Why does my dog fall or nod when excited, then quickly recover?

Question

Good day. My 13 year old Groenendael has started doing a strange thing. When my other dog shakes his body and his collar makes a noise my Belgian falls down (but she does get strait back up again). When I kiss her she falls down and if I kiss her when she is already lying down her head nods. If my boyfriend taps his foot her head also nods but if she is standing up when he taps his foot then she falls down (and gets back up again immediately). I am worried there is something wrong with her brai. Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 12 years and 9 months old | 59.91 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

It almost sounds like you are describing narcolepsy/cataplexy. This is a disease that is usually inherited so it would be strange for you to seen signs now, although it can be associated with some other diseases. Other possibilities would be a heart condition, hypoglycemia related to pancreatic disease, or neurologic diseases like myasthenia gravis. I would recommend having her examined by your veterinarian. It could be helpful for you to video an episode before your appointment if possible.

Why does my dog fall or nod when excited, then quickly recover?

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