://www.pethealthcare.co.uk/dogs/welldogclinic/oaps_stroke.asp
I hope your dog is feeling better.
2006-07-19 18:19:50 · answer #6 · answered by Josie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋