Ray has been experiencing idiopathic vestibular episodes again, similar to what he went through prior to his amputation surgery last August. I’m not greatly concerned, but we are certainly watching for increased frequency and/or other changes.
On April 19, he had a terrible episode while in my office. Was laying near my chair and looked like he wanted to get up but couldn’t for some reason. A look of confusion passed over his face and he stared at his legs like “why aren’t you working?” His head started going back and forth slowly, and then his whole body started flopping and rolling. All the while, his eyes darted back and forth, side to side. I tried to move him to the middle of the room to avoid hurting himself but it was a challenge. I screamed for my husband who ran in and literally threw himself on top of Ray to minimize the rolling. After what seemed like an eternity but was just a couple of minutes, he stopped rolling and was wobbly but pretty much ok. All other symptoms stopped. We rushed him up to the vet. All tests (blood, urine, etc.) came back normal.
Then last night, we were all watching TV in the living room and I noticed that look of confusion pass over Ray’s face again. Then the back-and-forth head sway started. I alerted my husband immediately and we surrounded Ray, holding him. I called his name cheerfully over and over (“It’s ok Ray! Mommy and Daddy are here!”) trying to get him to focus. This really seemed to help as he kept turning and looking at me as I spoke. He had the darting eyes and was trembling quite a bit but didn’t roll or flop. Again, it passed quickly and he was completely fine within a few minutes. Panting heavily but no residual symptoms.
So, I’ve had these experiences (what vets call “geriatric vestibular syndrome episodes”) before with my older dogs, but not quite like this. I’ve also seen seizures in dogs, and this isn’t like that either. Usually, in both cases, dogs have lingering effects. Ray does not. Vestibular episodes don’t usually reoccur, but Ray’s have, although minor. I’m not sure if we should try to have an MRI performed on him or not. Seems excessive at this point, especially since the vet didn’t find anything in April. I just wish I knew what was causing this. I’m going to clean his ears and hope it’s something as simple as that, since ears can affect balance.
I would welcome any thoughts or advice!
I don’t have any experience with what you describe, but I just want to say I hope Ray is feeling better, and I hope whatever it is is easily managed. We’re thinking about you Ray, and sending positive thoughts to you!!
I am not sure if this is what my other dog Shadow had or not. It wasn’t really a seizure, but we found out she had leukemia. She wasn’t getting enough oxygen in her blood. Have them check for that. Are Ray’s gums pink or pale?
First of all’ what a lovely, lovely photo of a very handsome, contented boy. A wmderfuly serene picture–very so thing to the soul!
You are both incredible pawpare ts and I love how you surround Ray with positive loving energy during these episodes.
I don’t know if what my sixteen yr. old has is similar or not. First of all, he’s a “little” guy..fiesty, vibrant, full of puppy antics s I’m very, very lucky.
About a year ago….boom…one second fine ,the next second wobbly, can’t stand, eyes all out of kilter. Of curse rushed him to the vet and I really can’t remember what all was done…..I know steroids..dexamethasne….maybe fluids? Definitely steroids.
He was out of sorts for several hours..-.then as quickly as it came….it left. He’s had maybe two or tree “instances” since then….not quite as severe and I give him a dexamethazon (so) And keep him quite and then he’s back to his old self
The vet called it so ethics g to do with old dogs…..sort of a clip in the brain…..similar to a small stroke in people but not!
Anyway, have no idea if this is the case it just thought I’d pass it on. I doubt it’s anything to worry about. Just the glories of aging!!
Lee us posted and sending you supportive energy!
Ray is a lucky by and he knows he’s loved! UST look at that picture again! Doesn’t it make you smile?
Sally and Happy Hannah
Wanted to add that the subsequent episodes didn’t linger for hours like the first, maybe more like 15-30 minutes? Anyway, it sou D’s like so e variation of the “old dog disease” syndrome
Thank you Michelle, Ray’s gums are beautifully pink. His blood tests after the April incident were all normal.
Thank you Sally and Happy, I really think he’s got a minor case of vestibular “disease” if you can even call it that. He’s getting up there in years, and if this is the worst that happens to him (after the nerve sheath tumor and amputation) I’ll be grateful, frankly. I am glad we’ve been here to support him when the episodes have presented. Another reason I am glad to work from home full-time. :0
And thank you for your concern MaxiMutt – how is Max?
Hi, I just saw your entry and wish I could offer more than support. I remember when you first posted last year and mentioned Ray had these episodes. Hopefully they remain isolated events and you are there to keep him calm and safe. He really is just one of those goldens that you want to hug.