[Roma]

Hey there, I joined this forum about three minutes ago because my dog, Bailey, is acting weird. I was about to go out to a New Year's party, so I'd like some advice on whether I should stay home and watch her, take her to an open vets, or whether it's just old dog stuff, and I'm free to go.

Some background info: she's a gorgeous seven year old Leonberger, 100 pounds, spayed, with no real health problems. The average life expectantly for a Leonberger is about 7 years, so she's in excellent health for her age.

I took her on a walk today, but noticed she was lagging a bit toward the end (it's pretty cold out, and the ground is icy), so brought her back after about 40 minutes. I'm not sure is she started doing this immediately after the walk, or a couple hours after, but she's been lying on her bed whining at me. She'll do that every now and then when she's bored, yowl at me so I'll come rub her belly, but she doesn't usually whine like this.

I let her out in the backyard, and she could barely get back up the steps, because her legs were shaking. Prior to this, she's been running around like a much younger dog, no leg problems. After that, back to whining at me from the bed, and licking her lips.

She didn't eat her dinner, either. She stood up to eat, but leant a lot of her weight on me, and after a minute or two her legs seemed to give out a bit and she sat.

She's out in the backyard now, but she seemed to have trouble getting out. Does anyone know what's wrong with her? This has come on so suddenly.

 

[AllieD]

Call your vet or and emergency vet. I'm sorry if I sound rude but honestly you know your dog better than strangers on the internet if you are worried you should contact a professional.

 

[Holly]

I would take her to an open vet now. Sudden change of behavior like that is a concern.

 

[Blue Topaz]

Take her to a vet now. This sudden lameness is very concerning. Holly is a vet....listen to her!

 

[Holly]

Make sure they check her heart very well and make sure she has no fluid in her abdomen.

 

[Tess]

This may not really be lameness per se. That is it might not actually be about her legs. It sounds more like overall weakness to me, which as Holly is hinting at could be from a different problem.

 

[Ellary]

So I found this post because my dog is acting the same way as the guy described his dog. My dog, Jake, had a touch of diarrhea about 2 days ago, then appeared to be feeling better. Then yesterday he just randomly started panting for a few minutes and then again seemed to be better. Today he is walking funny and not jumping on and off things as usual. He is walking very slowly and would rather sit or lean on me. I can't tell if he's not feeling well or if there is something wrong with his legs. More so his hips because it's the back ones acting strange. He doesn't wimper or whine when I touch him anywhere. He's a 6 year old Mini Aussie and has been in good health, no issues, until today. He's had all required shots and once a month gets Revolution for fleas, ticks, and heart worm. He is well loved and well cared for, he is our buddy. The only thing different in the house lately is that I'm remodeling/painting. What was the outcome of the dog who's owner started this post? What could this be? I have a family vet but I hate going to pay hundrds of dollars and not find anything wrong but am upset tummy.