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Why is my senior dog limping, shaky, flinching, and vomiting?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

our great dane, age 8 1/2, started limping tonight, is shaky on her legs, flinches when a hand comes toward her to pet her head, (Right eye). She leaked a little urine when laying down after swaying a bit. When her head is up her chest/head sways slowly side to side. She does have two spots where discs are fusing together, so she has meloxicam once a day and is usually fine. She just vomited after 1 1/2 hours of onset.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 1st, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor girl. It could be the meloxicam is no longer enough for her pain, and she may need an additional pain medication or an increase in dosage. She does sound painful to me. Rest her as much as possible tonight, and then take her into the vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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