Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome

This condition is a syndrome of older dogs that is occasionally misinterpreted as a stroke. It is very acute condition that is very alarming for owners; however, it is usually harmless.

The actual cause of this syndrome is unknown. What is known is that is does not appear to be a disorder of the brain or the vessels (a stroke). It is probably a disorder of the nerve that regulates a pet’s gait.

These pets have a sudden onset of circling, head tilt, disorientation, and nystagmus (eye rotation either up and down or side to side). Some patient become motion sick and will vomit or not eat.

All pets recover from geriatric vestibular syndrome and their prognosis is excellent. They will require nursing care during their episode and anti-nausea medications are sometimes necessary. Some pets will have a slight residual head tilt but still completely recover. Pets start to improve within 3 days and should be normal within 2-3 weeks. Recurrence is rare.