Any experience with Vestibular Syndrom in dogs?

[Cass]

My 14 year old dog became very sick very quickly last night, I was afraid he'd had a stroke. After some research, I'm pretty sure he's suffering Vestibular Syndrome, for which rest and Benedryl appear to be the best treatment.

He has barely changed position since I got him settled down at 9 pm last night. Just wondering if any YM folks have experience with this and how long it lasts? Our regular vet will be in the office tomorrow.

[weltschmerz]

You don't have a 24-hr emergency vet service? I would never wait that long if my pet was that sick.

[Cass]

I called and the receptionist agreed the symptoms indicated this and recommended keeping an eye on him. They're there all night if he gets worse, but he's been resting comfortably on and off.

[Tennesseer]

Cass-I had a cat (recently deceased) who had vestibular syndrome. No difference between dogs and cats. What do you want to know.


If he was staggering around like a drunk with his head turned to the left (or right in some cases), it's probably VS.

[Tennesseer]

Cass-he should be 'better' by this evening or tomorrow morning and completely over it in 7-10 days. My cat had three episodes of it although it's usually a one time event.

It's a scary event for pet and owner the first time it occurs.

[Cass]

Thanks Tenn- mainly how long it lasts? Did you use any medications?

Sorry about your cat

[Cass]

We cross posted. Thanks so much for the information!!

[Tennesseer]

Cass-with the first episode, I took her to the vet the following day. He diagnosed VS. No meds as she was fairly better than the evening before. For her second and third events, I now knew what it was, and in a home with multiple cats, I simply kept her isolated from the others (under normal conditions they picked on her for some reason (she was the nicest of the bunch)).

Just keep your dog comfortable and don't let him move around to much. If he needs to go outside and take care of business, walk him slowly or carry him out.

He should be much better by tomorrow (or so).

[Cass]

I'm pretty sure it's VS based on the symptoms. He fell down the stairs last night and refused to try again. I had to carry him outside and then he vomited several times. He was very scared to walk and couldn't keep his footing and his eyes were darting back and forth.

He's doing much better already, though he hasn't eaten or drank anything yet. I moved his bed and bowls away from the other dog and he's been resting all day, so I'm hoping you're right about tomorrow.

[Tennesseer]

Cass-I take care of about 20+ cats outdoors. They live in my backyard and garage. Several years before my indoor cat came down with VS, I noticed one of the garage cats with its head tilted left. I didn't notice any of the other symptoms associated with VS (of course I didn't even know about VS until several years later when the indoor cat came down with it), but I thought the turned head was very odd indeed.

I guess it's more common than we realize.

[Cass]

I'd never heard of it either Tenn, until last night. Initially I thought maybe his time had come, it was a very scary experience.

He's still unable to stand unaided but has been improving steadily throughout the day and has drank some water and is able to hold his head up.