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My senior dog has vestibular syndrome, can't walk, and whimpers. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Male | 33 lbs

I have rescued a 11 yr old pomerian six months back .He is blind and deaf and is on epilepsy medicine because of his severe seizures.However for the past 2 months he is suffering from severe vestibular syndrome and cannot walk without assistance. E cannot defecate on his own and everytime he needs to do so I have to assist him .He also whimpers most of the time and if he manges to walk a few steps he gets stuck at the corner of the walls and tries to press his head against the wall or the floor.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 19th, 2017

Poor Max! It sounds like he is having a very hard time. Based on his signs and age, I am worried that he could have a tumor in his brain causing all his problems. You could have him examined by a neurologist to help determine the exact cause and try to manage all his symptoms.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Sorry to hear this. Vestibular syndrome usually starts to improve after a week or so. He sounds very distressed and debilitated, there is little hat can be done to treat vestibular aside from time. There is also the possibility that the issue could be in his brain. I think you would be best to go into your vets and have him examined, I would have a concern regarding his quality of life. If he is not getting better it may be time to consider letting him go.

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