Dogs
Vestibular disease in dogs is related to the abnormalities in the body movement and balancing mechanism. Based on the underlying cause, it is categorized into two types, viz. central and peripheral vestibular disease. The former case develops due to disorders in the brain, whereas the latter is associated with abnormalities in the nerves that connect the inner ear and the cerebellum of the brain. In most cases, canine vestibular disease is peripheral in origin and recovers slowly.
Causes and Symptoms
Though this disease can affect middle-aged dogs, majority of the pet dogs attacked with this disease are older ones (12-13 years old). Hence, it is also referred to as old dog vestibular disease. As of date, there is no specific reason that are known to trigger canine vestibular syndrome. At times, signs of vestibular disease develop all in a sudden. Since, it occurs without any apparent medical reason, it is known as idiopathic vestibular disease in dogs. Recurrence is quite likely with this type of vestibular syndrome.
Canine vestibular syndrome symptoms include sudden loss of the body coordination and balance. Other noticeable symptoms of canine vestibular disease are head tilting in one side, repeated falling, stumbling and eyes rolling from one side to another. In some pets, the signs are so severe that they cannot stand properly without taking support. These signs and symptoms may last for a few days to about 3 weeks. At times, mild residual symptoms, like head tilt, tend to persist for several weeks.
Treatment
For diagnosis of vestibular disease, the veterinarian may conduct certain tests to rule out other dog health problems, that mimic loss of body coordination. Some of the diagnostic methods include neurological test, ear canal examination, blood test and urine analysis. Treatment for canine vestibular disease is advocated depending upon the test results, underlying cause and the manifested symptoms.
In order to combat dizziness and loss of appetite, the vet may prescribe medicines for motion sickness. If your pet dog shows signs of ear canal infections, antibiotics and other infection control medications are effective for treatment of vestibular disease in dogs. Appropriate dosage of thyroid supplements are administered, if hypothyroidism in dogs is the root cause for canine vestibular disease. This way, effective therapeutic treatment of the disease depends entirely on the medical cause.
For dog cancer related vestibular disease, surgical removal of the cancerous cells is imperative for recovering from vestibular disease. Apart from the treatment options, as a pet owner you need to spend quality time with your pet to soothe the discomfort symptoms of vestibular disease. Make sure that your pet is comfortable and take lots of rest and sleep. Feed dog food that are favorite for your dog. If necessary, calm down by supporting and lifting him lovingly.
Majority of the dogs recover from vestibular disease without severe complications. Nevertheless, if vestibular disease in dogs do not improve with suitable therapeutic intervention, then further medical help is necessary to check for conditions like inner ear infections, cancer of the cerebellum, head trauma and brain damage. With effective treatment options and proper dog care, your pet can recover successfully and lead a normal, cheerful life.
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Dogs
Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Vestibular disease in dogs is related to the abnormalities in the body movement and balancing mechanism. Based on the underlying cause, it is categorized into two types, viz. central and peripheral vestibular disease. The former case develops due to disorders in the brain, whereas the latter is associated with abnormalities in the nerves that connect the inner ear and the cerebellum of the brain. In most cases, canine vestibular disease is peripheral in origin and recovers slowly.
Causes and Symptoms
Though this disease can affect middle-aged dogs, majority of the pet dogs attacked with this disease are older ones (12-13 years old). Hence, it is also referred to as old dog vestibular disease. As of date, there is no specific reason that are known to trigger canine vestibular syndrome. At times, signs of vestibular disease develop all in a sudden. Since, it occurs without any apparent medical reason, it is known as idiopathic vestibular disease in dogs. Recurrence is quite likely with this type of vestibular syndrome.
Canine vestibular syndrome symptoms include sudden loss of the body coordination and balance. Other noticeable symptoms of canine vestibular disease are head tilting in one side, repeated falling, stumbling and eyes rolling from one side to another. In some pets, the signs are so severe that they cannot stand properly without taking support. These signs and symptoms may last for a few days to about 3 weeks. At times, mild residual symptoms, like head tilt, tend to persist for several weeks.
Treatment
For diagnosis of vestibular disease, the veterinarian may conduct certain tests to rule out other dog health problems, that mimic loss of body coordination. Some of the diagnostic methods include neurological test, ear canal examination, blood test and urine analysis. Treatment for canine vestibular disease is advocated depending upon the test results, underlying cause and the manifested symptoms.
In order to combat dizziness and loss of appetite, the vet may prescribe medicines for motion sickness. If your pet dog shows signs of ear canal infections, antibiotics and other infection control medications are effective for treatment of vestibular disease in dogs. Appropriate dosage of thyroid supplements are administered, if hypothyroidism in dogs is the root cause for canine vestibular disease. This way, effective therapeutic treatment of the disease depends entirely on the medical cause.
For dog cancer related vestibular disease, surgical removal of the cancerous cells is imperative for recovering from vestibular disease. Apart from the treatment options, as a pet owner you need to spend quality time with your pet to soothe the discomfort symptoms of vestibular disease. Make sure that your pet is comfortable and take lots of rest and sleep. Feed dog food that are favorite for your dog. If necessary, calm down by supporting and lifting him lovingly.
Majority of the dogs recover from vestibular disease without severe complications. Nevertheless, if vestibular disease in dogs do not improve with suitable therapeutic intervention, then further medical help is necessary to check for conditions like inner ear infections, cancer of the cerebellum, head trauma and brain damage. With effective treatment options and proper dog care, your pet can recover successfully and lead a normal, cheerful life.
- Vertigo Symptoms In Dogs
Vertigo, in simple terms, means a feeling of dizziness or giddiness. It can also be defined as the feeling experienced by a person as if he is about to fall. Intense vertigo in dogs is known as dog vestibular disease or vestibular syndrome. It is...
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Canine Lyme disease is a serious dog illness caused due to infection by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is passed on the dogs through deer tick bites. For successful transmission of the bacteria, the tick has to remain in the dogs...
- Canine Stroke Syndrome
We all know that a stroke is a fatal disease in humans, if not diagnosed and treated in time. Even dogs may develop stroke, but the condition is not fatal in canines, as compared to humans. Canine stroke symptoms too differ, as compared to signs...
- Neurological Disorders In Dogs
Do you see a change in your dog's gait? Is your dog behaving in an awkward manner? Strange dog behavior is bound to create apprehension in the mind of every dog owner. At times, canine behavioral problems could be attributed to certain neurological...
- What Causes Vertigo In Dogs?
The cause of vertigo in dogs is idiopathic i.e. it is not clearly known. Intense form of vertigo or dizziness in elderly canines is known as old dog vestibular disease. The presence of this disease in dogs is marked by the following symptoms: head...