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Why is my dog suddenly wobbly, lethargic, and struggling to breathe?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 9 months old | 70 lbs

My coonhound shepherd mix is 3 1/2 & healthy until today now he won't eat or drink, I can't even force water with a syringe it just falls right back out. He can't stand, if he tries he is wobbly and falls over. He's very lethargic & is slow responding & heart rate is very low with slow shallow breathing. His nose is warm & dry. He was howling at 4:30 am but I thought he was dreaming.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 17, 2017

Hello, sorry to hear about Chuck Norris. It sounds like your pup may be suffering from a disease commonly referred to as coonhound paralysis. This is an immune mediated disease in which the body's defense mechanism attacks its own nerves and begins to destroy part of the nerves responsible for conducting signals. The exact cause for this disease is unknown but the disease may last from weeks to months. If the nerves of respiration system become affected, then dogs may have difficulty breathing. This is unfortunately a medical emergency and you should have Chuck Norris evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.

Some predisposing factors include contact with raccoons or raccoon saliva. There are other neurologic disease that should be considered but given Chuck's breed, coonhound paralysis may be the highest differential for him.

Diagnostics may involve full bloodwork, CSF taps, and potentially referral to a neurologist. I would recommend having him evaluated as soon as possible especially since he is having shallow breathing.

Best wishes for you and Chuck Norris and I hope he recovers soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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