Should You Put A Dog Down With Vestibular Disease
A dog with vestibular disease is in a lot of pain and discomfort. They can’t walk or stand up, they have trouble eating and drinking, they are often too dizzy to walk on a leash, and they can’t go up or down stairs.
It is important to determine whether the dog’s quality of life is good enough to continue living. If the dog’s quality of life is not good enough, then it might be time to put him or her down.
There are many factors that need to be considered before you make the decision to put your dog down with vestibular disease.
Do dogs with vestibular disease suffer?
While vestibular disease may cause your dog mild discomfort or motion sickness, the good news is, it isn’t painful or dangerous and will likely clear up on its own without treatment within a few weeks.[1]
How long do dogs live after vestibular disease?
Symptoms of vestibular disease may look distressing but try to keep in mind that this condition is not fatal, and most dogs completely recover within two to three weeks.[2]
How do you comfort a dog with vestibular disease?
Consider how you can assist with everyday activities. Limit movement to a safe area. Offer (literal) support for sleep and rest. Cover hard-surface floors and turn on the lights. Provide stability for walking and moving. Avoid water therapy.[3]
Can vestibular disease cause paralysis in dogs?
The vestibular system – the inner ear – is about balance and so problems lead to classic signs of dizziness. There is staggering (ataxia), flicking of the eyes (nystagmus) from side to side, up and down or even rotationally, and a head tilt to one side. Facial nerve tics or paralysis are sometimes present.[4]
Is vestibular disease in dogs painful?
While vestibular disease may cause your dog some mild discomfort, motion sickness and a lack of coordination, the good news is that the condition it isn’t painful or dangerous and will likely clear-up on its own without treatment within a few weeks. That said, it is important to monitor your dog’s symptoms carefully.[5]
Is vestibular disease in dogs a stroke?
While it’s not the fanciest disease name, old dog vestibular disease looks like a stroke. In actuality, it’s an acute inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve runs through the inner/middle ear and stems from the brain, and its purpose is to help us all to stay physically balanced.[6]
What percentage of dogs recover from vestibular disease?
Most dogs will start to improve within 2 to 4 days and will be totally recovered within two to four weeks. This study found that improvement was observed in 71% cases after a median of 4 days after diagnosis.[7]
What triggers vestibular disease?
Common causes of vestibular balance disorders include: Medicines. Infections. Inner ear problems, such as poor circulation in the ear. Calcium debris in your semicircular canals.[8]
Can Benadryl help vestibular disease in dogs?
In addition to helping manage allergic reactions and symptoms, Benadryl also decreases anxiety and anorexia in dogs. Besides this, Benadryl will reduce the severity of head tilts in dogs with vestibular disease. It also helps calm your dog. In addition, the medicine is generally safe.[9]
Do steroids help vestibular disease in dogs?
Studies have shown that when given prednisone for a vestibular attack most dogs recover in about 4 days, and when not given prednisone for a vestibular attack most dogs recover in about 4 days.[10]
What is the difference between a stroke and vestibular disease in dogs?
Strokes Can Have Similar Signs Like vestibular syndrome, a stroke or FCE can occur suddenly. With the latter, especially, a dog may leap after a tennis ball, yelp with pain and immediately have difficulty walking.[11]
Does vestibular disease in dogs recur?
While idiopathic vestibular disease can recur in dogs after initial improvement, it is less common than with strokes and the interval between episodes is typically longer with idiopathic vestibular disease (months or more) versus strokes (days to weeks or more).[12]
