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My 5-month-old puppy can't stand. Why is he wobbling and falling?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 28 days old | 20 lbs

I have a 5 month old border collie who, up until 4 days ago, was acting fine. He now will not stand or bear weight. He will crawl across the floor to get anywhere but still tries to stand. It seems like he can't use his legs to stand and when I do help him to a standing position, he wobbles and will fall over. He is still alert, playful, eating and voiding as normal. We took him to a vet who said it seems like growing pains, but he is completely dibillatated even with anti inflammatory meds.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

From what you describe it sounds like there is definitely something wrong with Theo's musculoskeletal or nervous system. I would go back to the vet and have them examine him again, you could video how he crawls around the floor to show them. It would be good to have his legs and spine xrayed in case there is a fracture somewhere. Because he is a young dog there is the possibility that he has a condition from birth. If it was simply pain or even a minor injury I would expect the pain medications to have helped by now.

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    Answered By Christina Kellogg, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    So sorry to hear that Theo is not doing well. I would be concerned that he can no longer stand on his own. First, i would recommend checking him thoroughly for ticks as dogs can develop a disease called tick paralysis. Any ticks should be safely and fully removed including the head. I would recommend having him reevaluated by a veterinarian also who can give him additional treatments as needed. There are also other neurological diseases and potential toxicities that can cause symptoms such as paralysis. It is best to have him seen and treated as soon as possible as potentially paralysis can progress and impair breathing. Best of luck to you and Theo. Hope you feels better soon.

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