Has this happened to your dog? *UPDATE*

[isabel]

First, I want to say that we are going to take her to the vet, so I'm not avoiding that.

Our dog is almost 12. Within the past week or so she has started stumbling a lot when going up and down steps. Today, she stumbled so badly that she kind of rolled onto her back and hit the wall. I caught her before she could slide down the steps. Most of the time, it's not that bad, but she definitely stumbles. She always pops back up and acts totally fine. She also stumbles every so often when jumping up on the couch. It seems like she's not gauging the distance/height well.

One external factor that could be a part of this is that it has been extremely cold here for the past week, so she's been going a little stir crazy. She wasn't able to go on walks because her feet get too cold. I'm wondering if this may have something to do with it, as she is really cold when she comes back inside and excited to get back upstairs and into the house.

DH thinks it could be a vision issue. Our vet has told us before that she would need glasses if she was a human and she definitely has signs of cataracts. Given that our other dog passed away from cancer this year, my head is immediately jumping to a brain tumor. 

She has had a pretty major increase in how hungry she seems within the past couple of months, but we've done multiple blood tests to look at her thyroid, cushings, etc. We also did an ultrasound to check for abdominal masses. All of those tests were negative and we've finally chalked it up to age and personality changes.

Does anyone have any experiences with similar symptoms? Ideas as to what this might be? Good or bad, I'm open to hearing people's thoughts. I want to go in with as many ideas as possible.

UPDATE:
We took her into the vet this evening. The stumbling has seriously almost stopped since the weather has been getting warmer this week. He did a lot of physical tests to check for signs of arthritis. There were definitely times where she reacted or seemed pretty stiff. He thinks the extreme cold (negative temperatures, which is unusual for us) kind of set things off. Also, she's been on a glucosamine supplement for a couple years, so he's not surprised that we haven't seen arthritis issues up until now. He gave us some rimadyl and we'll see if that helps her out.

Also, thinkofthesoldiers, I bought some of that Musher's Magic on Amazon. It looks great, so thank you!

I really appreciate all the good thoughts and advice from everyone. I am super relieved to hear that it just seems to be an arthritis thing. She is still super active and healthy, so fingers crossed that this is just a little bump in the aging process.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Is it only on steps or is she running into other things as well?

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 21:51:32 GMT -5 thinkofthesoldiers said:

Is it only on steps or is she running into other things as well?

Seems to be just steps. She doesn't stumble or anything when walking on a level surface. She's not running into walls or furniture. She did kind of trip when going down the single step from the entry into the living room the other day, so it can be really minor changes like that, an entire flight of steps, or furniture that requires her to jump.

[zoidberg]

I keep typing and deleting. I don't have anything good to say, but I really hope it is different for you than it was for us.

[buddysmom]

Have you had her joints checked recently? It could be mild arthritis or some degeneration of the muscles.... Just two options off the top of my head.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

It sounds more like vision issues, however given her age, it could be a lot of things. I hope it is NBD.

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 21:54:11 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

I keep typing and deleting. I don't have anything good to say, but I really hope it is different for you than it was for us.

Ugh. Your situation with Rowdy was basically what happened with Guapo earlier this year. But the cancer was all through his right lung. I am trying really, really hard not to let myself get freaked out. Did they do a normal xray to see his brain or was there a different scan?

buddysmom, no, we haven't. That would be worth a look. She has been on a glucosamine supplement for a couple of years now and has never acted weird about her joints like our other dog did when he was diagnosed with arthritis. I will definitely bring that up with the vet though.

[buddysmom]

Most owners don't even realize their dog has gone blind, that's how well they adapt! So, if it is vision issues - it's seriously NBD and life can carry on pretty much as normal (a few modifications of course).

Says the owner of an eye-less pup

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 22:00:29 GMT -5 buddysmom said:

Most owners don't even realize their dog has gone blind, that's how well they adapt! So, if it is vision issues - it's seriously NBD and life can carry on pretty much as normal (a few modifications of course).

Says the owner of an eye-less pup

Yeah, I really have very little concern about her going blind. She's a scent hound, so I imagine she would adapt just fine. I'm actually crossing my fingers that's what it ends up being.

[Deleted]

Have you ever tried that "test" on her where you pick up a hind foot, curl her toes under and place her foot back down on the floor ( with the toes curled under)? The normal reaction is for the dog to immediately correct the foot by placing it back flat on the floor. A dog with back/hip problems (nerve/muscle damage) will be slow to correct or won't correct at all.

My last 2 dogs had this.

[zoidberg]

Dec 10, 2013 22:00:29 GMT -5 isabel said:

Dec 10, 2013 21:54:11 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

I keep typing and deleting. I don't have anything good to say, but I really hope it is different for you than it was for us.

Ugh. Your situation with Rowdy was basically what happened with Guapo earlier this year. But the cancer was all through his right lung. I am trying really, really hard not to let myself get freaked out. Did they do a normal xray to see his brain or was there a different scan?

buddysmom, no, we haven't. That would be worth a look. She has been on a glucosamine supplement for a couple of years now and has never acted weird about her joints like our other dog did when he was diagnosed with arthritis. I will definitely bring that up with the vet though.

MRI. In his case, there was no tumor. It was just everywhere. We thought it was just age at first. His bloodwork showed nothing. Right about the same time he started stumbling he had a really bad eye infection (from a scratched cornea), so I thought it was a vision problem from the infection. Then about a week later he started acting confused, and then it was really fast.

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 22:03:01 GMT -5 @damnation said:

Have you ever tried that "test" on her where you pick up a hind foot, curl her toes under and place her foot back down on the floor ( with the toes curled under)? The normal reaction is for the dog to immediately correct the foot by placing it back flat on the floor. A dog with back/hip problems (nerve/muscle damage) will be slow to correct or won't correct at all.

My last 2 dogs had this.

Just tried it. I'm no expert, but she's seems to correct it pretty well. She almost won't really let go of her foot without putting it back the right way.

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 22:05:29 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

Dec 10, 2013 22:00:29 GMT -5 isabel said:

Ugh. Your situation with Rowdy was basically what happened with Guapo earlier this year. But the cancer was all through his right lung. I am trying really, really hard not to let myself get freaked out. Did they do a normal xray to see his brain or was there a different scan?

buddysmom, no, we haven't. That would be worth a look. She has been on a glucosamine supplement for a couple of years now and has never acted weird about her joints like our other dog did when he was diagnosed with arthritis. I will definitely bring that up with the vet though.

MRI. In his case, there was no tumor. It was just everywhere. We thought it was just age at first. His bloodwork showed nothing. Right about the same time he started stumbling he had a really bad eye infection (from a scratched cornea), so I thought it was a vision problem from the infection. Then about a week later he started acting confused, and then it was really fast.

Guapo's blood work didn't show anything either. He presented with a cough, which was diagnosed as kennel cough. Antibiotics helped a little, but then it got worse again. No other issues or concerns. Fuck. I'm scared.

[zoidberg]

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything.

I think the foot reflex test is a good sign. When we got Rowdy to the specialist, he failed that test completely. (Regular vet didn't try it and I never knew it before.)

[Deleted]

Hope it is just vision issues.

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 22:10:12 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything.

I think the foot reflex test is a good sign. When we got Rowdy to the specialist, he failed that test completely. (Regular vet didn't try it and I never knew it before.)

No, it's ok. I want to be prepared for the worst. I wasn't even close to thinking like this with our other dog and I still feel so guilty for not doing more extensive tests sooner. We thought it was no big deal. I will likely ask for an MRI when I take her in. I'd rather get the worst case scenario ruled out.

[Deleted]

Dec 10, 2013 22:05:48 GMT -5 isabel said:

Dec 10, 2013 22:03:01 GMT -5 @damnation said:

Have you ever tried that "test" on her where you pick up a hind foot, curl her toes under and place her foot back down on the floor ( with the toes curled under)? The normal reaction is for the dog to immediately correct the foot by placing it back flat on the floor. A dog with back/hip problems (nerve/muscle damage) will be slow to correct or won't correct at all.

My last 2 dogs had this.

Just tried it. I'm no expert, but she's seems to correct it pretty well. She almost won't really let go of her foot without putting it back the right way.

Yes, that's a good reaction. I hope you can find some answers soon. I know how scary it can be. Hugs to you.

[kcr1972]

I would guess vision problems. They are very common in Beagles. I know cataracts are one of the common problems.

My poor old Beagle is almost blind and runs into things and stumbles all the time. It is very sad but she is happy as can be and manages.

[darkling_glory]

From what you described, it sounds like vision problems. Dozer has cataracts and really only liked to go down stairs when they are well lit. He has a hard time with his depth perception.

[W.T.Faulkner]

I can't be of any help, but you and the pup are in my thoughts!

It is so, so hard to watch them get old.

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 22:59:04 GMT -5 luckydog said:

My first thought was arthritis and it being aggravated due to cold, barometric pressure, etc.

As for not walking her because her feet get too cold, have you tried booties? There are many different kinds. Some with rubber soles, some more like socks, some seriously look like balloons. We got the kind with soles (lol) because our dog "has sensitive feet" (lol again) so the course salts can't still poke her. She doesn't fight putting them on because she gets it. She also only walks funny (read: hilarious) inside but walks normally outside. Because there is a difference, obviously.

We really should try them again. The one time we put them on her she splayed out her legs and wouldn't move. It was hysterical. But, yes, I think the salt and snow getting up in between her pads really bugs her. Thankfully it's not usually this cold out, so the problem we've had with that this week is somewhat unusual.

A big thank you to everyone. I really appreciate all the thoughts and advice. It 'just' being vision issues would be great. The specialty vet near us has an ophthalmologist, so we'll see what our regular vet thinks about a referral for that.

[fayeelle]

Lurker/newb/vet tech chiming in.....Based on what you describe I would guess arthritis with decreased muscle mass. My 13yr old mix does this a lot, especially when she is excited. She tries so hard to "act" normal but just can't quite make it; stairs, non carpeted corners, jumping on the couch etc. Steady exercise to help keep normal musculature is super important. So booties for walks!

The cataracts (depending on size) can absolutely hinder sight, but usually dawn/dusk are the more difficult times for them to see. And she could certainly have all these things going on making things more difficult.

As hard as it is given your other pup I wouldn't be too concerned w/ a brain tumor. You would likely be seeing more neurological deficits than stumbling. Good luck w/ your vet visit. I truly hope everything checks out!

[isabel]

Dec 10, 2013 23:58:14 GMT -5 fayeelle said:

Lurker/newb/vet tech chiming in.....Based on what you describe I would guess arthritis with decreased muscle mass. My 13yr old mix does this a lot, especially when she is excited. She tries so hard to "act" normal but just can't quite make it; stairs, non carpeted corners, jumping on the couch etc. Steady exercise to help keep normal musculature is super important. So booties for walks!

The cataracts (depending on size) can absolutely hinder sight, but usually dawn/dusk are the more difficult times for them to see. And she could certainly have all these things going on making things more difficult.

As hard as it is given your other pup I wouldn't be too concerned w/ a brain tumor. You would likely be seeing more neurological deficits than stumbling. Good luck w/ your vet visit. I truly hope everything checks out!

Thank you! I really appreciate your view point. The stair case that she tends to stumble on is pretty dim because we rarely have the light on (it leads from the front door, straight up stairs to the living area), so that kind of makes sense with the dawn/dusk thing.

My only concern with the brain tumor thing is that our other dog was diagnosed with lung cancer early in the year and had literally no symptoms except a cough. His blood work was totally normal, he was eating fine, active, happy, etc. I'm just super paranoid and feel like such a hypochondriac. I'm sure our vet thinks I'm crazy.

Thank you so much though. Hearing this makes me a feel a little better.

[fayeelle]

You are very welcome. Anytime isabel  
I would looooove for more proactive owners like you to come in. Don't ever think you are being too paranoid. You live w/ her and see her every single day, where the vet only gets a small snippet of her life. If you happen to think of it or if it happens again before your appointment record what is happening on your phone. Super helpful

And sorry to hear about your other pup

[TC]

Dogs can totally get just good ol' vertigo issues too. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious

[JayhawkGirl]

My 12.5 yo German shorthair started slowing or flat out refusing to do stairs earlier this year, unless we turn the light on. She is also much more confident if she follows me or my son down the stairs. Hers seems to be vision related. So far extra light has been our answer.

I hope yours is nothing more than aging eyesight.

[orval]

I have a 16 yr old beagle mix and he has been diagnosed as lame by the vet. He stumbles up and down the stairs. Of course sometimes he is charging at full speed and tumbles down-he has been splayed out on his belly a number of times and struggles to get up off the wood floors. He sometimes trips over his own front feet. He also can't jump on the couch as normal once in a while. He does have arthritis and cataracts but is in pretty good shape for his age. He is also deaf.
Typing that out he sounds pretty rough, but he is a solid and happy dog!

[milosh]

My childhood dog started doing this too. Turns out it was an inner ear issue, and it clears up on its own. Fingers crossed that its nothing serious.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Dec 10, 2013 23:53:47 GMT -5 isabel said:

Dec 10, 2013 22:59:04 GMT -5 luckydog said:

My first thought was arthritis and it being aggravated due to cold, barometric pressure, etc.

As for not walking her because her feet get too cold, have you tried booties? There are many different kinds. Some with rubber soles, some more like socks, some seriously look like balloons. We got the kind with soles (lol) because our dog "has sensitive feet" (lol again) so the course salts can't still poke her. She doesn't fight putting them on because she gets it. She also only walks funny (read: hilarious) inside but walks normally outside. Because there is a difference, obviously.

We really should try them again. The one time we put them on her she splayed out her legs and wouldn't move. It was hysterical. But, yes, I think the salt and snow getting up in between her pads really bugs her. Thankfully it's not usually this cold out, so the problem we've had with that this week is somewhat unusual.

A big thank you to everyone. I really appreciate all the thoughts and advice. It 'just' being vision issues would be great. The specialty vet near us has an ophthalmologist, so we'll see what our regular vet thinks about a referral for that.

Google "Musher's Magic" and try that. It is a balm that is kind of like wax but won't stain your floors and isn't toxic, but the dogs don't mind it being on their feet like booties. Works wonders for a friend's dogs who run while she skis.

[isabel]

Dec 11, 2013 18:21:06 GMT -5 thinkofthesoldiers said:

Dec 10, 2013 23:53:47 GMT -5 isabel said:

We really should try them again. The one time we put them on her she splayed out her legs and wouldn't move. It was hysterical. But, yes, I think the salt and snow getting up in between her pads really bugs her. Thankfully it's not usually this cold out, so the problem we've had with that this week is somewhat unusual.

A big thank you to everyone. I really appreciate all the thoughts and advice. It 'just' being vision issues would be great. The specialty vet near us has an ophthalmologist, so we'll see what our regular vet thinks about a referral for that.

Google "Musher's Magic" and try that. It is a balm that is kind of like wax but won't stain your floors and isn't toxic, but the dogs don't mind it being on their feet like booties. Works wonders for a friend's dogs who run while she skis.

Oh, thanks! I'll definitely look into that. We are taking her in to the vet tomorrow evening, so I'll update when we have some answers. Fingers crossed for good news!