Old Dog Syndrome or Something Else? Understanding Vestibular Disease in Dogs

Witnessing your beloved dog suddenly lose balance and appear disoriented can be alarming. While it's easy to attribute these symptoms to "old dog syndrome," it's crucial to understand that they could indicate a specific condition which is vestibular disease. 

Seeing the dog collapse and be vulnerable can be painful for the pet owners and bring challenging situations for the veterinarians. This alarming situation calls for a quick solution and to seek veterinarian help immediately.

What is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

A vestibular system is responsible for the balance, coordination, and synchronization of the whole body in animals. A spatial orientation is not possible without vestibular disease. It is mainly made of the peripheral vestibular system, including the ear and nerves traveling from the ear to the brain.

Also known as the old dog syndrome, sometimes, this is relatively more common in senior dogs.

What Causes Vestibular Disease in Dogs

Any disturbance and disruption in the vestibular balance causes vestibular disease.

The central vestibular system consists of

• Brainstem
• Cerebellum

Vestibular can be considered as the internal GPS of the dog. This helps them navigate in their surroundings. Vestibular diseases lead to system malfunctions and a variety of other distressing symptoms.

Common Signs of Vestibular Disease in Dogs

Vestibular disease symptoms can vary depending on the dog. However, some common signs indicate vestibular disease in dogs, and pet owners should watch them. It is also imperative for veterinarians to be aware of the disease and signs that could make their condition worsen. 

A few of the common signs are;

A Tilted Head

A tilted head is one of the most noticeable signs, and in case your dog has this issue, you need to look out and take him to the veterinarian to seek medical assistance.

Loss of Balance and Coordination

The loss of balance and coordination is the next vital sign to consider. It usually revolves around walking, stumbling, and circling. The falling and rolling of the dog is also common in this disease.

Nystagmus

Nystagmus indicates rapid and involuntary eye movements.

Vomiting and Nausea

The vomiting and nausea are particularly common in this disease due to the dizziness that comes with this condition. 

Listlessness and Lethargy

Dogs with this disease are also reported to be lethargic and feel listlessness.

Types of Vestibular Disease

There are different types of vestibular diseases.

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease

Idiopathic vestibular has emerged as the most common type of vestibular disease. It is common in older dogs. This term indicates that the cause is unknown; however, it gets resolved within a few weeks.

Central Vestibular Disease

The central vestibular disease mostly affects the brainstem or cerebellum and can have serious consequences and implications. Therefore, getting a timely medical checkup and treatment is a must.

Peripheral Vestibular Disease

Peripheral vestibular disease affects the inner ear and is associated with infections and other underlying conditions.

Differentiating Vestibular Disease From Old Dog Syndrome

Old dog syndrome is often considered a vestibular disease. However, both relate on a stronger note but can be different. Many signs of old dog syndrome occur not because of vestibular disease but because of the aging in the dogs. 

A key difference may include

Sudden Onset

Vestibular disease typically has a sudden onset, whereas the dogs who experience old dog syndrome usually experience a gradual decline in their overall health.

Specific Symptoms

Other specific symptoms are similar as mentioned above 

• Head tilt
• Nystagmus
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing vestibular disease involves a thorough physical examination, including neurological tests. Your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests and imaging studies to rule out other possible causes. 

Treatment typically focuses on supportive care, such as providing fluids and medications to control nausea and vomiting. In most cases, dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease recover fully. Vestibular disease in dogs treatment can be effective when it is followed rigorously. 

Important Note: If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your dog's comfort and recovery.

Vestibular Disease in Older Dogs

Like all other diseases, the vestibular disease is treated by scanning for the underlying cause. However, idiopathic disease is also common, so if the disease in your dog is diagnosed as idiopathic or old dog vestibular, the treatment needs to be done accordingly. Supportive care is a must until the condition resolves.

Tips To Help The Dogs With Vestibular Disease 

Dogs with vestibular should be taken care of well, and the pet owners can ensure the following things to make it clear.

They can

• Confine their dog to a safe, quiet, comfortable resting place.
• Surround the dog with a thick rolled-up blanket for support
• Ensure to clear the floor from obstacles
• Keep the edibles, such as water and food nearby
• Can assist with eating and drinking if needed
• Change the dog’s position to make him avoid bedsores if necessary
• Use a body harness with a handle to help the dog.

Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs Fatal?

The vestibular disease in dogs is not particularly fatal. However, things can take a twist if not taken care of well. The dog can fall on the road or stumble in a packed surrounding, which may lead to emergencies.

Home Nursing the Dog with Vestibular Disease

Proper home nursing can make the dog with vestibular feel better. They should be provided food, water, and a safe resting space. This will help them with better mobility and bathroom needs.

Following these practices can help with better home care.

• Make sure that the dog has good access to food and water.
• It is recommended that the dog is hand-fed for the initial few days.
• You should also ensure that the dog drinks enough water by adding the ice cubes to the bowl or other seasoning.
• Ensure to feed salt in moderation.
• Remove trip-prone obstacles.
• Putting the dog on a carpeted floor and using a non-slip mat is recommended.
• Ensure to take good care of the dog’s bathroom needs.
• Avoid abrupt changes that can startle the dog.
• Be consistent with the prescribed medications and supplements.
• Monitor the dog’s appetite, drinking, urination, and ambulation. 
• The trip-prone obstacles should be removed.

Why to Follow Up with the Veternarian

Consulting with your veterinarian is a must for you as a pet parent to a dog with old dog syndrome or vestibular disease.

You can refer to it here if you are wondering how to differentiate old dog syndrome from vestibular disease. 

Visiting the veternarian is particularly evident as

• They can help with the dog's handling. 
• They can identify the underlying reasons.
• They guide about home nursing an old dog with vestibular disease
• The vet can run tests and scans when essential to assess the dog's overall health.

Final Thoughts 

Old dogs tend to have the vestibular syndrome. They get to have a tilt head when suffering from vestibular disease. This disease can either be idiopathic or can come with an underlying cause. However, home nursing it properly and getting it examined by the vet specialists can help to handle such a dog more actively. 

DVM Central can surely help veterinarians upgrade their knowledge with the webinars that we offer. We also deal with veterinary products and medical equipment to assist veterinarians in upgrading their practice. 

FAQs

How long does vestibular disease in dogs last?

It does not take much if you take care of your dog well. They take 1-2 weeks to recover. 

Can vestibular disease cause seizures in dogs?

While vestibular disease can cause some symptoms that might resemble seizures, such as sudden movements and loss of balance, it does not directly cause seizures in dogs.

Can vestibular disease cause blindness in dogs?

Vestibular disease primarily affects balance and coordination; it does not typically cause blindness in dogs. The vestibular system deals explicitly with balance, spatial orientation, and eye movements to maintain equilibrium.