Canine idiopathic vestibular disease often referred to as 'old dog vestibular syndrome', is a sudden and non-progressive disturbance of balance. This disorder stems from issues affecting the dog's vestibular system within the brain, located in the inner ear, and middle ear.

How long does a vestibular episode last in dogs?

The vast majority of dogs that have an idiopathic vestibular attack will improve dramatically within 3-5 days. Although most will return to completely normal function, some will be left with varying degrees of a permanent head tilt that usually doesn't cause problems.

How do you treat vestibular episode in dogs?

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.

What is the most common cause of vestibular disease in dogs?

What causes vestibular disease? Causes of vestibular disease include middle ear or inner ear infections; drugs that are toxic to the ear; trauma or injury; tumors; and hypothyroidism. When no specific cause is found, the condition is called idiopathic vestibular syndrome.

Is a vestibular episode a stroke?

While it could be a stroke or other serious condition, in a gray-muzzled dog, it's often idiopathic vestibular disease, more commonly known as what's called old-dog syndrome.

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

How long do vestibular attacks last?

Vestibular neuritis is a self-limiting disease with vestibular symptoms lasting for one to two days, followed by a gradual reduction in symptoms. Rarely does the illness lasts more than several days to a few weeks. Early improvement in symptoms is believed mainly due to central compensation.

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.

When to put a dog down with vestibular disease?

You might be wondering if you should put down a dog with vestibular disease. As dramatic as the signs are, no you shouldn't. As long as the underlying cause is dealt with, the prognosis for vestibular disease in dogs is good.

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.

Does Benadryl help dogs with vestibular disease?

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. It can also help calm your dog. In addition, the medicine is generally safe.

Should you 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?

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.

Can you leave a dog with vestibular disease alone?

Idiopathic vestibular disease is usually self-limiting; in many cases, it will resolve on its own. In the meantime, the symptoms must be carefully managed, as it can be very unpleasant for your dog.

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.

Is vestibular syndrome 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 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 dog breeds are prone to vestibular disease?

Congenital vestibular disease is usually apparent before 3 months of age. Breeds that are predisposed to this condition include the Akita, Beagle, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, English cocker spaniel, Smooth fox terrier and the Tibetan terrier.

What medication is used for old dog vestibular disease?

The treatment of Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is centered on supportive care. Dogs may benefit from motion sickness medication, such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate. Dogs with nausea, vomiting, and/or anorexia may also be treated with maropitant or chlorpromazine.

Do dogs with vestibular disease sleep?

Similarly, your pet may not sleep soundly if his brain receives false or exaggerated sensory information from his malfunctioning vestibular system about movement and spatial orientation. (left) Bolivar at the onset of vestibular disease.

Is vestibular disease in dogs a stroke?

Vestibular signs are commonly (and usually incorrectly) referred to as a stroke. While a vascular accident (stroke) is a possible cause of vestibular signs, it is a rare cause and vascular disease, while common in people, is unusual in pets.

Do dogs stop eating with vestibular disease?

If your dog has idiopathic vestibular disease he will feel extremely 'seasick' and may have a hard time walking or even standing up. Most dogs with this condition will also refuse to eat or drink because they have a hard time coordinating their movements, which makes eating or drinking from a bowl difficult.

How often do dogs have vestibular episodes?

While idiopathic vestibular disease can recur in dogs after initial improvement, it is less common than with strokes and the interval between episodes is typically longer with idiopathic vestibular disease (months or more) versus strokes (days to weeks or more).

How to help a dog with a vestibular episode?

• Intravenous fluids if your dog is dehydrated
• Anti nausea medication to prevent or limit vomiting
• The administration of a medication called propentofylline to hasten the brain's natural ability to compensate after any unilateral vestibular damage occurs

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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.

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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.

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