VESTIBULAR DISEASE IN DOGS
Old Dog Vestibular syndrome is NOT a Death Sentence
This blog entry is dedicated to the people who told me I should euthanize my dog, Rina because
of her symptoms of old dog vestibular syndrome.
But, more importantly, it's for others who may experience a similar situation with their dog (cats are affected too).
Although you may think they're dying before your eyes, it could be this syndrome, which is recoverable.
It's my hope that sharing this two week journey of Rina's presentation, traditional & holistic treatments and recovery will educate, give hope, and create peace of mind for others.
of her symptoms of old dog vestibular syndrome.
But, more importantly, it's for others who may experience a similar situation with their dog (cats are affected too).
Although you may think they're dying before your eyes, it could be this syndrome, which is recoverable.
It's my hope that sharing this two week journey of Rina's presentation, traditional & holistic treatments and recovery will educate, give hope, and create peace of mind for others.
Day 1
Treatment: Traditional medicine, homeopathic, medication, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
On December 27, 2015, my 12.5 year old golden/lab mix, Rina woke up and was unable to walk. My first reaction was that her hind end weakness from laryngeal paralysis had compromised her. I tried to help her up, but she kept collapsing.
I called a neighbor who came right over and carried Rina to the car so I could take her to the vet. As we waited in the car for someone at the hospital to carry her in, I recorded this video & posted to Ricochet's Facebook page...
I called a neighbor who came right over and carried Rina to the car so I could take her to the vet. As we waited in the car for someone at the hospital to carry her in, I recorded this video & posted to Ricochet's Facebook page...
I really thought Rina was dying. But, once the vet saw her, she immediately said it was most likely idiopathic (cause unknown) or old dog vestibular syndrome (VS). She further eased my mind by saying that dogs typically recover from it in a few days to a few weeks.
old dog vestibular disease is a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance of the inner ear. It is more common in older dogs and presents with the following signs:
Dogs who have this syndrome feel nauseous. It's like vertigo or severe motion sickness in humans. Rina's head was spinning, she was dizzy, had no balance so easily fell over when she wasn't supported. Her head tilted to the left, and her eye movement was darting which you can see in the video below.
- A head tilt,
- An unsteady gait, loss of balance & coordination,
- Falling over, or inability to walk,
- Circling in one direction, stumbling, staggering, rolling
- Eye movement from side to side, or up and down, known as nystagmus,
- Sudden vomiting.
Dogs who have this syndrome feel nauseous. It's like vertigo or severe motion sickness in humans. Rina's head was spinning, she was dizzy, had no balance so easily fell over when she wasn't supported. Her head tilted to the left, and her eye movement was darting which you can see in the video below.
The doctor did blood work and gave her IV fluids. Although she was still quite sick, she didn't have to stay in the hospital. She was sent home with two medications, cerenia to help prevent vomiting and meclizine for nausea and dizziness.
As soon as I got home, I set Rina up in a dark, quiet room to keep stimulation to a minimum. I diffused some NeuroBalance Diffusion Blend essential oils from AnimalEO. She didn't really want to get up to go to the bathroom, so her toileting habits were much reduced for the first two days. It also may be hard for them to balance when getting into a toileting position. Be very cognizant & stay close because they can topple over quite easily the first couple days.
Be sure you take care of yourself while helping your dog because I ended up in the emergency room with a compression fraction in my L1 disc.
Rina needed to be carried, so I had a friend stay with me for a few days. A harness is also something to have on hand for this type situation. The one I have is the Help 'Em Up.
Your dog may not have an appetite or want to drink water either. Chicken broth appealed to Rina, as did a few pieces of boiled chicken.
Rina did not have to be seen for follow-up by our traditional vet unless she didn't get better.
Be sure you take care of yourself while helping your dog because I ended up in the emergency room with a compression fraction in my L1 disc.
Rina needed to be carried, so I had a friend stay with me for a few days. A harness is also something to have on hand for this type situation. The one I have is the Help 'Em Up.
Your dog may not have an appetite or want to drink water either. Chicken broth appealed to Rina, as did a few pieces of boiled chicken.
Rina did not have to be seen for follow-up by our traditional vet unless she didn't get better.
Day 2
Treatment: Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, medication, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina slept in the crate the first two nights so her environment wouldn't be overwhelming.
She panted a good portion of the night. Each time she was awake I offered her water.
She started drinking it about 2:30 am. Water is very important to keep them hydrated,
so I kept a water bowl in the bedroom. Thankfully, she hadn't vomited, but some dogs do.
She woke up wagging her tail.
She panted a good portion of the night. Each time she was awake I offered her water.
She started drinking it about 2:30 am. Water is very important to keep them hydrated,
so I kept a water bowl in the bedroom. Thankfully, she hadn't vomited, but some dogs do.
She woke up wagging her tail.
She also tried to get out of the crate on her own, but if we weren't there to catch her, she would fall down.
She was able to walk a little with the help of the harness, but tired easily and had to take a lot of breaks.
It was also easier to carry her out to potty. Something to think about... would you be able to carry your dog? Or would a family member or friend?
I scheduled an acupuncture treatment for day 2 because of the success we've had with other illnesses. Dr. Chou at Kearny Mesa Animal Center said "I can help her". he gave her a treatment, B12 shot and Chinese herbs to help hasten the recovery
and prevent the syndrome from relapsing in the future. Rina was carried in on a stretcher.
Acupuncture really works! Rina's appointment was for 11am. By 4:30 pm, when I was getting dinner ready for her and Ricochet, I looked up and saw Rina had taken a few steps toward us... Without falling! She was also able to walk outside to toilet. I walked next to her left side so if she fell, she'd fall into my leg. That gave her the confidence to walk a longer distance.
Day 3
Treatment: Reiki, Chinese herbs, medication, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina has taken charge! This video speaks for itself! Allbeit she looks drunk... but compared to not walking at all, it's a huge improvement.
Day 4
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina is still walking like she's drunk, but she can walk longer distances & no longer needs assistance. She has been ornery a few times, so that's a good sign.
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Don't let recovery fool you though! It can be like a roller coaster. You think your dog is better, but then she falls again. You need to monitor closely. Some moments she seems better, and other moments she seems to regress. Prayers and positive energy really work for us. Ricochet has a Facebook group dedicated to healing and prayers. If your pet needs prayers, please join at Ricochet's Healing Sanctuary. |
Day 5
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
One moment Rina can look bright and happy. The next moment she looks tired and sad. But, her eyes aren't twitching and jerking as much. She still walks a little drunk, but has a pep to her step. We definitely see improvement every day.
One moment Rina can look bright and happy. The next moment she looks tired and sad. But, her eyes aren't twitching and jerking as much. She still walks a little drunk, but has a pep to her step. We definitely see improvement every day.
Day 6
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina's eyes aren't twitching anymore. She is still a little wobbly, but she's able to catch herself if she gets off balance. As you can see, she still has that pull to the left, but she doesn't fall over. She's able to walk up the three steps to our house while I have her on leash, but she doesn't need to lean on my leg for support anymore.
We're still using essential oils, and she's still on her meds. We're also using a Chinese herb our acupuncture vet suggested to aid her recovery. She lays under her porch most of the day, and when Ricochet and the dogs across the street bark at the environment, she joins in from her bed.
I bought a bunch of carpet runners yesterday and they are all through the house on the hardwood floors to make it easier for her to get traction when she walks.
Rina's eyes aren't twitching anymore. She is still a little wobbly, but she's able to catch herself if she gets off balance. As you can see, she still has that pull to the left, but she doesn't fall over. She's able to walk up the three steps to our house while I have her on leash, but she doesn't need to lean on my leg for support anymore.
We're still using essential oils, and she's still on her meds. We're also using a Chinese herb our acupuncture vet suggested to aid her recovery. She lays under her porch most of the day, and when Ricochet and the dogs across the street bark at the environment, she joins in from her bed.
I bought a bunch of carpet runners yesterday and they are all through the house on the hardwood floors to make it easier for her to get traction when she walks.
Day 7
Treatment: Acupuncture, medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina is able to walk down the steps by herself.
Rina is able to walk down the steps by herself.
She was also able to carry a piece of mail.
Her coordination was also good enough on day 7 to catch a tortilla chip! Pretty good hand/eye/mouth coordination for a dog with her equilibrium off balance.
She even had enough energy and where with all to play a little ball.
Day 8
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina was able to go on a field trip to our neighbor's house next door. Getting back into her routine of getting treats from "grandma".
Rina was able to go on a field trip to our neighbor's house next door. Getting back into her routine of getting treats from "grandma".
I was going to give Rina a treat and she got inpatient and threw out a behavior... a turn! She has a message for all of YOU. Be sure to watch til the end! Note her ears when I say "normal".
Day 9
Treatment: Acupuncture, medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
For the first time in over a week, we all slept through the night! Rina slept on the bed and wasn't panting throughout the night. She had an acupuncture appointment today, and the big test came... could she get in the car without being lifted?
Yes! She used the ramp that gets her onto the floor of the back seat. I didn't think she'd be able to jump up on the seat, but she did! She was pretty steady on the ramp getting in and out.
Ricochet also got an acupuncture treatment, but mostly to help with her emotions. She's been dealing with Rina's illness and my injury 24/7. Typically when she helps people it's for 2 hours at the most!
Rina's head still tilts to the left, but she seems much more stable.
Yes! She used the ramp that gets her onto the floor of the back seat. I didn't think she'd be able to jump up on the seat, but she did! She was pretty steady on the ramp getting in and out.
Ricochet also got an acupuncture treatment, but mostly to help with her emotions. She's been dealing with Rina's illness and my injury 24/7. Typically when she helps people it's for 2 hours at the most!
Rina's head still tilts to the left, but she seems much more stable.
Day 10
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Our FURiends at Bark Box helped in Rina's recovery today! As you know, she loves to pick up packages the delivery drivers leave. Check out this video! The box was a bit too big for her to carry right now. But, I didn't want her to feel unsuccessful, so I ripped off a piece. I wanted her to at least carry something to help give her confidence a boost. She's still got some recovering to do, and there are still ups and downs, but I think things are going well.
Our FURiends at Bark Box helped in Rina's recovery today! As you know, she loves to pick up packages the delivery drivers leave. Check out this video! The box was a bit too big for her to carry right now. But, I didn't want her to feel unsuccessful, so I ripped off a piece. I wanted her to at least carry something to help give her confidence a boost. She's still got some recovering to do, and there are still ups and downs, but I think things are going well.
Day 11
Treatment: Massage, medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina had a massage today because her body was really concocted!
Rina had a massage today because her body was really concocted!
The UPS test!! 11 days ago Rina couldn't walk.
Day 12
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Another delivery!
Another delivery!
Day 13
Treatment: Medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
My service dog is back!... well, sort of. Rina came in the house carrying one of the cardboard food containers I put their meals in. It's been difficult not having her pick stuff up because my compression fracture makes it painful to bend. Since she clearly wants to get back to work, I had her pick up a couple more. Building confidence can be a slippery slope (in more ways than one), so laughter is a critical piece in her recovery, as you can see.
My service dog is back!... well, sort of. Rina came in the house carrying one of the cardboard food containers I put their meals in. It's been difficult not having her pick stuff up because my compression fracture makes it painful to bend. Since she clearly wants to get back to work, I had her pick up a couple more. Building confidence can be a slippery slope (in more ways than one), so laughter is a critical piece in her recovery, as you can see.
Day 14
Treatment: Chiropractic, medication, Chinese herbs, essential oils, prayers & positive energy
Rina had a chiropractic treatment today, and it was pretty interesting. As most of you know, Ricochet does energetic healing. She often takes on the emotional and physical pain of others & replaces it with her positive energy. I wondered how living with Rina's VS & my compression fracture 24/7 might affect her.
The Chiro asked me which dog I wanted to go first. I said Rina, but Ricochet stepped in. As I suspected, all the areas of need on Ricochet's body were the same as Rina's. But, the interesting part was... Rina laid her head on Ricochet's hip during most of her treatment. It was like they needed that physical connection so Ricochet could help the doctor with Rina's healing. I guess that's why she wanted to go first!
I didn't video most of it, but here's a clip where you can see Rina pick her head up from Ricochet's hip and yawn a release. Interesting stuff!
Rina is about 90% back to normal, and only has a slight head tilt when she's tired. Having chiro done today really helped her head, jaw and neck that were so tight from the balance and equilibrium issues. Ricochet was able to release all she was carrying too.
Rina had a chiropractic treatment today, and it was pretty interesting. As most of you know, Ricochet does energetic healing. She often takes on the emotional and physical pain of others & replaces it with her positive energy. I wondered how living with Rina's VS & my compression fracture 24/7 might affect her.
The Chiro asked me which dog I wanted to go first. I said Rina, but Ricochet stepped in. As I suspected, all the areas of need on Ricochet's body were the same as Rina's. But, the interesting part was... Rina laid her head on Ricochet's hip during most of her treatment. It was like they needed that physical connection so Ricochet could help the doctor with Rina's healing. I guess that's why she wanted to go first!
I didn't video most of it, but here's a clip where you can see Rina pick her head up from Ricochet's hip and yawn a release. Interesting stuff!
Rina is about 90% back to normal, and only has a slight head tilt when she's tired. Having chiro done today really helped her head, jaw and neck that were so tight from the balance and equilibrium issues. Ricochet was able to release all she was carrying too.
Day 16
I was only going to post the first 14 days of Rina' s recovery. But since she's running and playing on day 16, I had to include it!
Thank you all for your support, prayers, encouragement, well wishes, positive vibes and everything else. I believe in the power of energy. It's not a coincidence that Rina beat three illnesses in 2015... colon cancer, laryngeal paralysis and vestibular syndrome. She is a warrior! but YOU all had a hand in her healing, and we're so very grateful.
Please join us on the following links...
https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurfDogRicochetAndRinaToo/
https://www.surfdogricochet.com
Resources
CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Monica Laughlin, Cardiff Animal Hospital & Wellness Center.
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (to find a doc in your area) and animalchiropractic.org
ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Yen Chou, Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center & Animal Healing Center, https://kmvet.com/, https://www.animalhealingcenter.net/
Chi Institute (to find a doc in your area)
REIKI/ACUPRESSURE
Nedra Abramson, Acupressure For All Creatures
Animal Reiki Source (to find a practitioner in your area)
MASSAGE
ESSENTIAL OILS
Dr. Melissa Shelton
animalEO
HARNESS
THUNDERSHIRT
ARTICLES
https://www.greymuzzle.org/Grey-Matters/February-2015/-Canine-Vestibular-Disease-A-Common-Senior-Dog-Ma.aspx
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/06/04/canine-vestibular-disease.aspx
