Vertigo or Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome

Vertigo is a syndrome in the elderly dog, which can be very frightening to the owners. The dog is suddenly afflicted with a balance problem, usually staggering, but occasionally unable to stand, and more rarely actually rolling over and over. Vertigo may cause a tilting of the head to one side and nystagmus, a rhythmic flicking movement of the eyes. Nausea and vomiting may also in present.It is not due to a stroke, as most people assume. Vertigo is thought to be due to an abnormal flow of fluid in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear.

It is more common in older medium to large breeds of dogs. It is rarely seen in cats. Although the symptoms of vertigo are alarming and often incapacitating to the dog, the prognosis is good.

Improvement of clinical signs of vertigo usually starts within 48-72 hours and most patients are normal within two to three weeks, even with no treatment. A mild head tilt may persist.
