A common neurological condition that presents in most senior pets is a condition known as idiopathic vestibular syndrome. This condition often comes on suddenly and in most cases no known eliciting cause is determined. The most common symptoms of vestibular syndrome include head tilt, rapid involuntary motion of the eyeballs, as well as unsteadiness on the feet and often falling over. Many pets may vomit because of the likely dizzy sensation they are feeling.
This condition most commonly involves an inflammation of the nervous system involved with balance. Trauma, toxins and bacteria are usually not involved, which is why we label this condition idiopathic and of unknown origin. The condition also occurs seasonally in young to middle aged cats for unknown reasons. Treatment usually includes hospitalization and IV fluids, along with injectable anti-nausea medications and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Often the motion sickness drug Meclizine is used to decrease the likely motion sickness and nausea perceived by affected animals. The condition will usually self-resolve with or without supportive treatment over a period of several days. Prognosis is therefore excellent.
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3 Comments
That has happened to me twice – once when I was a kitten and again 2 years after that. The first time it lasted about a week, but the 2nd time it lasted for 5 months! It has not come back since then thank goodness! – Miles Meezer
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Usually it does not occur multiple times. Hopefully the problem wont return.
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My pomeranian just turned 8 & this has been happening to him over the last year and a half on & off. All the symptoms you mentioned happened to him except for the vomiting. The episodes last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. It seems that the episodes come a couple times a month, a couple times a week or day, then nothing for months. I’m also wondering if excitement brings these on at times? Neurologist calls them “transient vestibular disease”. She isn’t sure
what it really is. What are your thoughts?
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Transient vestibular episodes does sound like what it is. An MRI of the brain would tell you more.
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My Beagle, Hannah, luckily has not had that in her life so far. But I have a question relating to that. I myself, have had at least 5 incidents or more of the exact symptoms in your articles except I don’t really know if I have the head tilt thing or the rapid eye movements. I take Meclizine for this and it takes at least 3 days to start to go away. The doctor has no idea what it is. But I can’t stand or I will fall and can vomit with every step I try to take. So what’s the deal, did my Hannah give me this??? Just kidding but really wondering? Got any thoughts or just keep Meclizine close?
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Not contagious from pets. But I would check with your doctor on therapeutic options for you in addition to the meclizine.
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