[morgan55]

Hello, My dog is 6 yrs old and he has begun to walk crooked and his front paws are buckling in at the wrists which makes him fall to the ground. Is this a neurological problem and if so are neurological problems repairable?

[RickJ]

I have a mix of Basset Hound and Lab that has the same problem... and the vets have told me it's normal for that sort of a mix.

What is your dog's breed or breed mix?

[Aurora_Bell]

It could be a neurological issue, it could also be an inherent disease, or an injury sustained from playing or jumping, or something like Lyme disease. Unfortunately, there is NO way for any of us to diagnose him online, especially seeing as we can not see him. We can all take a best guess at what might be wrong, but it would only be that, a guess. Your best bet would be to take your pup to the vet for a once over. If your dog is in discomfort or pain, then you need to get him to the vet asap.

Most times neurological issues are un-repairable. And some breeds are more prone to these things than other breeds.

[morgan55]

My dogs breed is a yellow lab mix. So... you're telling me that your dog has this problem but is still alive and living a quality life? I can't see this being normal. To walk around with his equilibrium off balance and falling over and basically walking on his wrists.

[morgan55]

I don't know what the other breed is because we adopted him from the animal shelter 4 yrs ago when he was about 2 yrs or so. They didn't know exactly how old he was because he was brought in as an neglected animal.

[Aurora_Bell]

Just so you know, I do not think it's normal for a dog to randomly fall when walking, and I think Rick J should seek another vet for a second opinion... just saying. Yes Basset hounds tend to have in-ward pointed feet, but not normal for them to actually collapse and walk on their "wrists".

[shazamataz]

It sounds like a joint problem to me.

How much does he weigh? Is he over or under weight?

The older the dog the easier it is for them to pack on the pounds, but in turn this causes severe problems.
I always like to see older dogs kept lean to prevent these problems.

[paleophlatus]

If his equilibrium is off that far, he may have vertigo, or a vestibular problem (an inner ear, or nerve problem associated with it).

It's the 'buckling in at his wrists' that has me confused.

Is he knuckling over and walking on the top of his paw or on the side of it, like he is stumbling,

Or rolling back on his paws so that his carpal joint hits the ground? Both feet equally?

Can he sit without being woozy, or wobbly?

Is it just his frontal instability, or is he wobbly in the rear as well, even if to a different degree?

At least I can give you a partial answer, (such as it is);
Some neurological problems are correctable, all depends on the problem.

While you're answering questions (you are, I hope) answer Shazmataz's question about his weight, please