Tag Archives: geriatric

Cat care

Calling all cat carers! Mark Wednesday 21st September in your diaries. Hall Vet Surgery is holding a cat care information evening at the Hall pavilion.

Learn why your cats behave (or misbehave!) the way they do, how to care for your older cat and why regular checkups are vital to all cats’ health and comfort.

Entry is free.

We have heaps of give-aways and prizes for everyone and a delicious supper to cap the evening off.

Secure a seat by phoning 6230 2223, emailing vets@hallvet.com or telling one of our receptionists at your next visit.

Don’t miss out on a fun-filled chance to improve your cat’s quality of life!

Geriatric Vestibular disease

Dogs with Geriatric Vestibular Disease have a head tilt, walk in circles, fall to one side, appear disoriented and are reluctant to stand up. Some also have flicking eye movements, known as nystagmus. Many dogs feel nauseous and vomit.

Geriatric Vestibular Disease often develops suddenly and without warning in old, medium to large breeds of dogs. The precise cause is a mystery and there are no known predisposing risks.

The latest thinking is that it is a type of stroke and that the blood supply to the vestibular system is interrupted.

The vestibular system is a complicated structure in the inner ear that perceives the body’s orientation relative to the earth and informs the eyes and limbs how to move accordingly.  It allows animals to move on uneven ground without falling, helps them know when they need to right themselves, and allows their eyes to follow moving objects without becoming dizzy. When it fails a dog’s balance is upset and he feels as if he has motion sickness.

Most patients return to normal within a few days but others take weeks. We don’t medicate them unless they are unable to drink on their own or persistently vomit.  Intravenous fluids in hospital and medication to settle persistent vomiting support these patients until they can drink on their own.

Most dogs with geriatric vestibular disease are nursed at home. They need a warm, dry, well-padded bed and will temporarily require assistance with toileting.

Despite the initial acute and dramatic presentation, most dogs with geriatric vestibular disease recover completely or accommodate minor balance problems.

Recurrence is possible but uncommon.