Have you heard about a old dog sydrome which pertains to vertigo?

Have you heard about a old dog sydrome which pertains to vertigo?

Old Dog Syndrome is actually called CDS. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is the age related deterioration of cognitive abilities characterized by behavioral changes in dogs that cannot be wholly attributed to general medical conditions such as neoplasia (cancer), infection or organ failure. CDS is not "normal aging". A number of pathophysiological changes are suspected to play a role in its development. These include:* deposition of amyloid plaques in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal part of the brain* alterations in neurotransmitters, including dopamine* increased levels of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) in the brain* increased levels of free radicalsAlso, older dogs can have vestibular disease.Vestibular means a problem with the connections between inner/middle ear and brain causing ataxia. Dogs with ataxia stand with their limbs braced, they walk with difficulty and have a “drunk” type of motion because they have lost their sense of balance. When the vestibular nerve, which travels from the inner ear to the brain, malfunctions. It disrupts the animal’s sense of balance and orientation.It is important to find out where the vestibular abnormality is located. The disturbance can be peripheral, meaning it is located outside the brain, or central, located inside the brain. The distinction between the two is subtle and is best diagnosed by a veterinary neurologist. The peripheral disturbance is the most common and least serious.It has been suggested that there is a correlation between old dog vestibular syndrome and hypothyroidism so blood work should be done to rule out this problem.The ears should be thoroughly examined because the same symptoms can result from a severe ear mite infection. Also certain types of antibiotics such as streptomycin and gentomicin can cause vestibular syndrome.This syndrome is not a life threatening condition, nor should it even be called old dog vestibular syndrome because young dogs have also contracted it. However, in most cases old dogs are seen by veterinarians with this condition more often. Your vet can help diagnose if you have CDS or vestibular diease or one of the underlying conditions. See http://www.cdsindogs.com/ for details on CDS.