Random Loss Of Balance After Sudden Waking / Night Terrors?

[starhound]

Hi Greytalkers. I'm looking for some advice with something my greyhound has experienced. I tend to overworry about my old boy.

My greyhound is 10 and a half. Last night he was sleeping peacefully and got up, still apparently asleep, walked to the living room staggering. For a few moments he stood and struggled to keep his balance, without actually falling but it was clear he was having some difficulty to remain upright. I turned on the light and he was alright less than 10 seconds after. His balance was 100% back and his coordination was all there.

He had this same thing happen about 6 months ago, so it's not a frequent occurrence at this point. Still it's a bit alarming to watch. Has anybody had similar happen with their grey? I want to believe it's something as simple as night terrors springing him awake but of course I worry about epilepsy or something worse causing the brief stagger.

Thanks for reading.

Edited November 17, 2016 by starhound

[Hawthorn]

Look up Transient Ischemic Attack.

[starhound]

Look up Transient Ischemic Attack.

I don't think it was a TIA. At least, I hope not.

[starhound]

Google suggests it might be symptoms of Vestiblular syndrome. Does anybody have any experience?

[Fiona3]

Our greyhound Hobbes had two separate incidents of Vestibular syndrome. The first time he was dizzy, lost his balance and was unable to stand at all. At the E-vet, a neurologist identified his symptoms as Vestibular. He did recover over a period of hours and was given medication for the dizziness. The second incident was shorter in duration and less severe, more like your greyhound experienced.

 

It might be a good idea to have your greyhound get a physical and some blood work just to ease your mind. Hobbes was also approx. 10-1/2 years when he had the first event.

 

Keep us posted on how your boy is doing.

[starhound]

Our greyhound Hobbes had two separate incidents of Vestibular syndrome. The first time he was dizzy, lost his balance and was unable to stand at all. At the E-vet, a neurologist identified his symptoms as Vestibular. He did recover over a period of hours and was given medication for the dizziness. The second incident was shorter in duration and less severe, more like your greyhound experienced.

 

It might be a good idea to have your greyhound get a physical and some blood work just to ease your mind. Hobbes was also approx. 10-1/2 years when he had the first event.

 

Keep us posted on how your boy is doing.

 

Thank you for replying. He just had full bloodwork done for a carnassial tooth extraction which all came back perfectly, so that's at least a comfort. Since his motor function is 100% and I know his levels are good I'm wondering if I should watch and wait before taking him to the vet again.

[Fiona3]

As your pup has had full blood work recently done, you could keep an eye on him for any signs of another event. If you see he is having difficulty I'd bring him in so the vet can evaluate his condition as it happens. It's a good sign that he is recovering and seems to be back to normal.

 

Good luck with your greyhound.

[macoduck]

If it happens again try to video it for your vet.

[GeorgeofNE]

For what it's worth, I can hardly walk in the morning when I first get up due to all of my major joints be royally messed up. Could it just be stiffness?