Senior Vestibular Syndrome

Rabbits can be affected by senior vestibular disease.

Senior vestibular syndrome, also known as geriatric vestibular syndrome, is a disease of the vestibular system. According to W. B. Thomas, DVM, the job of the vestibular system is to help an animal maintain balance and coordination. The receptors for the vestibular system are located in the inner ear. It seems to affect dogs, cats and rabbits. The symptoms can be dramatic, but with very basic care, most animals recover well.

Cause

Large breeds seem to be more susceptible to senior vestibular disease.

Vestibular syndrome has several possible causes, but geriatric vestibular syndrome has no known cause. That's why it's often referred to as idiopathic--meaning of unknown cause--vestibular syndrome. Although it is called senior or geriatric, it can occur occasionally in younger or middle aged animals. In dogs, medium to large breeds seem to be more prone to senior vestibular disease.

Symptoms

Animals with senior vestibular disease will have a head tilt to the affected side.

Animals with senior vestibular syndrome will present with sudden onset of symptoms; they may be running around normally one minute and symptomatic the next. Common symptoms are dizziness with a loss of balance. The animal will lean when standing, circle repeatedly, have difficulty walking and even fall over. Some animals will lean against walls or other objects to balance. They will also demonstrate a head tilt, and their eyes will move rapidly side to side (nystagmus). The dizziness can produce a loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting. The sudden appearance of symptoms is often confused with a stroke.

Diagnosis

An animal with senior vestibular disease may be quite normal one day and show dramatic symptoms the next day.

Senior vestibular disease is diagnosed based on the clinical signs and the history that the owner gives to the veterinarian. Other things can cause the same symptoms as idiopathic vestibular disease, such as poisoning, seizures, ear infections, brain trauma or even cancer, so your veterinarian may suggest diagnostic tests to rule out other causes.

Treatment

Senior vestibular animals need rest, quiet and good nursing care.

Treatment is usually more supportive than curative. If the animal seems nauseous or is vomiting, medication may be given to calm the stomach, along with medications to help the dizziness. According to author Susan M. Cochrane of Vet Connect, mild cases can be cared for at home, while more severe cases may need to be hospitalized for fluid therapy. Dr. W. B. Thomas stresses the importance of good nursing care. The Disease Guide for Dogs - Vestibular Syndrome, and the Bilton Veterinary Centre suggest the following care tips: make sure that the animal is in a safe environment away from stairs and other areas where he might fall or get hurt and kept inside, even if normally an outside pet. He probably won't be able to get up to go outside to eliminate, or be able to get into the litter pan, so he may need to be bathed frequently and his sleeping area cleaned. During the first 48 hours, many animals lack the fine motor skills to eat or drink, so they may need to be hand fed and watered. Rest and quiet are important. After the worst of the symptoms have passed (usually signaled by the eye movement returning to normal), the owner can start to assist the pet to stand and to try walking. Most patients begin to show marked improvement within a couple of days, even with little or no treatment.

Prognosis

Some recovered patients will have a slight head tilt, but the brain learns to compensate.

The majority of patients with senior vestibular syndrome recover completely in anywhere from a few days to a month. Some will always have a slight head tilt, or circle occasionally, but the brain learns to compensate, and these animals can enjoy a good quality of life. According to Roger L. Wilton, DVM, it's rare for senior vestibular patients to experience relapses. If the animal doesn't seem to be recovering like he should, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics.

References

• Cat Customer: Feline Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome
• Web DVM: Vestibular Syndrome
• Vet Connect: Vestibular Disease, Geriatric--Dogs
• Canine Epilepsy Resources: Vestibular Disease