Even dogs feel some dizziness just like us. This happens when an ear is infected and affects the sense of balance as one of the ear’s functionality. In dogs, it is called simply dizziness or “labyrinthitis” in medical term. It comes from the word labyrinth, a part of a complicated structure of ear composed of saccule, utricle, and the semicircular canals. The labyrinth serves for eye movement synchronization and in maintenance of coordination, balance, and posture. Ear infection is the most common result and affects the normal posture of a dog. Loss of balance is evident as well, followed by the lacking of coordination, making the dogs to vomit. Others manifest a condition of nystagmus where a dog has the fast jerking movement of the eyeballs.
What You Must Do?
o When a dog is in a woozy situation, it may find itself very difficult to walk or even hold up or tilt its head. Before contacting the veterinarian, take the first step to help him relieve momentarily from dizziness.
o Cover the dog with a blanket, even if it is not shivering or doesn’t show any signs of shock. Never try to make the dog eat or drink, or try to shock the dog out of the dizzy spell (for example, smacking or shuddering it).
o Immediately call the veterinarian to see the cause of the dizzy spell. It is important to see your dog even if it feels okay. Talk with the vet for the future prevention and treatment in case the dizziness occurs again.
What Causes Labyrinthitis?
o The most widespread effect of the condition is the ear infection. This brings disturbance to the inner and middle ear when a dog has an improperly treated disease in the ear. This can relieved through antibiotic, but depending on the status of the infected area. Sometimes, a surgery is required.
Other conditions that lead to dog dizziness are cancer and heart disease. Invasion of the brain area by a tumor or anything that surrounds the ears affects balance, while heart disease supports dog fatigue.
o Dietary health of the dog should be monitored. When dogs have a low level of glucose, it may feel dizziness. This needs the doctor’s attention to consider the replacements of the dog’s diet.
o Bug bites or stings, especially from bees also can cause dizziness in dogs. Sometimes, a dog gets dizzy after a bite or sting because it is allergic to bee stings. A dog sometimes gets dizzy when being bitten by a bug. This is because of the allergy the stings bring.
o Recovery from vestibular disease
o Drug intoxication, poisoning
o Head trauma
o The prolonged use of some antibiotics like neomycin and amino-glycoside can result to dizziness that may lead to deafness.
How to Treat Labyrinthitis?
The best treatment is to know the underlying cause. Medications to be given require the proper prescription to help relieve the symptoms and the future occurrence of the condition.