Unequal pupil size in Chihuahua

[Brooke337]

I just recently found a very small Chihuahua on my street and have been taking care of him hoping to find his owner's.  However, I noticed today that his pupils are very unequal and his gait seems to alternate from "normal" to almost a sway at points, almost looks as if he is dizzy at times.  He seems to be an older Chihuahua, but that is just my assumption.  When I found him he was clean, and his nails had recently been clipped.  I've put out flyers and posted on every internet site I could find.  I'm starting to worry that someone has dumped him due to a medical condition, it's the only thing that makes sense at this point.  I will take him to the vet for a check up, but thought you may have some input as well.  Thanks in advance.  

[chihuahuagrandma]

Yes, Chi's tremor or shake when nervous, anxious, excited, scared, cold...
They love to sleep w/people and go under the blankets....I hope you find owner, if not I hope for his sake you get to adopt and hes okay...they are faithful little dogs...
They do wander and just go, you can treat them like kings and queens, open the door and they go...so be careful, they can be quick getaways...I like harness collars on the skinny ones, not neck collars....neck collars come off...
Have you thought of the newspaper ad for lost and found, sometimes, now ask them, they will run an ad for free, if its a lost dog...so the pupils are still different, hum???
So what are you calling him for a name? Keep us posted...be careful do not ever feed chicken bones to Chi's, and most of the time chicken meat gives runny stools, they like pig ears, small bite size dog food, cottage cheese a spoon for treat, or a spoon of wet dog food for treat, and lots of under the covers, they originate from Orient to be "Bed Warmers, like hot bottle warmers" in the old days, they use Chi's for this...

[Brooke337]

Good Morning:)  Well the little guy is back home.  The vet says there is no sign's of any acute problems.....however, there must be something going on since the pupils are unequal.  The vet said he did not think that the dog is uncomfortable or in any pain and otherwise seems to be a healthy dog, but did recommend a CAT scan if we decide to keep him.  We are guessing he is somewhere around 5-7 years old.  I've decided to print out some additional flyers and will be heading back over where I found him again to post in the next neighborhood.....you had mentioned that sometimes Chihuahua's like to wander off.....so I'm going to give that a try.  

He is the sweetest.....and I'm trying not to get attached.  However, we went directly from the vet's office to get him some shirts at the pet store:)  He is always shivering.....and trying to get up under the covers, so I thought a shirt or two might help.  

[chihuahuagrandma]

Of course, I am partial to chihuahuas, hes precious, hes a Deer Head Blue Chihuahua, rare color...and a handsome fella...you said, hes at vet...do you have him there until owner is contacted or for placement? Or will you be keeping him if no ownership shows?
Did the vet give you any ideas of the pupils situation, was he healthy? Not sure if you answered this earlier...just curiosity...Keep us posted...

[Jaybay]

What a cutie!  You're right - he does have unusual and really beautiful coloring.  Any news from the vet yet?  :-)

[Brooke337]

I just added a pic of him on my profile......:)

[Brooke337]

Thanks so much for getting back with me:)  Just wanted to let you know that I have still not found the owner's but the little guy is at the vet as we speak.  I just feel so bad for him.  To answer your questions....I do not see any sign of obvious head injuries or any injuries for that matter.  It is a male, and he is NOT neutered.  He is just beautiful, very smoky gray/silver, I haven't seen many chihuahua's his color actually.  And yes, his nails were clipped and he seems otherwise to be in good condition.  We found him hiding in the bushes, I'm sure he was terrified.  However, I've put adds up on every internet site I can find along with putting flyers up in the neighborhood....but in the last 3 days I've had no responses.  It just seems so odd!!  I just have this feeling that he has to be someone's little man and they must be missing him!  As far as appeitite...he does not like dog food AT ALL!  lol!  Both types I've bought him he turns his nose up....but let him hear the rattle of a package and he comes running!  So he's obviously been fed table scraps at some point.  I did boil him some chicken and rice only because looking at him breaks my heart...and I figure it can't hurt.  

As far as being a pet samaritan...thank you so much.  I know you both are as well.  But really, I'm just doing what I'd hope someone else would do if it was my pup!  

I'm on a mission.....and I'll keep you posted!

Thanks again for the input.....if you have anymore thoughts please let me know:)!!

[chihuahuagrandma]

I have 5 Chihuahuas myself as owner, but I rescue dogs a lot! Chi's are very sensitive and fragile breed, I don't beleive the dog was dumped for medical...Chi's usually will take off and run or walk fast just because...never understood that about them...but, in age, look at the teeth, and is it female or male? Clue, if nails are groomed , the dog was not dumped...if male, is it neutered, if female, is there a spayed scar? The pupils not the same, could be the dog was skimmed by a car and is hurt, or dehydrated...I would take to vet and check it out...If you can't find or locate owner, start making calls to no kill pounds or check via internet or call all the vets in area for adoption agencies...or you have a new dog...but, definetly check the dog out at vet...how is the dog eating?

[Jaybay]

Hello, and welcome to the Dogs Community!  :-)  

It appears your little foundling may have a serious problem.  The unequal pupil size is an indicator of a neurological (brain) problem.  Adding the gait troubles to the mix only makes it that much more likely.  Have you discovered any obvious head injuries like a bump or even an area that seems particularly tender?  If he appears otherwise healthy and well taken care of, he may have sustained an injury shortly before you found him.

Please don't wait any longer to have a vet examine him.  Tomorrow morning if at all possible.  And bless you for being such a good dog samaritan.  :-)