Vestibular syndrome affects your dog's sense of balance and appears suddenly through a head tilt, staggering and eye flickering. It looks dramatic but often improves, though it should still be checked by a vet. Alongside this, nerve-supporting nutrients such as vitamin B and vitamin E can meaningfully support the normal nerve function.
Vestibular syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the dog's vestibular system. It is often referred to as geriatric vestibular syndrome when it occurs in older dogs. Symptoms may include dizziness, head tilting, swaying, staggering or rolling movements and eye twitching (nystagmus).
It is important to realise that the syndrome in dogs is not necessarily indicative of a specific disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. It can have a variety of causes and, although it usually affects older dogs, it can affect dogs of any age.
There are two types of vestibular syndrome, peripheral and central. Peripheral syndrome is the most common form and is caused by problems in the inner ear. Possible causes can be ear infections, trauma, tumours or hypothyroidism. Central syndrome is more serious and is caused by problems in the brain, such as infections, inflammation, tumours or strokes.
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Symptoms often include balance problems, coordination problems, sudden tilting of the head, and rapid, involuntary eye rolling. Many affected dogs appear confused, may move unsteadily, or fall over. In most cases, most symptoms disappear within a few days to weeks, although older dogs often require somewhat longer to recover.
Supporting the nervous system is particularly important during the recovery phase. B vitamins play a role here, as they can contribute to normal nerve function and the transmission of impulses. An adequate supply of micronutrients is important for the dog's overall health, especially in stressful situations such as a neurological disease. A calm environment is important for management. The animal should be protected from falls and, if necessary, assisted with eating or drinking.
You and your dog: Life with an older dog sometimes presents special challenges – patience, attention, and loving companionship are valuable during every phase. Stay alert for changes to best promote your dog's well-being.
Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott plays a central role in our team at DOG FIT by PreThis®. As an experienced veterinarian with naturopathic expertise, she makes a decisive contribution to the development of our products. Her experience and deep understanding of the needs of dogs flow into many of the formulas we create. She is a valuable asset to our team and to the well-being of many dogs.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice from a veterinary practitioner or veterinarian. The information is not exhaustive and does not constitute a suitable basis for health-related decisions or self-diagnosis. If you have any questions or concerns, or before administering supplemental feed, consult a veterinary practitioner or veterinarian. Supplemental feed is not intended to cure any disease.
