Management of central vestibular disease tends to involve medical management with antibiotics, corticosteroids, antifungal or antiepileptic medication. The specific underlying cause of the disease will determine which treatment is best for your pet.

How can I help my dog with vestibular syndrome?

To help your pup as they recover, simply provide them with a comfortable place to rest, and easy access to water and food. Since vestibular disease is a balance issue, it may also be helpful to keep the floor clear of obstacles and block your dog's access to stairs.

How long does vestibular syndrome last in dogs?

Most patients are completely recovered within 2 to 3 weeks, although some will have residual symptoms, such as a head tilt or mild "wobbling" for life. Dogs who have had an episode may be prone to recurrence.

What medication is used for vestibular disease in dogs?

They may also prescribe meclizine, which is another antihistamine and antiemetic. In addition to helping manage allergic reactions and symptoms, Benadryl may also decrease anxiety and anorexia in dogs. Besides this, Benadryl will reduce the severity of head tilts in dogs with vestibular disease.

Can my dog live with vestibular disease?

Dogs can live a long and normal life with vestibular disease, although side effects like nausea, motion sickness, episodes of ataxia, or a head tilt may still be present.

Vestibular Disease in Dogs | Signs, Diagnosis, Causes and Treatment

When to euthanize a dog with vestibular disease?

If your dog is struggling with severe symptoms of vestibular disease and isn't likely to recover, you may need to consider putting them to sleep to prevent them from suffering.

What dog breeds are prone to vestibular disease?

According to recent research, vestibular disease is seen more commonly in the following dog breeds; French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, King Charles Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers.

What to feed a dog with vestibular disease?

If possible, try to avoid adding “human food” or a new dog food to your dog's meals as this may cause GI upset. Instead, you can make his or her normal food more palatable and easier to chew by moistening it with some warm water or low-sodium chicken broth.

Is vestibular disease in dogs painful?

While vestibular disease may cause your dog mild discomfort or motion sickness, the good news is, that it isn't painful or dangerous and will likely clear up on its own without treatment within a few weeks. It is important to monitor your dog's symptoms carefully.

What mimics vestibular disease in dogs?

To complicate matters, other conditions can cause signs similar to old-dog vestibular syndrome, including inner ear infections, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone), toxins, trauma, infectious diseases or brain tumors.

How do vets check for vestibular disease?

Your vet will diagnose vestibular disease by physically examining your cat's ears and looking inside for signs of infection and growths. Your vet will also likely conduct a neurological exam and CT scans or MRIs. Sometimes, spinal fluid will be analyzed.

What toxins cause vestibular disease in dogs?

Chlorhexidine and aminoglycosides are toxins that cause vestibular disease and will make clinical signs far worse if used to clean the ear.

What supplements are good for vestibular disease in dogs?

Evidence suggests that the vitamin B complex, particularly vitamin B12, plays a key role in nervous system health, including the vestibular system.

How to calm down the vestibular system?

Keep eyes fixed on a single stationary target held in hand or placed on a wall 3-10 feet away. Now move head side to side for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Now repeat 3 times while moving head up and down for 30 seconds.

Can a 14-year-old dog recover from vestibular disease?

Most dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease recover fully. Others have mild but persistent neurologic deficits (e.g., they have a head tilt or wobble a bit when they shake their heads), but these are rarely serious enough to adversely affect their quality of life.

Is it okay to walk a dog with vestibular disease?

Balance issues are prevalent in dogs with a vestibular disorder. Your dog may need support to stand and walk. Use a lifting harness to help support your dog and keep them upright.

How do you comfort a dog with vestibular?

Spend extra time with your dog to reduce their anxiety. To help your dog through vestibular disease, simply stay by their side. Speak to them in a gentle voice, pet them, and try to stay in the room with them, especially when they appear to be anxious.

Does Benadryl help dogs with vestibular disease?

Benadryl has been proven to help reduce some of the symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs, as it has been shown to reduce nausea and dizziness. Although Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication, it is still recommended that you contact your vet before giving Benadryl to your dog.

Can you leave a dog with vestibular disease alone?

It is generally not recommended to leave a dog experiencing vestibular disease alone for extended periods, especially if they are still in the acute phase of the condition.

How long can a dog live with vestibular syndrome?

Idiopathic vestibular disease itself does not typically shorten a dog's life expectancy. After recovery, many dogs with vestibular disease continue to live normal lives, though they may have residual symptoms such as a head tilt and nausea.

What over the counter medicine is good for vestibular disease in dogs?

Dramamine is particularly effective in treating symptoms caused by vestibular disease, which tends to be more common in older dogs, she adds. Vestibular disease occurs when there is a sudden loss or disturbance in a dog's sense of balance, the cause of which could be illness, infection, or injury.

What to avoid with vestibular disorder?

Dietary Changes

Some vestibular disorders can cause a migraine, associated with dizziness. Meniere´s disease or secondary endolymphatic hydrops can be managed in some ways through dietary modifications. Stay hydrated, avoid foods high in salt or sugar, avoid stress-inducing beverages like caffeine to avoid migraines.

Why did my dog get vestibular disease?

What are the causes of vestibular disease? Some potential causes of vestibular disease include ear infection, a perforated eardrum, hypothyroidism, injury or trauma, tumors, or sometimes a side effect of antibiotics. When no specific cause is uncovered, the condition is called idiopathic vestibular disease.

Should I take my dog to the vet for vestibular disease?

In most cases where no underlying cause is found animals will recover without any treatment. This recovery may take months and in some cases the animal may be left with a permanent head tilt. If you are concerned about the health of your pet you should contact your veterinary surgeon.

What makes vestibular disorders worse?

There are many different triggers that can cause or exacerbate vestibular disorders such as high stress in life, head positions, changes in barometric pressure and diet. Brain based Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy has consistently been shown to be an important part of the management of vestibular patients.

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