Vestibular Disease

[lexi]

My eleven year old german shepherd was diagnosed with Vestibular disease two weeks ago.

I've done all the research I can and most information seems to indicate that she should recover, maybe keeping a head tilt.

She has recovered to the point where it's only her balance that is still affected, the vet keeps advising she may not recover any further, I'm now confused as to whether she will recover and how long it might take.

Any advise would be appreciated!!

[Tedsmum]

I have had vestibulitis and it can take 6 weeks before you lose that dizzy feeling. When dogs are older it can take longer to heal and sometimes they do not make a complete recovery. I would just wait and see what happens. Any improvement is a good sign.
Fingers crossed for you x

[lexi]

Thanks for that, considering how ill she was two weeks ago I am amazed at her improvement.

[kazeti]

Hi Kim you made it then

[lexi]

Hi Doug

I finally got around to it, it's been a bit hetic nursing Lacey and keeping up with the other two, but glad I did it's a brilliant website. Thanks for recommending it

Taking Lexi back training tomorrow night, I think it will be good for both of us.
Get me out of the house and give her something to think about other than what mischief she can get into next!!!

[Moobli]

I am sorry I don't have any advice, as I have no experience of this disease. I just wanted to say that I hope Lexi makes a speedy recovery

[LOVEGSD]

Originally Posted by Moobli

I am sorry I don't have any advice, as I have no experience of this disease. I just wanted to say that I hope Lexi makes a speedy recovery

Same here...x

[Jude]

My old border collie, Annie, had a similar "stroke" when she was 13. She made a rapid recovery over the first ten days but was left with a head tilt and her balance was never as good as it had been before - she tended to walk with her legs further apart to help her balance. Having said that she was still ready and willing to play games with Kira but did tend to get knocked over occasionally, which she found rather embarrassing and would tick Kira off very firmly when this happened.

[lexi]

Many thanks for your good wishes, she is making a good recovery, although still has a head tilt and her balance is'nt very good. I'm hoping that in time she makes a full recovery

[nickmcmechan]

My old boy Tomas whom I lost last year at 14 had Vestibular Syndrome from about 11 years old (we didn't lose him due to that though).

The standard medications is Vivitonin - has your vet recommended that? Its quite effective.

My experience of it is that it comes and goes. You only need to worry if the dog has regular 'strokes'. Tomas was fine with Vivitonin, but still had a 'stroke' about once every 6 to 12 months. Stress, in particular, would set him off. What you need to watch for is eye movement - if you hold his head and his eyes move as if he is watching a tennis game then get him to the vet as this inidicates a seizure is due. Other signs are any of the stress indicators such as drinking lots of water, licking lips and losing interest in food.

The good news is that your dog has shown significant improvement and the conditions can be managed in a way that will keep the dog happy and healthy enough. Unless you think he may be leading up to a seizure, just carry on as normal.