Geriatric vestibular syndrome strikes older dogs for no particular reason. It is a sudden loss of balance and coordination that is also referred to as idiopathic vestibular syndrome or peripheral vestibular syndrome, as it can also affect middle-aged dogs. Idiopathic basically means the syndrome happens for "no known cause." The syndrome can mimic a stroke, and the affected dog can vomit in the first few days because of its dizziness.
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Vestibular Syndrome and Nerves
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The syndrome causes the nerves of the inner ear to inflame, which controls the dog's balance and orientation. The dog is dizzy, falls down, appears drunk or weak, and sometimes cannot stand. The condition can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some dogs have residual effects after the syndrome has passed, such as slightly tilted heads.
Motor Movements Impaired
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A dog suffering from the syndrome is likely not to eat or drink unless you hand feed him. This is because he is having a difficult time with his fine motor controls, and cannot manage eating or drinking from his usual bowl. A dog can wholly recover if you are willing to nurse him through the condition. In addition, the dog might refuse his regular dry kibble. Some veterinarians recommend supplementing the affected dog's food with ground beef and chicken, hand fed, until the dog is back to normal. You might have to carry the dog outside to eliminate, as it can stumble and fall if trying to take itself more than a few steps.
Vision Problems
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Even though the syndrome relates to the dog's inner ear, it can also have vision problems. Nystagmus--rhythmic eye movements--are one of the signs of the syndrome, and this can help in a veterinarian's diagnosis. The vision problems can add to the dog's sense of imbalance or "sea sickness."
Inner Ear Problems
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Although the actual cause of the syndrome is unknown, inner ear infections can play a role. If the dog is not recovering within a few weeks, a veterinarian will need to take a closer look at the inner ear, testing for cancer affecting the cerebellum or inner ear, lymphoma, trauma from a brain injury or a simple inner ear infection. Treatment will depend on any underlying conditions the veterinarian discovers.
Treating Vestibular Syndrome
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Some veterinarians opt to treat the syndrome only with time, feeling that waiting out the syndrome is the best course of action. However, some will prescribe antibiotics if they believe an infection is also playing a role, and dramamine, an over-the-counter motion sickness medication. Dramamine is available from a veterinarian, pharmacy or grocery store. Dosing depends on the size of the dog; consult a veterinarian. After the dog recovers from the syndrome, she still might have some residual symptoms, such as occasionally tilting her head. Dogs that exhibit this appear not to be bothered by it.
Other Factors
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Hypothyroidism can play a part in the syndrome, though a laboratory test would have to determine if the dog has a problem with his thyroid function. In addition, if the dog had an averse reaction to ear medication, that can manifest itself through vestibular syndrome. Another culprit is encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain; this is caused by infections such as distemper. Medication can treat encephalitis and hypothyroidism.
Usually a One-Time Syndrome
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In most cases, vestibular syndrome strikes only once during a dog's lifetime, though it is possible for a dog to suffer from it again. Veterinarians say repeated episodes are the exception. A dog struck by the syndrome can expect to live out a normal life and return to eating its regular food.
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