Vestibular toxicity in canines is most often caused by a drug overdose. Metronidazole in particular has been known to cause vestibular toxicity in both dogs and cats. Metronidazole is effective in treating gastrointestinal parasites and can work in conjunction with other antibiotics to clear up severe infections, but prolonged use or high doses of the drug can result in toxicity.
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Vestibular Effects
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When the vestibular system is affected by toxicity, a syndrome or a disease, the afflicted animal becomes very dizzy, and may show such symptom as loss of coordination, staggering, stumbling, falling, circling, rolling, head tilting and eyes that seem to drift up and down or from side to side. Seizures are also a possibility. These symptoms occur because the vestibular system is responsible for keeping the body in the proper orientation in relation to gravity. When not affected by toxicity or some other condition, the vestibular system tells the head and body up from down and left from right. Toxicity prevents the system and the brain from recognizing and adjusting the body to the proper orientation and position.
Treating Vestibular Toxicity
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If you suspect that your dog is suffering from vestibular toxicity, stop any medications immediately. Speak to your dog in a calm, soothing tone of voice in order to reassure him and provide comfort. Take steps to remove any possible objects on which the dog could injure himself and block off stairs. Call your veterinarian right away, so that your dog can be evaluated.
Your veterinarian probably will order blood tests to determine the cause of the toxicity, as well as the function of the liver and kidneys. It is important to check kidney and liver function, because dogs that have an underlying kidney or liver condition are more prone to toxicity from certain medications, including metronidazole.
Depending on the severity of your dog's condition, intravenous fluids may be recommended, particularly for those dogs that do not eat or drink due to the effects of vestibular toxicity. Medication to counteract nausea and vomiting may also be given to your dog.
In most cases, there is no specific course of treatment for vestibular toxicity, except to stop any medications and provide fluids and anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications. Recovering from canine vestibular toxicity may take up to two weeks.
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