pained pug

[cindy378]

My 12 year old healthy female pug is suddenly acting very strangely. For the past 3 days she has been walking with her head tilted to one side, her back arched, the fur down the arch is standing straight up, and her right rear leg tends to wobble. It's not constant so I don't think it's a stroke. I don't think she's hurt her leg because I'm able to move it without her wincing. She has moments (20 seconds) where she will seem fine and then she's back to acting strangely again. She isn't able to jump up on the sofa or go up and down stairs right now; so I'm wondering if she's got a pinched nerve? Her appetite is fine. Her curled tail is hanging down and she tends to "zone" out but pain could be causing that.
Would appreciate your opinion.
Thanks,
cindy

[Dan Sims, DVM]

Older dogs are prone to  Vertigo or (GVS) Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome in which they will tilt their heads and have poor balance.An inner ear infection is also possible.You need to call your veterinarian now for an appt.GVS is self limiting and not life threatening.

[cindy378]

Just wanted to let you know that this was exactly what was wrong with our pug. She had the GVS for approx. 2 weeks and as quickly as it had started, it stopped. Thank you so much for your expertise and help. Certainly appreciated it!

cindy