Some antibiotics such as metronidazole, amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin and tobramycin are some that can cause Vestibular Disease.
(See video midway down)
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By The Wildest
When an old dog suddenly starts walking like a drunken sailor, with their head tilted, many pet parents assume it’s due to a stroke or seizure. Some even think it’s a brain tumor. And while it’s natural to think the worst when these symptoms arise, they — along with some other disturbing signs — can also indicate a much less serious condition called idiopathic vestibular disease in dogs. It looks really bad, but it often improves on its own with little or no treatment.
What is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
Vestibular disease in dogs is a balance disorder of the inner ear that affects the vestibular system. Common symptoms include a head tilt, vertigo, nausea, and difficulty walking (or even standing). Another name for this condition is “old dog” vestibular disease because older dogs are more likely to experience this condition, with the average age of a dog diagnosed with vestibular disease being 12-13 years old.
Most pets are diagnosed with idiopathic vestibular disease because the cause is typically unknown, but other causes include ear infection, hypothyroidism, tumors, other diseases, and trauma. Idiopathic vestibular disease doesn’t require treatment; it typically resolves by itself with supportive care.
When an old dog suddenly starts walking like a drunken sailor, with their head tilted, many pet parents assume it’s due to a stroke or seizure. Some even think it’s a brain tumor. And while it’s natural to think the worst when these symptoms arise, they — along with some other disturbing signs — can also indicate a much less serious condition called idiopathic vestibular disease in dogs. It looks really bad, but it often improves on its own with little or no treatment.
What is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
Vestibular disease in dogs is a balance disorder of the inner ear that affects the vestibular system. Common symptoms include a head tilt, vertigo, nausea, and difficulty walking (or even standing). Another name for this condition is “old dog” vestibular disease because older dogs are more likely to experience this condition, with the average age of a dog diagnosed with vestibular disease being 12-13 years old.
Most pets are diagnosed with idiopathic vestibular disease because the cause is typically unknown, but other causes include ear infection, hypothyroidism, tumors, other diseases, and trauma. Idiopathic vestibular disease doesn’t require treatment; it typically resolves by itself with supportive care.
How is Vestibular Disease in Dogs Diagnosed?
For a dog showing the symptoms of vestibular disease, veterinarians will first review the possible causes, check for infection, and may advise the use of an MRI. However, pet parents are often advised to wait and watch their pet’s progression to determine the best course of action.
Rule out common diseases.
While the cause is most often idiopathic (unknown), there may be other potential sources for your pup’s vestibular disease symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work and a blood pressure check to make sure there is no “obvious” condition causing these clinical signs.
Check for ear infections.
Moving forward, both ear canals are examined and if an infection is suspected, antibiotic medication will be discussed, as inner ear disease is a possible cause of vestibular signs. Technically, you can’t see the inner ear during an exam because the eardrum obscures the view, however, a nasty-looking outer ear and an inflamed eardrum may indicate that inner ear disease is present.
For a dog showing the symptoms of vestibular disease, veterinarians will first review the possible causes, check for infection, and may advise the use of an MRI. However, pet parents are often advised to wait and watch their pet’s progression to determine the best course of action.
Rule out common diseases.
While the cause is most often idiopathic (unknown), there may be other potential sources for your pup’s vestibular disease symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work and a blood pressure check to make sure there is no “obvious” condition causing these clinical signs.
Check for ear infections.
Moving forward, both ear canals are examined and if an infection is suspected, antibiotic medication will be discussed, as inner ear disease is a possible cause of vestibular signs. Technically, you can’t see the inner ear during an exam because the eardrum obscures the view, however, a nasty-looking outer ear and an inflamed eardrum may indicate that inner ear disease is present.
Use diagnostic imaging tools.
Your vet may discuss the availability of an MRI to evaluate the inner ear and brain. (An MRI allows for the best evaluation of disease, but it’s often not pursued due to cost). Wait-and-see approach.
There’s a very loose rule of thumb: If there is gradual or complete improvement within 72 hours, it’s likely the dog has idiopathic vestibular disease and additional testing is not necessary. If there is no improvement or progression of signs, it is likely something much more serious, such as a tumor, and an MRI would then be recommended to reach a definitive diagnosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
A dog’s vestibular system is composed of portions of the brain and ear and is responsible for maintaining balance. When something goes wrong within this system, it’s like being drunk on a rocky boat. Dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease typically show some combination of the following signs:
Your vet may discuss the availability of an MRI to evaluate the inner ear and brain. (An MRI allows for the best evaluation of disease, but it’s often not pursued due to cost). Wait-and-see approach.
There’s a very loose rule of thumb: If there is gradual or complete improvement within 72 hours, it’s likely the dog has idiopathic vestibular disease and additional testing is not necessary. If there is no improvement or progression of signs, it is likely something much more serious, such as a tumor, and an MRI would then be recommended to reach a definitive diagnosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
A dog’s vestibular system is composed of portions of the brain and ear and is responsible for maintaining balance. When something goes wrong within this system, it’s like being drunk on a rocky boat. Dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease typically show some combination of the following signs:
- A head tilt
- An unsteady gait, loss of balance, or falling over (ataxia)
- Circling in one direction
- Eyes rapidly moving from side to side or rotary (nystagmus)
- Sudden vomiting/nausea
- Standing with legs spread wide
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Rolling around
TO COMPARE and are very similar.......
Symptoms of strokes in dogs can include:
“Generally, one minute owners report the pet is fine, and the next the pet cannot get up. These signs may last for a few minutes or much longer (hours to days),”
It’s important to note, however, that many of these symptoms are seen with other more common conditions in dogs including idiopathic vestibular disease (this article), which frequently affects older dogs, and even severe ear infections.
Symptoms of strokes in dogs can include:
- Inability to walk or walking with an uncoordinated gait
- Head tilt
- Abnormal eye movements, up and down or rotary (nystagmus)
- Abnormal eye positioning (strabismus)
- Loss of consciousness
- Falling to one side
- Blindness
- Abnormal behavior
- Rapid onset of symptoms
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Inability to recognize owner
- Sudden collapse
- Head pressing
“Generally, one minute owners report the pet is fine, and the next the pet cannot get up. These signs may last for a few minutes or much longer (hours to days),”
It’s important to note, however, that many of these symptoms are seen with other more common conditions in dogs including idiopathic vestibular disease (this article), which frequently affects older dogs, and even severe ear infections.
Now for the caveat: These clinical signs are unfortunately not unique or diagnostic for vestibular disease. These symptoms are also very similar to signs of a canine stroke, which is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels reducing oxygen in the brain. Other things can cause these same symptoms such as a brain tumor, an inner ear infection, inflammatory disease, or sudden brain bleeds — to name a few. The sudden onset of vestibular disease and a seizure can also be hard to tell apart. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms and the diagnosis is unclear, do your best to record the episode and show it to your vet so they can closely examine the signs.
Treatment for Vestibular Disease in Dogs
The best course of treatment for vestibular disease will depend on the cause, but generally, veterinarians will recommend supportive care. If clinical signs are mild, dogs can often be managed at home with over-the-counter Meclizine for “motion sickness.”
Treatment for Vestibular Disease in Dogs
The best course of treatment for vestibular disease will depend on the cause, but generally, veterinarians will recommend supportive care. If clinical signs are mild, dogs can often be managed at home with over-the-counter Meclizine for “motion sickness.”
However, if they’re unable to walk, then IV fluids and injectable anti-nausea medications are recommended. Urinary catheters are also sometimes placed for hygienic reasons and instructions for general nursing care are provided, including how to prevent falls.
Often dogs show signs of improvement from an episode of vestibular disease within 72 hours, and recovery should happen within one to two weeks. After recovery, most dogs live a long life with vestibular disease, despite some persistent symptoms such as a head tilt and nausea.
Home Remedies for Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Once your dog is at home recovering, there are several things you can do to ease their transition back home and help ensure they feel comfortable.
Make sure your dog’s bed is nearby and easily accessible.
Prevent further injury by ensuring your home is easily walkable—you may want to add rugs or a non-slip mat if you have wood or tile.
Keep their water and food bowls close, so they don’t need to walk far.
Encourage their appetite by adding tasty food toppers like bone broth to their meals.
Use a body harness with a handle to help hold your dog steady.
Often dogs show signs of improvement from an episode of vestibular disease within 72 hours, and recovery should happen within one to two weeks. After recovery, most dogs live a long life with vestibular disease, despite some persistent symptoms such as a head tilt and nausea.
Home Remedies for Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Once your dog is at home recovering, there are several things you can do to ease their transition back home and help ensure they feel comfortable.
Make sure your dog’s bed is nearby and easily accessible.
Prevent further injury by ensuring your home is easily walkable—you may want to add rugs or a non-slip mat if you have wood or tile.
Keep their water and food bowls close, so they don’t need to walk far.
Encourage their appetite by adding tasty food toppers like bone broth to their meals.
Use a body harness with a handle to help hold your dog steady.
Should you put a dog down with vestibular disease?
Vestibular disease is not fatal, so it is unnecessary to immediately consider putting your dog down if they are diagnosed. Idiopathic vestibular disease in dogs is also not a painful condition, which is why I recommend waiting to see if conditions improve before making the permanent decision to euthanize. Why not wait and see, giving time a chance? Again, improvement is very likely, and the difficult decision of euthanasia can always be made at a later date if there’s a change in your dog’s quality of life.
Personally, I feel there’s reason to hold out hope and be cautiously optimistic, as idiopathic vestibular disease is the most common form of vestibular disease in dogs. It is the direction I would take if it were my own pup.
Vestibular disease is not fatal, so it is unnecessary to immediately consider putting your dog down if they are diagnosed. Idiopathic vestibular disease in dogs is also not a painful condition, which is why I recommend waiting to see if conditions improve before making the permanent decision to euthanize. Why not wait and see, giving time a chance? Again, improvement is very likely, and the difficult decision of euthanasia can always be made at a later date if there’s a change in your dog’s quality of life.
Personally, I feel there’s reason to hold out hope and be cautiously optimistic, as idiopathic vestibular disease is the most common form of vestibular disease in dogs. It is the direction I would take if it were my own pup.
Vestibular Disease in Dogs - Symptoms & How It's Treated
by vscot
Is vestibular disease fatal?
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.
The vestibular system is responsible for controlling balance, which is why dogs with this disease will experience dizziness and have difficulty walking in a straight line.
Symptoms of vestibular disease are often most severe during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, with improvements seen within seventy-two hours. Most dogs often recover within two to three weeks.
What are the causes of vestibular disease?
Causes of vestibular disease include an ear infection, perforated eardrum, hypothyroidism, trauma, tumors or possibly as a side effect of antibiotics. When no specific cause is found, the condition is called idiopathic vestibular disease.
Is vestibular disease fatal?
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.
The vestibular system is responsible for controlling balance, which is why dogs with this disease will experience dizziness and have difficulty walking in a straight line.
Symptoms of vestibular disease are often most severe during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, with improvements seen within seventy-two hours. Most dogs often recover within two to three weeks.
What are the causes of vestibular disease?
Causes of vestibular disease include an ear infection, perforated eardrum, hypothyroidism, trauma, tumors or possibly as a side effect of antibiotics. When no specific cause is found, the condition is called idiopathic vestibular disease.
Some dog breeds are known to be more prone to developing vestibular disease, including German shepherds and Doberman pinschers. While this condition is commonly seen in older dogs, younger dogs can also suffer from vestibular disease.
What are common symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs?
If your dog shows any of signs listed above call your vet for advice, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition. Therefore, communication with your vet over these symptoms is essential.
What are common symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs?
- Pronounced Head Tilt
- Staggering or Stumbling
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Continuous circling in one direction
- Standing with legs spread wide
- Unwillingness to eat or drink
- Loss of balance / falling over
- Rapid eye movement while awake
- Choosing to sleep on hard surfaces
If your dog shows any of signs listed above call your vet for advice, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition. Therefore, communication with your vet over these symptoms is essential.
Based upon your dog's medical history and overall health, your vet may suggest bringing your dog in for an examination or waiting to see if the symptoms begin to improve within a few days.
Is there a cure for vestibular disease?
While vestibular disease may cause your dog mild discomfort or motion sickness, the good news is, it isn't painful or dangerous and will likely clear up on its own without treatment within a few weeks.
Is there a cure for vestibular disease?
While vestibular disease may cause your dog mild discomfort or motion sickness, the good news is, 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. If, after a few days, you notice that your dog's condition begins to worsen notify your vet. Your vet will complete an examination to determine if there are other causes for your dog's symptoms.
If your dog suffers from nausea and vomiting due to vestibular disease, your vet may prescribe an anti-nausea medication. If your dog is having difficulties drinking water your vet may provide IV fluids to hydrate your dog.
However, the main treatment for canine idiopathic vestibular disease is waiting while your dog recovers.
Can I help my dog to recover from vestibular disease?
You can help your dog stay comfortable while recovering by providing a comfortable place to rest, and easy access to water and food. Since vestibular disease is a balance issue, it is helpful to keep the floor clear of obstacles and block off stairs to keep your dog safe.
If your dog suffers from nausea and vomiting due to vestibular disease, your vet may prescribe an anti-nausea medication. If your dog is having difficulties drinking water your vet may provide IV fluids to hydrate your dog.
However, the main treatment for canine idiopathic vestibular disease is waiting while your dog recovers.
Can I help my dog to recover from vestibular disease?
You can help your dog stay comfortable while recovering by providing a comfortable place to rest, and easy access to water and food. Since vestibular disease is a balance issue, it is helpful to keep the floor clear of obstacles and block off stairs to keep your dog safe.
Vestibular Disease In Dogs & The Recovery Process
Vestibular disease in dogs is a sudden condition that often startles pet parents when it occurs.
With this disease causing our pets to become wobbly on their feet and disoriented, many owners become confused on how to best help their dog during their recovery.
In this article we will go into the details of vestibular disease, what you can expect during their recovery, and what this can mean for your dog’s future.
Vestibular Disease In Dogs
What Is Vestibular Disease In Dogs?
Vestibular disease in dogs is basically just a sudden disturbance in balance.
Since the vestibular system’s main components are located in the ear and in the brain, any sudden change or trauma in these areas can result in vestibular disease in your dog.
This disease is most common in old dogs, but can occur in a dog of any age.
With this disease causing our pets to become wobbly on their feet and disoriented, many owners become confused on how to best help their dog during their recovery.
In this article we will go into the details of vestibular disease, what you can expect during their recovery, and what this can mean for your dog’s future.
Vestibular Disease In Dogs
What Is Vestibular Disease In Dogs?
Vestibular disease in dogs is basically just a sudden disturbance in balance.
Since the vestibular system’s main components are located in the ear and in the brain, any sudden change or trauma in these areas can result in vestibular disease in your dog.
This disease is most common in old dogs, but can occur in a dog of any age.
What Causes Vestibular Disease In Dogs?
Since the vestibular system’s main components are in the ear and in the brain, truly any shift or change in these areas can result in vestibular disease.
Some of the most common causes include:
In cases that involve ear infections, trauma, or other treatable conditions, the outlook for vestibular disease is generally promising.
However, if your dog’s vestibular disease is due to the presence of a tumor, the prognosis is often poor.
Since the vestibular system’s main components are in the ear and in the brain, truly any shift or change in these areas can result in vestibular disease.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Ear infections
- Trauma to the eardrum
- Toxicity to ear medications
- Head trauma
- Canine Brain Tumors
- Hypothyroidism (cases with neurological manifestations)
- Idiopathic (unknown reason)
In cases that involve ear infections, trauma, or other treatable conditions, the outlook for vestibular disease is generally promising.
However, if your dog’s vestibular disease is due to the presence of a tumor, the prognosis is often poor.
Most veterinarians will hospitalize or treat for the symptoms a dog is presenting with, and will base their prognosis on how quickly they recover with medical care.
If a dog does not respond to the standard treatment, you may begin to assume that their symptoms are the result of something in the brain.
What Are The Symptoms Of Vestibular Disease In Dogs?
The symptoms of vestibular disease can range in severity, but always cause great concern in dog owners.
Vestibular often comes on suddenly, causing owners to wonder why their dog is acting so differently from one moment to the next.
If a dog does not respond to the standard treatment, you may begin to assume that their symptoms are the result of something in the brain.
What Are The Symptoms Of Vestibular Disease In Dogs?
The symptoms of vestibular disease can range in severity, but always cause great concern in dog owners.
Vestibular often comes on suddenly, causing owners to wonder why their dog is acting so differently from one moment to the next.
The most common symptoms that you will see in a dog with vestibular disease include:
- Loss of balance
- Falling to one side
- Nystagmus (fast and erratic movement of the eyes)
- Head tilt
- Reluctant to stand or walk
- Vomiting
- Drooling
Some dogs will just experience minor disorientation or be slightly unsteady on their feet, while others will experience symptoms so severe that they are unable to walk.
Vestibular disease symptoms can vary, and can in turn affect their recovery time.
The Vestibular Disease Recovery Process
The most common question that owners have when their dog is diagnosed with vestibular disease is “how long will it take for them to recover?”
The recovery time will vary from dog to dog, but there is a general guideline of what to expect.
In most dogs with vestibular disease, you can expect their symptoms to be the worst for the first 48 hours of their condition.
The 72 hour mark often brings slight improvement, and you may finally start to see their symptoms subside.
Though the intense disorientation should begin to decrease around the 72 hour mark, you can usually expect your pup to be unsteady on their feet for the next week.
Though they are not usually themselves for the week following the diagnosis, you will likely see the head tilt and stumbling improve greatly by day 7 to 10.
Most dogs with vestibular disease will have significant improvement by week 2, and may even be back to their normal selves by this point.
The most common question that owners have when their dog is diagnosed with vestibular disease is “how long will it take for them to recover?”
The recovery time will vary from dog to dog, but there is a general guideline of what to expect.
In most dogs with vestibular disease, you can expect their symptoms to be the worst for the first 48 hours of their condition.
The 72 hour mark often brings slight improvement, and you may finally start to see their symptoms subside.
Though the intense disorientation should begin to decrease around the 72 hour mark, you can usually expect your pup to be unsteady on their feet for the next week.
Though they are not usually themselves for the week following the diagnosis, you will likely see the head tilt and stumbling improve greatly by day 7 to 10.
Most dogs with vestibular disease will have significant improvement by week 2, and may even be back to their normal selves by this point.
Some dogs take longer than others to recover, so it’s important to be patient throughout this time and offer your companion the support they need to stay safe.
Helping Your Dog With Their Recovery
Since vestibular disease can cause your dog to be so unsteady and prone to falling, your dog is going to need quite a bit of help.
The first few days of their diagnosis can be rough on your furry friend, so it’s up to dog owners to make their recovery as smooth as possible.
Some of the best ways to help your dog through their vestibular diagnosis includes:
Setting up a comfy and padded area for them to rest. This can be a cage or a small blocked off area. You don’t want to give them too much room, or they may thrash and fall when trying to stand.
If your dog is unable to stand and walk outside to the bathroom, there are two options that you can consider. The first option is offering them the support of a sling when they walk outside to go potty. You can do this by rolling up a blanket and wrapping it under their belly, holding the ends like straps as you support them with each step. The next option involves keeping disposable potty pads under their back end for when they go potty, making sure to change out the pads each time they soil them.
Bringing their food and water bowl to them, as they may be too dizzy to walk to them on their own.
Keeping up with any medications that your veterinarian prescribed. This will often include a medication for nausea and a medication for motion sickness.
Helping Your Dog With Their Recovery
Since vestibular disease can cause your dog to be so unsteady and prone to falling, your dog is going to need quite a bit of help.
The first few days of their diagnosis can be rough on your furry friend, so it’s up to dog owners to make their recovery as smooth as possible.
Some of the best ways to help your dog through their vestibular diagnosis includes:
Setting up a comfy and padded area for them to rest. This can be a cage or a small blocked off area. You don’t want to give them too much room, or they may thrash and fall when trying to stand.
If your dog is unable to stand and walk outside to the bathroom, there are two options that you can consider. The first option is offering them the support of a sling when they walk outside to go potty. You can do this by rolling up a blanket and wrapping it under their belly, holding the ends like straps as you support them with each step. The next option involves keeping disposable potty pads under their back end for when they go potty, making sure to change out the pads each time they soil them.
Bringing their food and water bowl to them, as they may be too dizzy to walk to them on their own.
Keeping up with any medications that your veterinarian prescribed. This will often include a medication for nausea and a medication for motion sickness.
If your dog seems more comfortable with lying on one side, try your best to prop them up with blankets to make this position more comfortable. Dogs with vestibular disease often lean or fall to one side, and this is often the most comfortable lying position while they recover.
Do not leave them unattended in open spaces until they are fully recovered. This can lead to serious injury if they are left to roam the house freely.
Why Is My Dog Not Recovering From Vestibular Disease?
Though vestibular disease often has a good prognosis, there are some situations in which a dog does not improve.
While each dog’s recovery timeline may differ, there is a point in which you can assume that your dog is dealing with a more serious issue.
Like we mentioned above, some cases of vestibular disease are due to tumors in the brain.
In these cases, many dogs will either continue to get worse, or will not recover at the rate you would expect them to.
If your dog’s vestibular symptoms remain severe for up to 7 days without any improvement, it may be time to speak with your vet about what this may mean for your furry friend.
Summary
Though vestibular disease can be a scary diagnosis for dog owners, it’s usually easily treated with the right tools on your side.
Be sure to review the tips we have mentioned above, and you can make your dog’s recovery as smooth as possible.
Source EmergencyVetUSA
Do not leave them unattended in open spaces until they are fully recovered. This can lead to serious injury if they are left to roam the house freely.
Why Is My Dog Not Recovering From Vestibular Disease?
Though vestibular disease often has a good prognosis, there are some situations in which a dog does not improve.
While each dog’s recovery timeline may differ, there is a point in which you can assume that your dog is dealing with a more serious issue.
Like we mentioned above, some cases of vestibular disease are due to tumors in the brain.
In these cases, many dogs will either continue to get worse, or will not recover at the rate you would expect them to.
If your dog’s vestibular symptoms remain severe for up to 7 days without any improvement, it may be time to speak with your vet about what this may mean for your furry friend.
Summary
Though vestibular disease can be a scary diagnosis for dog owners, it’s usually easily treated with the right tools on your side.
Be sure to review the tips we have mentioned above, and you can make your dog’s recovery as smooth as possible.
Source EmergencyVetUSA
