Vestibular syndrome is severe vertigo that occurs quite commonly in geriatric dogs. It is caused by abormal firing of the vestibular portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII.) Onset is most often extremely sudden, which can be very frightening to an owner. They may think their dog has had a stroke. Chiropractors, as receptor-based therapists, can affect input to the vestibular system. Understanding the syndrome, what the animal is experiencing, and the owner’s perceptions can help us be more effective at helping in these situations.
