Laurie's Blogs.

Hi Laurie! 

Love your site and how you are real and down to earth. I was wondering if you had any information on vestibular rehab for dogs. Trying to use my human techniques but I feel there is more I should be doing. Problem in this dog stems from middle ear infection which may have caused abscess in brain. Probably ruling out tumor as improvements are being seen while on antibiotics. Any insight would be tremendously appreciated!

M.

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Hi M,

Firstly, I must apologize for the tardy reply.  I am terribly behind.  BUT... perhaps it is serendipity as well, because my answer to your question would have been 'no... I've not done vestibular rehab' - just the Dix Halpike & Epley manoeuvres  for presumed otolith displacement.  

HOWEVER, while teaching in England last week, there was a physio on the course that mentioned doing vestibular rehab by having a dog standing & blind folded, and then have it move it's head from side to side or up and down by following an item with peanut butter smeared on it.  From this, I would say that you could progress to walking practice, walking practice while moving the head from side to side... hmm maybe on a treadmill, maybe balancing on an uneven surface - blindfolded... and then while moving the head to follow the peanut butter again.

I never did vestibular rehab in humans... so all I have to go on is a presentation that some of my classmates did (over 22 years ago)!!!  But with the inspiration from the physio in my England class and what bits of memory I've retained from my days in physio school, I think this would be a solid plan!  (And a great idea for a video!  Thanks!)

Good luck!  (and let me know how you make out!)

Cheers,

Laurie

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Hi Laurie,

I treated this patient, the little guy with the brain abscess and middle ear infection. When we started he could not lift his head, sit, stand, or ambulated (of course). His position was supine with front limbs wide set and head held low and rotated to the right. 

First I did static positioning with his head on towel rolls and front paws under the towels that were holding his head. Did this for proprioception as well as balance.  Then I did gentle soft tissue work from cranium to lumbar area around the spine. We progressed to gentle perturbations in supine, then sitting, and eventually standing with my support. 

Then I did some mild ROM with cervical area. 

He was then able to stand with moderate assist so I then did weight shifting starting with rear then moving forward.

While I was giving him a rest he got up on his own, stood still for about 2 minutes, then started walking. 

His owner then walked in and started hugging him and crying.

Best job EVER!!

Thank you for your reply. I always look forward to your info!

M.