Canine vestibular syndrome, a disorder that affects the inner ear of middle-age to older dogs, is caused by inflammation in the nerves that connect the inner ear to the cerebellum, the part of the ear that controls spatial orientation and balance. The treatment for canine vestibular syndrome is based on the underlying cause. Treatment will not cure the disease, but it will ensure a dog is comfortable while recovering.
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Intravenous Therapy
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A dog with vestibular disease may experience difficulty lowering his head to his feeding bowl. Accordingly, he may refuse to eat or drink. This can cause malnutrition and dehydration which requires a vet to issue fluids and nutrition through intravenous methods.
Medication
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If a vet suspects an inner ear infection as the secondary cause of canine vestibular syndrome, he will give antibiotics. He may prescribe motion sickness medication to help with nausea, vomiting and dizziness. If a dog is seriously disoriented, the vet may issue a sedative to help him relax.
Home Care
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Congenital and geriatric vestibular cases do not have specific treatments, so home care is important for recovery. Home care consists of confinement and careful nursing. Dogs with vestibular disease are usually dizzy, and may not want to eat or drink. Hand feeding food and water can help to alleviate this problem. Also, if a dog is unsteady when urinating or defecating, he may need support for his body to eliminate.
Exceptions
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Some diseases, such as brain cancer, can cause symptoms that mimic vestibular disease. Vestibular treatments are not effective when another illness is the underlying cause. A veterinarian can determine the cause to ensure that the proper treatment is used.
Prognosis
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The symptoms of canine vestibular syndrome can last from two days to three weeks. Most dogs fully recover after this time. Some symptoms such as tilting of the head may linger, even after recovery. These symptoms are usually mild, and do not interfere with your dog's daily activities.
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