Could it be a mini stroke or arthritis?

[babyangel]

Hi everyone I'm new here I was wondering if someone could help me out.I have a 13 year old german shepherd and all day yesterday he was fine other then a ear infection. That was until it was time to go out he had no trouble going down the stairs but when he came back in he was like frozen and you could see the fear in his eyes to walk up the stairs. My husband had to lift this 180 lb dog up the stairs could he have had a stroke ? Or could it be the arthritis hurting more because it went cold here fast? I don't want him to suffer and we do not know what to do when he walks he holds his head to the left and so does his back end.He isn't crying or anything so I'm not sure if he is in pain and just not showing it. We also started a vaporizer for him to try and clear up his stuffy nose .

If anyone has any advice please feel free to give me some

[old horse mom]

Nobody here is qualified to diagnose such a problem, unless a vet- and a vet needs to see the dog to evaluate. Everyone else can just guess, as I will. I wonder about a neck/back problem- pain might cause the head tilt and refusal to move. He is a dog that needs special care due to his age- please take him to a vet before he gets worse.

[golden&hovawart]

I'm so sorry not to be of more help.
arthritis might be the problem,the cold and his weight will also not help.
I would ask the vet.
Welcome here and i 'm sure someone will give you some answer.
13 yrs is an amazing age for such a big dog,you must be doing something right,lol!!

[babyangel]

I know no one can really give me a answer cept a vet but since no one is ever open on the weekend not even the emergency vet which makes alot of sense right?

I think I am just at my wits end I love my boy so much and its just like a guessing game.

I would have thought it was his weight to but how can I make a dog lose muscle? Even the vets he has seen are shocked at his weight and can't explain how he has so much muscle cept maybe its just in the blood line since his father was 189 and he was a big dude.

[pung-yo]

I am suspicious of the ear infection you mentioned, it could all stem from that.Could be causing something like meniere's disease like in humans, dogs have a different name to it. Watch for a head tilt, and you'll know. But yes, your dog definitely needs a vet without delay.

[sassynan]

Awww, poor dog. I bet it was hard for you to see the fear in his eyes.

[frankie]

Welcome and thinking of you and your GSD. Sure does sound one big boy.