Do Your Homework Before Euthanasia

Almost 5 years ago, Rosie was misdiagnosed by her vet. The vet said it's a stroke and it will only get worse but in fact Rosie had Vestibular Disease. The vet recommended euthanasia, and we trusted her professional advice. Big mistake. Rosie could have had more time left with us by just giving her some medicine. Unfortunately the vet was unaware of this condition and diagnosed the most apparent cause. You know your pet better than anyone and will have observed the situation before rushing off to the vet. All your vet will have to go on is what you tell them and what they see right there in the moment. After that it might be a snap decision on their part.

Always do your homework and communicate with other pet owners and especially rescues that have a good history. Please don't run off and make a bad decision based on a panic

The following article was borrowed from a fellow Rescue Group

Vestibular disease in dogs is commonly referred to as “old dog disease” because it primarily happens to older dogs. If anyone has seen Vestibular disease in dogs it can be very scary. The dog becomes disoriented, vomits, falls over, walks in circles, bumps into things and seems to be having a stroke. Rapid eye movement is also apparent in many dogs during a Vestibular episode.

So what is Vestibular disease in dogs? The Vestibular system is comprised of components in the brain as well as peripheral components in the middle and inner ear. VCA hospitals describe Vestibular disease as a sudden disturbance in balance. But to the untrained eye, the symptoms may mimic serious, life threatening conditions such as a stroke or a brain tumor. When a dog has a Vestibular episode it can be very scary for you and your dog.

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is Vestibular Disease where they can’t find a cause, and can be recurring. Most episodes can last hours to several days. The symptoms may vary from dog to dog.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disease and What Will Occur During a Vestibular Episode

• Head tilting – Head tilt may last longer after the VD episode – Head tilt maybe permanent
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Confusion
• Stumbling or inability to walk
• Walking in circles or rolling
• Rapid eye movement
• Bumping into things
• Sitting and seeming dazed
• leaning on you or walls
• Lethargy and desire to sleep on hard floor instead of bed
• Loss of appetite

What Your Dog Is Feeling During a Vestibular Episode

As scary as a Vestibular episode can be, your dog is not in pain, but your dog is very nauseous and confused. He or she likely has vertigo and their world is spinning. Your dog may be very scared. I describe it as the feeling someone gets when they have drank way to much alcohol. If your dog is having it’s first episode take him or her to the vet right away. It could be something more serious. Do not assume it’s Vestibular Disease, always get a professional diagnosis.

Treating Idiopathic Vestibular Disease

Do not treat your dog until you have taken your dog to the vet to verify that your dog has Vestibular Disease. Your vet can also determine if your dogs Vestibular Disease is idiopathic (without Cause) or if something else is causing your dogs Vestibular Disease.

Dogs should treat with Vestibular episodes with an anti-nausea prescription form our vet, some people have used OTC Dramamine with great success. We then give Valium to calm her down and a Rimadyl as an anti-inflammatory since there is evidence that VD can be caused by inflammation. She has responded so well to treatment that within a few hours she is right back to normal.

It is also recommended that your urge to carry your dog around during an episode may prolong the episode. The more he/she walks around on his or her own the quicker the inner ear may stabilize itself. Create a safe area for your dog during this time. Maybe limit roaming area to one or two rooms of the house.

Make sure that your dog does not attempt stairs during an episode. We recommend not leaving your dog alone during an episode. If you have stairs into your home carry your dog up and down the stairs. Block all stairways in the home to protect your dog. Start treatment immediately. Remember, nothing seems normal and eye sight is impaired during an episode. Watch your dog closely, if the stress is too much, or they are vomiting and at risk of dehydration they may need veterinarian involvement including; IV fluids, sedation and nutrition in more severe cases. Sadly, some dogs are so distressed and their episodes last so long that owners decide to euthanize the dog, however, this is very rare.

Non-Idiopathic Vestibular Disease

Non-Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is a little different, because there is a cause for the Vestibular Disease like head trauma, ear infection or trauma, tumors, certain medications and hyperthyroidism may all cause Vestibular Disease. It is always important to check with your vet before ever treating your dog. Do not self diagnose please. Often the treatment is the same, however, it may include an antibiotic, surgery, or some other treatment once the cause is found. Do not assume your dog has idiopathic Vestibular Disease until your dog has been completely vet checked.

The Good News

As scary as it is to watch a dog having a Vestibular Disease episode, it is not fatal, your dog is not in physical pain, and there is a really good chance that the episode won’t last very long. Start treatment immediately for best results. Vestibular Disease in older dogs is pretty common but can happen to a dog of any age. Keep your dog close and safe and soon your will have your furry buddy back to normal.