Vestibular syndrome is a condition that predominantly affects older dogs. For dog owners it is usually associated with a great fright, because the dog is immobile from one moment to the next, can no longer coordinate and appears “as if drunk”. Still far too often, dogs with vestibular syndrome are simply euthanized, even though the chances are very high that they will recover to the greatest extent possible. Some dogs are left with a slight head tilt. However, within the first day the general symptoms improve visibly.
Important facts about the disease of the vestibular organ summarized for you
By the way, the vestibular syndrome has nothing to do with a stroke, but concerns purely the equilibrium organ of the dog. Since there is still a lot of ignorance and uncertainty regarding vestibular syndrome, I have summarized the most important information in my article on this disorder of the vestibular organ. In addition, in this article you will find important behavior tips for you as a dog owner .
When the dog has been diagnosed, he needs one thing above all: rest. It is important for regeneration that the affected patient gets plenty of sleep and has a quiet environment. Loud music, TV noise and visitors are out of place at this moment. vestibular syndrome mobility
In addition to rest, maintaining mobility is important Vestibular syndrome Mobility
Depending on the severity of the vestibular syndrome, the symptoms vary in severity and often the dog is unable to stay on its feet well. In addition, many older dogs generally have little muscle and have stiff joints. If the dog then lies longer, it happens in no time that he becomes immobile and loses strength. It then becomes increasingly difficult to mobilize him again.
Therefore, it is very important that you, as a dog owner, take care to maintain mobility whenever possible. For this, I put together some tips for you here. Vestibular syndrome mobility
How to maintain your dog’s mobility with vestibular syndrome
Assisted standing Vestibular syndrome Mobility
Since affected dogs can often hardly keep themselves on their feet independently, falls are inevitable. Therefore, it is important that you support your dog when he stands and moves in the next step. If you don’t have a carrier at home, you can take a regular shower towel and pass it under your dog’s belly, holding the two ends in your hand. With this you support especially his hindquarters and he has the possibility to stand up and stand.
Assisted walking
You know there’s bound to come a moment when your dog needs to disengage. But how? Since you have practiced assisted standing in the first step, you can now move on to assisted walking in the next step. So your dog can now take his first steps with the towel under his belly and held by you. This also lends itself to going out into the garden or outside the door to loosen up. Normal walks are usually not possible and your dog simply needs rest as well.
With supported standing and walking, which you do best several times a day with your dog for a few steps, i.e. in short intervals, you not only maintain his mobility, but also get the circulation going and support the rehabilitation. Vestibular syndrome mobility
Passive movement – please with appropriate guidance Vestibular syndrome Mobility
Passive movement is also a good way to maintain joint mobility and promote normal movement patterns. Since it allows your dog to lie and rest in a relaxed manner, it is very suitable to use it several times a day.
This involves moving the dog’s legs, and therefore its joints, without its intervention, as you guide the limb into flexion and extension. Since shear forces can be triggered, I will not give you detailed instructions here, but ask you to contact a physiotherapist who will show you how to do this on site. Since your dog is very dizzy with vestibular syndrome, I recommend asking the physical therapist(s) to come to your home to save your dog a car ride and extra exertion if possible.
Vestibular syndrome – no reason to give up
This disorder of the vestibular organ is usually not a death sentence for your dog and the severe symptoms will gradually subside over the first few days. Sometimes it can take a few weeks, but the prognosis is usually good. Therefore, you should give your dog the chance to recover and you can support him in the recovery phase with these simple things to maintain and promote his mobility. If you are unsure, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time!
All love,
your Tina
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