The vestibular system keeps your dog's body oriented. If your dog has a vestibular disorder, your pet will stumble and stagger. There are three primary causes of vestibular disorders in dogs, and remedies depend upon the cause. Canine idiopathic vestibular disorder begins suddenly and resolves itself suddenly, a week to two weeks after it begins. Middle-ear infections can cause vestibular disorder, and the infection must be treated in order for the vestibular symptoms to resolve. Brain lesions that cause vestibular disorder may result from various conditions, and treatment is dependent upon the underlying illness.
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Idiopathic
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In the case of idiopathic vestibular disorder, there is not much to offer in the way of treatment. The pet must be kept safe and not allowed to climb stairs, run or engage in other activities in which he might be injured while without a sense of balance. Motion-sickness medication is sometimes prescribed. These medications include meclizine and diphenhydramine. Because of dizziness some dogs will not eat or drink. This may mean that you have to hand feed your dog and offer your pet water by hand until the condition is resolved.
Middle Ear Infection
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Treatment of a middle-ear infection is difficult. The veterinarian will prescribe a long course of oral antibiotics, sometimes lasting six to eight weeks. The doctor also will clean the pet's ear canal and will likely send your dog home with instructions for additional ear cleanings at home. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the conditions created by the dog's middle-ear infection. Surgery for middle-ear infection usually involves opening the tympanic bullae and flushing them out. Care should include the same measures as for idiopathic vestibular disorder regarding keeping the dog safe and comfortable until the dizziness and lack of balance are resolved.
Brain Lesions
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In the case of brain lesions, the diagnosis will be confirmed using either a CT scan or MRI. These procedures will also help the veterinarian to determine the exact location of the lesion and to prescribe treatment. Your dog will be under general anesthesia during the imaging. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the lesion. Cancer, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tumor, infection and trauma are possible causes of the brain lesion. In some cases, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation may be treatment options. In other cases, the veterinarian may recommend that the only treatment be palliative in nature.
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