Dog Vertigo?

Question
Griz is a 7 yr old Lab/Shepard, about 90 lbs, very friendly. Friday evening we noticed he appeared very "spastic". He actually appears intoxicated. It's hot here in Louisiana, but he always has shade and plenty water. He is eating. 25% of the time he appears normal, but 75% of the time when he walks he walks with a sideways lean and when he runs he soon falls forward. If this continues today we will visit the vet tomorrow. He's in great spirits as if in no pain. Any ideas what this could be?

Answer
Greg,

Sounds like he may have a inner ear problem.  The vestibular apparatus is in the inner ear and it controls balance.  Sometimes dogs and cats develop a problem with this and it results in dizziness, head tilt and inability to walk straight.  The problem is usually referred to as "Vestibular Disease".  The problem with the apparatus can originate in the ear or in the brain.  Some pets don't recover from it unfortunately.   Your vet will determine if the problem is in the ear or in the brain and treatment will go from there.

Hope that helps,

Laura

p.s. Here's a couple of links to some information about the problem:

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/devestib.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_vestibular_disease.html