If you see a dog or cat walking crookedly, their eyes swaying from side to side, and drooling all the time, owners may worry that their dog or cat has a strange disease! In fact, these are typical symptoms of "vestibular syndrome".
He Zhiyuan, a veterinarian at Oasis Animal Hospital, said that the vestibular system is an important mechanism for animals to maintain balance. When there is a problem with this system, it will cause a series of clinical symptoms, such as unnatural head tilt, nystagmus, strabismus, skewed walking, and even Rolling and unable to stand. In addition, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, drooling, or loss of appetite may occur.
He Zhiyuan added that these symptoms often make owners mistake them for epilepsy or dementia, but in fact, epilepsy usually causes "paroxysmal" symptoms, such as limb stiffness, water skiing, drooling, or fecal and urinary incontinence; Dementia, on the other hand, is a "progressive" behavioral change, such as confusion, abnormal sleep cycles, or changes in bowel and bladder habits. In contrast, vestibular syndrome is primarily an abnormality in balance.
He Zhiyuan pointed out that the causes of vestibular syndrome are quite complex and may be infections, inflammations, tumors or vascular problems in the inner ear, cerebellum or brainstem, and may even be related to hypothyroidism, metabolic diseases or vitamin B1 deficiency. It is worth noting that vestibular syndrome can occur in pets of all ages. For example, young pets may have symptoms due to developmental abnormalities, while middle-aged and elderly pets are prone to diseases due to tumors. Dogs are more susceptible to thyroid problems, while cats are more susceptible to vitamin B1 deficiency.
If your furry child suffers from vestibular syndrome, He Zhiyuan recommends that owners create a safe space for them at home, lay soft mats or towels around it, and ensure that the floor has enough friction to prevent pets from falling and getting injured. The owner can also support the furry child a little by the side to help the furry child practice standing and walking again. In terms of medical treatment, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-vertigo, anti-emetic or appetite-stimulating drugs to relieve their discomfort. If your furry child has a long-term loss of appetite, it will be recommended to go to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible, and it may be necessary to provide necessary nutrients through infusion or nutrition tubes.
