Warning signs
- Unsteady or zig-zag walking
- Persistent head tilt to one side
- Eyes moving involuntarily (nystagmus)
- Disorientation — does not recognise the environment or family
- Weakness or dragging of the hind limbs
What to do immediately
- 1Place the dog in a safe spot away from stairs or elevated surfaces
- 2Avoid excessive stimulation (loud noises, sudden touching)
- 3Observe and describe symptoms to report to the veterinarian
- 4Get to the veterinarian without delay
What NOT to do
- Do not startle or stimulate with sudden movements
- Do not force the dog to walk or stand
- Do not ignore symptoms hoping they will pass on their own
- Do not wait if symptoms worsen rapidly
Call the vet immediately if
- Neurological symptoms that appeared suddenly
- Rapid worsening within a few hours
- Inability to stand or walk
- Loss of consciousness
Related information
Related symptoms
Related disease guides
Hemivertebrae in the French Bulldog
Congenital vertebral malformations that are often incidental but can sometimes be associated with deformity, spinal-cord compression and neurological signs.
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) in the French Bulldog
A frequent neurological condition in the French Bulldog in which one or more intervertebral discs are damaged and compress the spinal cord, causing pain, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, paralysis.