Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome
Idiopathic vestibular syndrome is a condition that severely affects the balance of middle-age and older dogs. The vestibular organs in the inner ear are part of the system responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
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Cause
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"Idiopathic" means that the cause of this condition is unknown. Vetinfo.com states that the syndrome seems to be due to inflammation in the nerves connecting the inner ear to the cerebellum of the brain. According to the University of Florida's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, idiopathic vestibular syndrome is most likely an immune-related condition affecting the antigens of the vestibular nerve.
Symptoms
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With idiopathic vestibular syndrome, a dog suddenly loses his balance. Many dogs are unable to stand up. The dog usually also has a rhythmic eye motion called nystagmus and severe vertigo, causing the dog to roll on the floor. Although the dog may appear to be having a seizure, he is not.
The dog's head probably tilts toward the affected side. The dog is likely to have nausea and vomiting.
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Diagnosis
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To diagnose idiopathic vestibular syndrome, the vet will do a physical examination, otoscopic (ear) exam and neurological exam. The vet often diagnoses idiopathic vestibular syndrome if no other reasons for the dog's symptoms are found. According to vetinfo.com, the most common cause of similar symptoms is inner ear infections.
Treatment
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Idiopathic vestibular syndrome has no known treatment. However, the condition is self-limiting, and almost all dogs recover in a few days to 3 weeks.
In the early stage, antivertigo drugs can help relieve the effects of vertigo. Also, the University of Florida's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital indicates that because idiopathic vestibular syndrome may represent an immune disease, antioxidant steroids may decrease severe symptoms.
Some, but not most, dogs relapse, and relapses are often more severe. Also, the dog may have a residual head tilt.
Other Names
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Idiopathic vestibular syndrome may also be referred to as idiopathic vestibular disease, peripheral vestibular syndrome or geriatric vestibular syndrome.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
