My 12 yr. old mixed lab was diagnosed with vestibular disease

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My 12 yr. old mixed lab was diagnosed with vestibular disease by one doctor and a stroke by another. He suddenly woke up Monday 1/02/06 and could not stnd but would fall and roll over, he had a severe tilt of the head and his eyes had rapid movement. I had to take him an emergency vet since mine was closed. They gave him valium , anti-biotics because the ears showed signs of yeast and iv fluids. By the next morning his head tilt was better and he could hold his head up straight and his rapid eye movement has stopped. He still can no longer stand up on his hind legs. One back leg -left side- seemed to be more severe as he kept it straight out he know is able to scoot his legs behind him and is attempting to stand but with no success. I brought him to my vet on Tuesday morning. They started him on steroid shots( 2 so far) and feel if he doesn't improve by Wednesday evening we should consider putting him to sleep. HELP. I've read about vivitonin but can't find it anywhere does it go by another name and will this help him. Should we give him more time due to his age and if I take him home how can I care for him if he can't stand up or walk yet? Thanks

Optional Information:
Age: 12; Male; Breed: mixed black lab

Already Tried:
valium, iv fluids,cefazolin, and steroids(cortisone?)

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

It often takes them 7-10 days to get over an attack of vestibular disease. Its terribly distressing to see but it usually is not fatal.
As it appears to have been triggered by an ear infection I'd get that cleared up and check him for a thyroid problem and consider changing his food to a low allergen likely diet such as Wellness fish or rabbit or venison as often food allergies (even to foods they always ate) will trigger ear infections. Thyroid issues often lead to allergy issues and are really common in labs.
You can read about vestibular disease here
www.marvistavet.com/html/body_vestibular_disease.html
Looks like vivitonin is a UK pet med.
http://www.intervet.co.uk/products_public/vivitonin/010_overview.asp
It may be available to your vet as propentofylline.
For home care for a dog with mobility issues check out the ideas at www.handicappedpets.com
Hope this helps you!

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Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: what is propentofylline and what can it do for hom. Also is there a difference between stroke and vestibular disease. By the symptoms I described are we treating him accordingly. Are there any other medications I should consider?

Thats the active ingredient in the vivitonin medication.
While this could be a neurological issue like a stroke it may be also that in his disorientation he hurt his back. An x-ray might tell you.
With the first dog I had that had really bad vestibular disease my vet sent me and the dog home with ear drops and said you just have to wait it out. So we did home care helping the dog move around as needed, bringing it food and water until it could get around on its own etc.
It appears that whether or not you treat it they get over it.
I set up a padded area so the dog couldn't hurt itself and all went well with the dog eventually getting back the ability to walk etc though the dog had a head tilt afterwards.

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Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: is propentofylline available in the U.S. particulary the chicagoland area. I feel there is hope of recovery even though my vet says if he can't stand up and function he won't have a full life, but according to you I think it will take more than 3 days to see this improvement. Medication isn't as important maybe just keep him on antibiotics for the ears and see what happens.

It would only be available through a vet so you'd have to ask yours if he or she can get it.
I would give him some more time to see how it goes and do check out the mobility aids just for ideas while he is recovering - you can use a towel under the dog's chest to help him walk for example or a harness that you can grip to help him support himself and stay steady.

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my yr old mixed lab was diagnosed with vestibular disease

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