“Vestibular disease” can affect any dog; old dogs are more vulnerable.

By Kathryn Socie

Aside from some stiffness and a little arthritis, Emma, a 13-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, had always been a happy, incredibly healthy dog, welcoming each new day with delight and bounding enthusiasm. One evening, though, things changed suddenly and scarily.

“I was at a friend’s house when, after laying quietly in the corner, Emma stood up and came into the room stumbling. She was staggering, panting, and totally confused,” says her owner, Ici

Don’t panic if your older dog suddenly loses her balance, and has trouble standing or walking straight. Vestibular disease in older dogs is most often “idiopathic” – of unknown cause – and commonly resolves without any treatment at all.

Schemm. Something was very wrong, and then almost as suddenly, it was over. …

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