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Health & Fitness

Vestibular Syndrome - Did My Pet Have a Stroke?

Vestibular syndrome is the name applied to a group of symptoms which results in loss of balance. The vestibular apparatus in the inner ear becomes irritated or damaged, most of the time from an unknown cause. The symptoms can occur very acutely. The pet's head usually tilts to one side, vomiting (because of dizziness) and/or diarrhea can occur, the eyes may appear to roll back in the head and may move from side to side rapidly. The pet may be unwilling to walk, or may actually walk in circles, most of the time in the direction in which the head is tilted.

The cause of vestibular syndrome in cats and dogs is unknown. In dogs, it is usually seen in aged individuals, and is unfortunately often misdiagnosed as "a stroke," resulting in the unnecessary euthanasia of many older dogs. Middle aged and older cats can also be affected. Many of these patients, even if untreated, will recover slowly over about 2-8 weeks, but because other diseases can cause the same symptoms, treatment is usually suggested. Although vestibular can occue at any time of year we do see an increase in cases during the spring and fall. Diagnosis of vestibular syndrome is based upon ruling out other causes of the symptoms - middle or inner ear infections, brain disorders such as cancer or stroke, etc.

Vestibular is what we consider a "good disease". A good disease is one that can be successfully treated or controlled. It may be a disease that can cause death, but if it can be diagnosed, the veterinarian and owner can either cure the illness or, at least, buy the pet good quality time. On the other hand, if the patient has a "bad disease," even if the diagnosis is made, there may be absolutely nothing that can be done. Therefore, with a few exceptions, veterinarians try to spend their efforts looking and treating for a "good disease." Therefore, we may treat the pet for a "good disease," hoping that because of our treatment, the pet improves. If the pet does get better, we may not be able to tell if it was because of the medication, or if it would have healed naturally.

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