Just like humans, our canine friends face health issues as they grow older, and one of the common issues among older dogs is the vestibular disease. We hope that this post helps to raise awareness about this condition so that timely intervention and treatment(s) can be provided.
What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system consists of components located in the brain, inner and middle ear. It is a system that helps to maintain normal balance and coordination in dogs.
What is vestibular disease?
Vestibular disease, sometimes called “old dog disease”, refers to a sudden onset of disorientation and loss of balance. This neurological dysfunction can happen to any dog but it is more common among older dogs.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
Some of the common symptoms include head tilt, nausea and nystagmus (involuntary flickering of the eye). Head tilt is one of the reasons why some eventually become reluctant to stand or walk as they have trouble getting up. Even if the dog manages to get up, he/she will tend to lean or fall in the direction of the head tilt. Other common signs to look out for are their lack of appetite or reluctance to drink, lack of coordination and loss of balance (i.e., falling down more often than usual). As the symptoms are rather similar to that of stroke, it is always advisable to seek medical consultation as soon as you notice these symptoms in your dog.
What are the causes?
There are several possible causes of the vestibular disease. It could be due to a middle or inner ear infection; or it could also be a brain issue (such as injury, infection or tumor). Some medications that are toxic to the ears could also cause this. However, most cases are often diagnosed as “idiopathic” as no known cause could be identified.
Is there a treatment or cure?
While there is no known cure to the vestibular disease, appropriate treatment could still be provided if the underlying cause can be found. Medication can also be prescribed to ease and treat the symptoms, where possible. For example, IV fluids could be administered if the dog is unable to walk and eat on its own, and other medication that can help to treat nausea could be prescribed as well. The good news is that this condition is not fatal and most dogs will recover completely within two to three weeks. However, the bad news is that there is a chance that it will happen again even after a full recovery.
How can I help my dog during a vestibular attack?
Try to keep your dog comfortable as he/she rests and recovers. Try to keep water and food within reach but if your dog is struggling to stand up, consider feeding him/her instead. It will also be helpful to keep the area, where your dog is resting, clear of obstacles to prevent them from knocking into things and falling down especially since they are experiencing balance problems during the bout of vestibular attack. It is also good to have prescribed medication for anti-nausea, anti-dizziness and appetite stimulants at home if your dog has a history of vestibular attacks as they may come in handy.
We have also learnt that frankincense essential oil helps. While it is generally used for humans for brain/balancing, it is also safe for dogs. Based on our experience, using it on dogs on a regular basis,even after they have recovered, helps to reduce the occurrence of vestibular attacks and they tend to recover in a shorter time.
References:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vestibular-disease-in-dogs
Written by: Shu Hua
