VS - vestibular syndrome

What is vestibular syndrome?

Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance. It is more common in older dogs. It is also referred to as ‘old dog vestibular syndrome’ and ‘canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome’.

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining normal balance. There are central components located in the brain and peripheral components located in the inner and middle ear.

how does it progress?

It is more common in older dogs and is presented with a sudden on set loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt and irregular jerking eye movements (nystagmus).

Video from Andy. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with Andy.

what causes Vestibular disease?

The most common causes for vestibular disease included:

  • Middle or inner ear infections

  • Drugs that are toxic to the ear

  • Trauma or injury,

  • Tumours

  • Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)

There are two types of vestibular syndrome, depending on which of the components are being effected to cause the syndrome:

  • Central vestibular syndrome is related to causes that effect the brain.

  • Peripheral vestibular syndrome is related to causes that effect the ears

In cases where there does not seem to be a specific cause for the sydrome this is referred to as Idiopathic vestibular syndrome.

what are the symptoms?

  • Asymmetric Ataxia (drunken gait)

  • Abnormal posture (leaning the head or tilting towards the side of the problem)

  • Circling deviating (towards the side of the problem)

  • Wide base stance

  • Nystagmus

  • Vomiting due to motion sickness

  • Disorientation

  • Reluctance to stand or walk

  • CENTRAL VESTIBULAR DISEASE ONLY - a depressed mental state, reduced interactivity and a loss of proprioception.

This is predominantly a non surgical recovery with antibiotics or radiotherapy. Physiotherapy, massage therapy and hydrotherapy is also used to aid with the recovery of overused muscles etc.

how can massage help with VS?

  • Increased circulation to aid with the bodys natural healing

  • Improves muscle tone, especially in areas underused during the disorientation and decreasing muscle atrophy

  • Treats overcompensation, particularly in the front legs, neck and shoulders due to head tilt etc

  • Soft tissue massage will increase sensation and awareness of the body, especially with proprioceptor techniques.

  • Improving muscle flexibility to aid with gait repositioning 

  • Increase the sensory impulse to the brain to reduce the transmission of pain messages to the brain (pain gate theory).

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema

  • Bruises

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Pregnancy