Sometimes veterinarians don\u2019t get the appreciation they deserve \u2014\u00a0 this incident of old dog vestibular syndrome was one of those times.<\/p>\n
The tale of Titus and old dog vestibular syndrome<\/h3>\n![\"An](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Older-dog-lying-down-on-the-floor.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDoes old dog vestibular syndrome restrict itself to older dogs only? Photography \u00a9Chalabala | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018he\u2019s all twisted up\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoc, he\u2019s twisted to one side like a roly-poly. Poor boy can\u2019t even get a drink of water for all that stumbling and staggering about.\u201d<\/p>\n
I was on my first phone call of the day with a senior man with an equally senior terrier named Titus.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been like this since yesterday. He vomited<\/a> once or twice and can\u2019t stand straight for more than a minute. His head keeps rolling to one side like he\u2019s trying to flip upside down. I thought maybe he\u2019d eaten a bad worm but he\u2019s getting worse.\u201d<\/p>\nI assumed \u201cbad worm\u201d was a metaphor, but it was early.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe worms have been real bad after all this rain. Do you think that\u2019s what it is?\u201d<\/p>\n
Note to self: Never assume anything in veterinary practice. <\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d I replied, running through my alarmingly short list of worm toxins. \u201cCan you bring Titus in right away?\u201d I needed to research poisonous worms in our area. And maybe grab another coffee.<\/p>\n
An hour later I was looking at an admittedly \u201ctwisted-up\u201d 13-year-old Terrier. Titus\u2019s eyes were darting side to side in a classic case of nystagmus (a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements). Poor Titus couldn\u2019t hold his head upright and kept falling to his right side as he involuntarily twisted and turned. Every second step he plummeted to the floor and rolled around until he could lurch upright.<\/p>\n
I had a good idea what was wrong with Titus. \u201cI feel pretty confident this isn\u2019t from eating worms.\u201d Titus\u2019s owner let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cOld dog disease\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\nOlder dogs suffering from these sorts of symptoms often have a form of vestibular disease. The first step in diagnosis is determining whether the disease is \u201ccentral\u201d (from the brain or brainstem) or ‘peripheral’ vestibular disease<\/a>\u00a0(typically originating in the middle or inner ear). Central vestibular disease is often much more serious, whereas peripheral disease typically carries a more favorable prognosis.<\/p>\nFirst I did a careful neurological exam, testing the cranial nerves and reflexes, followed by a thorough eye and ear examination. Titus passed his neuro exam, there was no sign of infection, and no exposure to drugs or toxins other than the mysterious \u201cworms.\u201d This led me to conclude that Titus was most likely suffering from idiopathic vestibular disease, sometimes referred to as \u201cold dog vestibular syndrome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Does old dog vestibular syndrome affect older dogs only?<\/h3>\n
\u201cIs Titus old? I had another dog lived to be over 18. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s what it is. You sure it\u2019s not worms?\u201d<\/p>\n
Idiopathic vestibular disease is somewhat common in older dogs.<\/p>\n
It should be considered in any dog exhibiting sudden, progressive loss of balance, often accompanied by a head tilt. Most cases are caused by ear infections<\/a>, but tumors<\/a>, infections, trauma or certain medications can cause vestibular disease. There may be a worm that can cause similar symptoms if ingested, I just couldn\u2019t find it in my textbooks.<\/p>\n\u201cThirteen isn\u2019t that old, but it does make Titus a solid canine senior citizen. Based on my exam, I think idiopathic vestibular disease is the most probable cause for his symptoms. I\u2019d like to run a few simple blood and urine tests to make sure there isn\u2019t anything I\u2019m missing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you test for those worms?\u201d<\/p>\n
While I couldn\u2019t promise that specific \u201cworm test,\u201d I assured the owner most serious conditions would show up on the tests. Thirty minutes later I was holding normal test results.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is great news! Titus appears to healthy other than this form of vestibular disease that strikes without warning or obvious cause. Even better, most dogs will get better within a week or two.\u201d<\/p>\n
Treatment options for old dog vestibular syndrome<\/strong><\/h3>\nI prescribed an anti-vomiting medication, meclizine, to ease nausea and upset stomach. We also gave Titus subcutaneous fluids to hydrate him and hand-fed a high-calorie food.<\/p>\n
As we helped Titus to his car, his owner turned to me. \u201cI still think it\u2019s the worms. Gotta be. Titus isn\u2019t an old dog, just a good one.\u201d I couldn\u2019t agree more.<\/p>\n
The next day Titus returned, already feeling better. We gave more food and fluids, and his owner thought he could handle it from there. Titus improved over the next four days, until he was able to walk, eat and drink by himself.<\/p>\n
Two weeks later a letter arrived. As I peered inside the envelope, I immediately knew who it was from. A hand-scribbled note was attached to a picture of an earthworm.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Dr. Ward, here is the worm that made Titus sick. Once I got rid of all the worms, he got better. Thought it might help someone else. Thanks again!\u201d<\/p>\n
Some days I get no respect, and that\u2019s OK. I\u2019m just glad Titus got better.<\/p>\n
Thumbnail: Photography \u00a9AmyDreves | Thinkstock. <\/em><\/p>\nAbout the author<\/a>:<\/h3>\nDr. Ernie Ward is an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his innovations in general small animal practice, long-term medication monitoring, special needs of senior dogs and cats and pet obesity. He has authored three books and has been a frequent guest on numerous TV programs.<\/em><\/p>\nEditor\u2019s note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet\u2019s office?\u00a0Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nRead more about dog health issues on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n\n- Peripheral Vestibular Disease in Dogs: 4 Things to Do About It<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- How to Spend Less at the Vet’s Office Without Sacrificing Your Dog’s Health<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- How to Make Life Happier and Healthier for Your Senior Dog<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
The post What is Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome?<\/a> by Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
The post What is Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome?<\/a> by Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n\nSometimes veterinarians don\u2019t get the appreciation they deserve \u2014\u00a0 this incident of old dog vestibular syndrome was one of those times.<\/p>\n
The tale of Titus and old dog vestibular syndrome<\/h3>\n<\/p>\nDoes old dog vestibular syndrome restrict itself to older dogs only? Photography \u00a9Chalabala | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018he\u2019s all twisted up\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoc, he\u2019s twisted to one side like a roly-poly. Poor boy can\u2019t even get a drink of water for all that stumbling and staggering about.\u201d<\/p>\n
I was on my first phone call of the day with a senior man with an equally senior terrier named Titus.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been like this since yesterday. He vomited<\/a> once or twice and can\u2019t stand straight for more than a minute. His head keeps rolling to one side like he\u2019s trying to flip upside down. I thought maybe he\u2019d eaten a bad worm but he\u2019s getting worse.\u201d<\/p>\nI assumed \u201cbad worm\u201d was a metaphor, but it was early.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe worms have been real bad after all this rain. Do you think that\u2019s what it is?\u201d<\/p>\n
Note to self: Never assume anything in veterinary practice. <\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d I replied, running through my alarmingly short list of worm toxins. \u201cCan you bring Titus in right away?\u201d I needed to research poisonous worms in our area. And maybe grab another coffee.<\/p>\n
An hour later I was looking at an admittedly \u201ctwisted-up\u201d 13-year-old Terrier. Titus\u2019s eyes were darting side to side in a classic case of nystagmus (a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements). Poor Titus couldn\u2019t hold his head upright and kept falling to his right side as he involuntarily twisted and turned. Every second step he plummeted to the floor and rolled around until he could lurch upright.<\/p>\n
I had a good idea what was wrong with Titus. \u201cI feel pretty confident this isn\u2019t from eating worms.\u201d Titus\u2019s owner let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cOld dog disease\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\nOlder dogs suffering from these sorts of symptoms often have a form of vestibular disease. The first step in diagnosis is determining whether the disease is \u201ccentral\u201d (from the brain or brainstem) or ‘peripheral’ vestibular disease<\/a>\u00a0(typically originating in the middle or inner ear). Central vestibular disease is often much more serious, whereas peripheral disease typically carries a more favorable prognosis.<\/p>\nFirst I did a careful neurological exam, testing the cranial nerves and reflexes, followed by a thorough eye and ear examination. Titus passed his neuro exam, there was no sign of infection, and no exposure to drugs or toxins other than the mysterious \u201cworms.\u201d This led me to conclude that Titus was most likely suffering from idiopathic vestibular disease, sometimes referred to as \u201cold dog vestibular syndrome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Does old dog vestibular syndrome affect older dogs only?<\/h3>\n
\u201cIs Titus old? I had another dog lived to be over 18. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s what it is. You sure it\u2019s not worms?\u201d<\/p>\n
Idiopathic vestibular disease is somewhat common in older dogs.<\/p>\n
It should be considered in any dog exhibiting sudden, progressive loss of balance, often accompanied by a head tilt. Most cases are caused by ear infections<\/a>, but tumors<\/a>, infections, trauma or certain medications can cause vestibular disease. There may be a worm that can cause similar symptoms if ingested, I just couldn\u2019t find it in my textbooks.<\/p>\n\u201cThirteen isn\u2019t that old, but it does make Titus a solid canine senior citizen. Based on my exam, I think idiopathic vestibular disease is the most probable cause for his symptoms. I\u2019d like to run a few simple blood and urine tests to make sure there isn\u2019t anything I\u2019m missing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you test for those worms?\u201d<\/p>\n
While I couldn\u2019t promise that specific \u201cworm test,\u201d I assured the owner most serious conditions would show up on the tests. Thirty minutes later I was holding normal test results.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is great news! Titus appears to healthy other than this form of vestibular disease that strikes without warning or obvious cause. Even better, most dogs will get better within a week or two.\u201d<\/p>\n
Treatment options for old dog vestibular syndrome<\/strong><\/h3>\nI prescribed an anti-vomiting medication, meclizine, to ease nausea and upset stomach. We also gave Titus subcutaneous fluids to hydrate him and hand-fed a high-calorie food.<\/p>\n
As we helped Titus to his car, his owner turned to me. \u201cI still think it\u2019s the worms. Gotta be. Titus isn\u2019t an old dog, just a good one.\u201d I couldn\u2019t agree more.<\/p>\n
The next day Titus returned, already feeling better. We gave more food and fluids, and his owner thought he could handle it from there. Titus improved over the next four days, until he was able to walk, eat and drink by himself.<\/p>\n
Two weeks later a letter arrived. As I peered inside the envelope, I immediately knew who it was from. A hand-scribbled note was attached to a picture of an earthworm.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Dr. Ward, here is the worm that made Titus sick. Once I got rid of all the worms, he got better. Thought it might help someone else. Thanks again!\u201d<\/p>\n
Some days I get no respect, and that\u2019s OK. I\u2019m just glad Titus got better.<\/p>\n
Thumbnail: Photography \u00a9AmyDreves | Thinkstock. <\/em><\/p>\nAbout the author<\/a>:<\/h3>\nDr. Ernie Ward is an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his innovations in general small animal practice, long-term medication monitoring, special needs of senior dogs and cats and pet obesity. He has authored three books and has been a frequent guest on numerous TV programs.<\/em><\/p>\nEditor\u2019s note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet\u2019s office?\u00a0Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nRead more about dog health issues on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n\n- Peripheral Vestibular Disease in Dogs: 4 Things to Do About It<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- How to Spend Less at the Vet’s Office Without Sacrificing Your Dog’s Health<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- How to Make Life Happier and Healthier for Your Senior Dog<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
The post What is Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome?<\/a> by Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n
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<\/p>\nDoes old dog vestibular syndrome restrict itself to older dogs only? Photography \u00a9Chalabala | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018he\u2019s all twisted up\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoc, he\u2019s twisted to one side like a roly-poly. Poor boy can\u2019t even get a drink of water for all that stumbling and staggering about.\u201d<\/p>\n
I was on my first phone call of the day with a senior man with an equally senior terrier named Titus.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been like this since yesterday. He vomited<\/a> once or twice and can\u2019t stand straight for more than a minute. His head keeps rolling to one side like he\u2019s trying to flip upside down. I thought maybe he\u2019d eaten a bad worm but he\u2019s getting worse.\u201d<\/p>\n I assumed \u201cbad worm\u201d was a metaphor, but it was early.<\/p>\n \u201cThe worms have been real bad after all this rain. Do you think that\u2019s what it is?\u201d<\/p>\n Note to self: Never assume anything in veterinary practice. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d I replied, running through my alarmingly short list of worm toxins. \u201cCan you bring Titus in right away?\u201d I needed to research poisonous worms in our area. And maybe grab another coffee.<\/p>\n An hour later I was looking at an admittedly \u201ctwisted-up\u201d 13-year-old Terrier. Titus\u2019s eyes were darting side to side in a classic case of nystagmus (a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements). Poor Titus couldn\u2019t hold his head upright and kept falling to his right side as he involuntarily twisted and turned. Every second step he plummeted to the floor and rolled around until he could lurch upright.<\/p>\n I had a good idea what was wrong with Titus. \u201cI feel pretty confident this isn\u2019t from eating worms.\u201d Titus\u2019s owner let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n Older dogs suffering from these sorts of symptoms often have a form of vestibular disease. The first step in diagnosis is determining whether the disease is \u201ccentral\u201d (from the brain or brainstem) or ‘peripheral’ vestibular disease<\/a>\u00a0(typically originating in the middle or inner ear). Central vestibular disease is often much more serious, whereas peripheral disease typically carries a more favorable prognosis.<\/p>\n First I did a careful neurological exam, testing the cranial nerves and reflexes, followed by a thorough eye and ear examination. Titus passed his neuro exam, there was no sign of infection, and no exposure to drugs or toxins other than the mysterious \u201cworms.\u201d This led me to conclude that Titus was most likely suffering from idiopathic vestibular disease, sometimes referred to as \u201cold dog vestibular syndrome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Titus old? I had another dog lived to be over 18. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s what it is. You sure it\u2019s not worms?\u201d<\/p>\n Idiopathic vestibular disease is somewhat common in older dogs.<\/p>\n It should be considered in any dog exhibiting sudden, progressive loss of balance, often accompanied by a head tilt. Most cases are caused by ear infections<\/a>, but tumors<\/a>, infections, trauma or certain medications can cause vestibular disease. There may be a worm that can cause similar symptoms if ingested, I just couldn\u2019t find it in my textbooks.<\/p>\n \u201cThirteen isn\u2019t that old, but it does make Titus a solid canine senior citizen. Based on my exam, I think idiopathic vestibular disease is the most probable cause for his symptoms. I\u2019d like to run a few simple blood and urine tests to make sure there isn\u2019t anything I\u2019m missing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you test for those worms?\u201d<\/p>\n While I couldn\u2019t promise that specific \u201cworm test,\u201d I assured the owner most serious conditions would show up on the tests. Thirty minutes later I was holding normal test results.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is great news! Titus appears to healthy other than this form of vestibular disease that strikes without warning or obvious cause. Even better, most dogs will get better within a week or two.\u201d<\/p>\n I prescribed an anti-vomiting medication, meclizine, to ease nausea and upset stomach. We also gave Titus subcutaneous fluids to hydrate him and hand-fed a high-calorie food.<\/p>\n As we helped Titus to his car, his owner turned to me. \u201cI still think it\u2019s the worms. Gotta be. Titus isn\u2019t an old dog, just a good one.\u201d I couldn\u2019t agree more.<\/p>\n The next day Titus returned, already feeling better. We gave more food and fluids, and his owner thought he could handle it from there. Titus improved over the next four days, until he was able to walk, eat and drink by himself.<\/p>\n Two weeks later a letter arrived. As I peered inside the envelope, I immediately knew who it was from. A hand-scribbled note was attached to a picture of an earthworm.<\/p>\n \u201cDear Dr. Ward, here is the worm that made Titus sick. Once I got rid of all the worms, he got better. Thought it might help someone else. Thanks again!\u201d<\/p>\n Some days I get no respect, and that\u2019s OK. I\u2019m just glad Titus got better.<\/p>\n Thumbnail: Photography \u00a9AmyDreves | Thinkstock. <\/em><\/p>\n Dr. Ernie Ward is an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his innovations in general small animal practice, long-term medication monitoring, special needs of senior dogs and cats and pet obesity. He has authored three books and has been a frequent guest on numerous TV programs.<\/em><\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet\u2019s office?\u00a0Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The post What is Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome?<\/a> by Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post What is Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome?<\/a> by Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n Sometimes veterinarians don\u2019t get the appreciation they deserve \u2014\u00a0 this incident of old dog vestibular syndrome was one of those times.<\/p>\n Does old dog vestibular syndrome restrict itself to older dogs only? Photography \u00a9Chalabala | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWhat do you mean \u2018he\u2019s all twisted up\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc, he\u2019s twisted to one side like a roly-poly. Poor boy can\u2019t even get a drink of water for all that stumbling and staggering about.\u201d<\/p>\n I was on my first phone call of the day with a senior man with an equally senior terrier named Titus.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been like this since yesterday. He vomited<\/a> once or twice and can\u2019t stand straight for more than a minute. His head keeps rolling to one side like he\u2019s trying to flip upside down. I thought maybe he\u2019d eaten a bad worm but he\u2019s getting worse.\u201d<\/p>\n I assumed \u201cbad worm\u201d was a metaphor, but it was early.<\/p>\n \u201cThe worms have been real bad after all this rain. Do you think that\u2019s what it is?\u201d<\/p>\n Note to self: Never assume anything in veterinary practice. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d I replied, running through my alarmingly short list of worm toxins. \u201cCan you bring Titus in right away?\u201d I needed to research poisonous worms in our area. And maybe grab another coffee.<\/p>\n An hour later I was looking at an admittedly \u201ctwisted-up\u201d 13-year-old Terrier. Titus\u2019s eyes were darting side to side in a classic case of nystagmus (a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements). Poor Titus couldn\u2019t hold his head upright and kept falling to his right side as he involuntarily twisted and turned. Every second step he plummeted to the floor and rolled around until he could lurch upright.<\/p>\n I had a good idea what was wrong with Titus. \u201cI feel pretty confident this isn\u2019t from eating worms.\u201d Titus\u2019s owner let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n Older dogs suffering from these sorts of symptoms often have a form of vestibular disease. The first step in diagnosis is determining whether the disease is \u201ccentral\u201d (from the brain or brainstem) or ‘peripheral’ vestibular disease<\/a>\u00a0(typically originating in the middle or inner ear). Central vestibular disease is often much more serious, whereas peripheral disease typically carries a more favorable prognosis.<\/p>\n First I did a careful neurological exam, testing the cranial nerves and reflexes, followed by a thorough eye and ear examination. Titus passed his neuro exam, there was no sign of infection, and no exposure to drugs or toxins other than the mysterious \u201cworms.\u201d This led me to conclude that Titus was most likely suffering from idiopathic vestibular disease, sometimes referred to as \u201cold dog vestibular syndrome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Titus old? I had another dog lived to be over 18. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s what it is. You sure it\u2019s not worms?\u201d<\/p>\n Idiopathic vestibular disease is somewhat common in older dogs.<\/p>\n It should be considered in any dog exhibiting sudden, progressive loss of balance, often accompanied by a head tilt. Most cases are caused by ear infections<\/a>, but tumors<\/a>, infections, trauma or certain medications can cause vestibular disease. There may be a worm that can cause similar symptoms if ingested, I just couldn\u2019t find it in my textbooks.<\/p>\n \u201cThirteen isn\u2019t that old, but it does make Titus a solid canine senior citizen. Based on my exam, I think idiopathic vestibular disease is the most probable cause for his symptoms. I\u2019d like to run a few simple blood and urine tests to make sure there isn\u2019t anything I\u2019m missing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you test for those worms?\u201d<\/p>\n While I couldn\u2019t promise that specific \u201cworm test,\u201d I assured the owner most serious conditions would show up on the tests. Thirty minutes later I was holding normal test results.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is great news! Titus appears to healthy other than this form of vestibular disease that strikes without warning or obvious cause. Even better, most dogs will get better within a week or two.\u201d<\/p>\n I prescribed an anti-vomiting medication, meclizine, to ease nausea and upset stomach. We also gave Titus subcutaneous fluids to hydrate him and hand-fed a high-calorie food.<\/p>\n As we helped Titus to his car, his owner turned to me. \u201cI still think it\u2019s the worms. Gotta be. Titus isn\u2019t an old dog, just a good one.\u201d I couldn\u2019t agree more.<\/p>\n The next day Titus returned, already feeling better. We gave more food and fluids, and his owner thought he could handle it from there. Titus improved over the next four days, until he was able to walk, eat and drink by himself.<\/p>\n Two weeks later a letter arrived. As I peered inside the envelope, I immediately knew who it was from. A hand-scribbled note was attached to a picture of an earthworm.<\/p>\n \u201cDear Dr. Ward, here is the worm that made Titus sick. Once I got rid of all the worms, he got better. Thought it might help someone else. Thanks again!\u201d<\/p>\n Some days I get no respect, and that\u2019s OK. I\u2019m just glad Titus got better.<\/p>\n Thumbnail: Photography \u00a9AmyDreves | Thinkstock. <\/em><\/p>\n Dr. Ernie Ward is an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his innovations in general small animal practice, long-term medication monitoring, special needs of senior dogs and cats and pet obesity. He has authored three books and has been a frequent guest on numerous TV programs.<\/em><\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet\u2019s office?\u00a0Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The post What is Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome?<\/a> by Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n\u201cOld dog disease\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Does old dog vestibular syndrome affect older dogs only?<\/h3>\n
Treatment options for old dog vestibular syndrome<\/strong><\/h3>\n
About the author<\/a>:<\/h3>\n
Read more about dog health issues on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n
\n
The tale of Titus and old dog vestibular syndrome<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n\u201cOld dog disease\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Does old dog vestibular syndrome affect older dogs only?<\/h3>\n
Treatment options for old dog vestibular syndrome<\/strong><\/h3>\n
About the author<\/a>:<\/h3>\n
Read more about dog health issues on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n
\n