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Why is my senior dog suddenly confused, aggressive, with an ear bump?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 2 months old | 27 lbs

My dog chihuahua/ Jack Russell terrier jas been acting very confused , unsteady , and aggressive. He has a bump on his lower ear flap and he head tilts and scratches it but he also whines . He looks very depressive and bothered , he is 9 years old . He also barks at my fiance even though he loves her and he will stop until he sniffs her . He has charged after me for no reason and my fiance also which he never does .

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2020

Patches is so cute! This sudden change in behavior can be a sign he is sick. Sometimes dogs can become aggressive when they fell badly. This bump on his ear could be a cyst, benign growth, or malignant growth. I think it's best you take him into the vet in the morning for a health check. I recommend getting a geriatric blood panel, urinalysis, and fine needle aspirate on the bump on his ear. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms and can treat him. I hope this helps.

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