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My dog has a head tilt and can't walk without wobbling or falling down. I thought it was a stroke but the vet diagnosed "old dog" vestibular disease. Can you explain what this is?
Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome (GVS) is a problem with the vestibular system in an older dog. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance. Similar to vertigo in humans, symptoms include loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt, and/or irregular eye jerking movements called nystagmus. Dogs may be either reluctant or unable to stand or walk. They can have one symptom or a combination, and the severity varies depending on the individual dog.
Many things can cause these symptoms: middle or inner ear infections, trauma, injury, tumors, stroke, hypothyroidism, or drugs that are toxic to the ear. Your veterinarian will do a complete physical exam and possibly some diagnostic tests to see if the cause can be determined. If not, it is called “Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome,” or GVS. This is NOT a stroke. Strokes can only be definitively diagnosed with an MRI. GVS dogs have no brain lesions.
There is really no effective treatment for this disease other than “tincture of time.” The severe symptoms typically last two to three days, but it can take weeks for a full recovery. Occasionally, motion sickness medication will be dispensed to help with any nausea caused by the vertigo. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and steroids have been tried but are not effective with this disease. Our job as veterinarian and guardian is to keep the dog as comfortable as possible. Confine them in a safe, padded area, and assist them in “doing their business.”
It is scary to see your dog anxious, nauseous, and unable to stand. Sometimes they need fairly intensive nursing care for the first week, but don’t give up! Most dogs recover completely.
By Sandy Block, DVM, owner of San Ramon’s award-winning Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital.
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