Kara Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 So, anyone out there had to deal with this and their elderly dog? Anyone had their dog get it twice?! Our German Shepherd had it last December, it was freaky until we knew what it was. However, yesterday our GSD is showing signs of it again, he didn't have the eye movement until today. We have a Vet Appt in the morning to be sure, and to get all the proper geriatric tests and blood work done to see how he is doing overall, since in general he has gone down hill fast gross motor, sight and hearing, since last December when he lost his sister Husky Alice. Just curious what peoples experiences have been with this. Especially info on getting it twice, as I thought it was uncommon to get it twice. Any home remedies for the vertigo experience he is having? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutsibe Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Sorry, no experience with this, so no help I can offer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nush Posted January 9, 2012 Report Share Posted January 9, 2012 sorry, ive just seen this thread for the first time, this is our experience of vestibular http://zabalaz.co.uk/vestibularsyndrome.htm it is so frightening reece Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kara Posted January 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2012 sorry, ive just seen this thread for the first time, this is our experience of vestibular http://zabalaz.co.uk/vestibularsyndrome.htm it is so frightening reece Thanks for sharing Nush! It didn't go so well this time (2nd time around with Vestibular) It has been 7 weeks now and my GSD has a head tilt still, and it really seemed to knock his energy out of him all together, as it did the first time. Its like he aged 5x faster each time he has had this. The stuff on the web does say there is a possibility of a permanent head tilt, which it seems that is the way its gonna be, but he now can't walk straight and his hips are getting worse and he can barely see anything anymore, so it really has had some difficult after effects this time. My biggest issue is that they say it is rare for them to get it twice. I wish there was more research out there into WHY and WHAT causes this for the elderly dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Tao&Sky Posted January 9, 2012 Report Share Posted January 9, 2012 Here you go.........Ron Vestibular diseases: Ear infection: Infection of the middle/inner ear is a common cause of vestibular disease in the dog. Most cases can be diagnosed by a thorough examination of the ear with an otoscope. Ear culture, X-rays, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes necessary. If bacteria cause the infection, treatment consists of appropriate antibiotics. Canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome: This is also a common cause of vestibular disease in the dog. Another name is geriatric vestibular syndrome. Older dogs (mean age 12.5 years) are primarily affected. There is a sudden onset of ataxia (which can be severe), head tilt, nystagmus and occasionally vomiting. The cause of this syndrome is unknown. Diagnosis is based on the signs and excluding other causes of vestibular dysfunction. Affected dogs improve spontaneously within 2 weeks, although there may be a mild, persistent head tilt. Nursing care is important during recovery. Unfortunately, affected dogs are sometimes euthanized because of the severe signs and concerns that the patient has a brain tumor or stroke. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause vestibular dysfunction in dogs. Signs may develop suddenly or over time. Diagnosis is based on laboratory evaluation of thyroid function and response to thyroid supplementation. Vestibular dysfunction typically resolves within 2 months of treatment. Toxicity: Medications placed in the ear are the most common cause of vestibular toxicity; although some orally administered drugs can also be a problem, especially at high doses. Ear drops or other substances should never be placed in a dog's ear except on the specific recommendation of a veterinarian. Cancer: Tumors in the inner ear or brain can cause vestibular problems. Older animals are more commonly affected and there may be pain on opening the mouth. Diagnosis is based on x-rays, CT, MRI, and/or biopsy. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) can cause vestibular dysfunction. Causes include infections, such as distemper virus, and non-infectious causes. Diagnosis often requires analysis of spinal fluid. Some types of infection can be specifically treated with medications. WB Thomas DVM Dipl.ACVIM(Neurology) University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN Reference: Thomas WB. Vestibular dysfunction. Vet Clin Small Anim Pract 30:227-249, 2000. Links for Vestibular Disease http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/devestib.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nush Posted January 9, 2012 Report Share Posted January 9, 2012 hi ron strange how you meet on different forums. vestibular is so frightening when its happening to your dog, but the worst effects of it can usually be over in 48 hours, that 48 hours is seriously hard work but well worth it when your pet comes back to almost normality, the head tilt doesnt ruin your pets life its just inconvenient and no more than that. reece or nigel to you ron ha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Tao&Sky Posted January 9, 2012 Report Share Posted January 9, 2012 Hi Nigel nice to meet you on here...........Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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