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Old Dog Resources
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Loss of Balance May be Related to Ear Problems
Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (IVD) is a disorder of the organ of balance
(vestibular apparatus), situated in the middle ear. In dogs, IVD is more
commonly termed geriatric vestibular disease since it usually occurs in senior
dogs. The purpose of the vestibular organ is to maintain equilibrium (balance)
by coordinating movements of the head with the eyes, trunk and limbs. Failure of
this system results in a tilting of the head to one side, abnormal body posture,
loss of equilibrium, abnormal eye movements and loss of coordination as the body
tries to compensate. Vomiting may occur because the loss of balance and
dizziness makes the patient nauseous or "sea sick".
This condition can be confused with a “stroke” by pet owners. In some cases, pet
owners have mistakenly euthanised their pets, thinking that their pet’s
prognosis is poor and the situation hopeless. However, pets with IVD, although
confused and anxious at times, are not in pain and there is no reason for
euthanasia. Relapses usually do not occur.
There are many causes of vestibular disease. Degenerative processes of the body,
inflammation, cancer, trauma and poisons are some of the known causes. Sometimes
your veterinarian will recommend a skull X-ray to rule out internal ear
infections. However, in some cases, the cause is simply not known. In these
situations, the disease is termed Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome. (The term
"idiopathic" means that veterinarians do not know why this disease occurs in
this instance).
In cats, this condition occurs at any age, and is most often diagnosed in the
summer and early fall (75 per cent between June and September). It is not
understood why so many occur during these two seasons.
IVD is usually sudden in onset and initially incapacitating. The pet usually has
a loss of balance, disorientation, unsteadiness, and a pronounced head tilt. The
degree of head tilt can vary considerably and there are usually involuntary
rapid movements of the eyes. There may also be a tendency for the animal to walk
around in a circle in one direction. Some animals will be listless, refuse to
eat, pant and be nauseated.
In the early phase (up to 72 hours), a pet may need supportive care at the
hospital. Sometimes supportive fluid therapy is given, and soft, warm bedding is
supplied so that if they tip over, they will not hurt themselves. Sometimes
sedatives and antibiotics will be recommended.
There is no definitive treatment for the idiopathic form of this disease nor
does any appear to be necessary since most if not all patients appear to recover
on their own. In some cases, a slight head tilt may be the only clinical sign
that persists after 2 to 3 weeks. Should your dog or cat show signs of this
disorder, consult your veterinarian immediately.
"Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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