Recurrent Peripheral Vestibular Paroxysm in a Dog: is it a New Entity?

Liatis, T. , Balla, S., Baka, R., Patsikas, M. and Polizopoulou, Z. (2018) Recurrent Peripheral Vestibular Paroxysm in a Dog: is it a New Entity? 31st Annual Symposium of the European Society of Veterinary Neurology, Copenhagen, Denmark, 20-22 Sep 2018.

Abstract

Vestibular syndrome in humans can be acute, chronic or episodic; the latter can be triggered (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, central paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular paroxysmia) or spontaneous (vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, transient ischaemic attack). Vestibulogenic/vertiginous epilepsy is another under-recognised nonlesional pharmacoresponsive condition caused by lesions in the vestibular representation in the frontal cortex. In young dogs, congenital vestibular disease has been reported, however it is not episodic. A four-month-old male entire client-owned vaccinated Hungarian Vizla-cross was referred for paroxysmal episodes consisting of wide-based stance, right compulsory trunk sway, right head tilt, disorientation, generalised muscle tremor and spontaneous horizontal nystagmus without post-ictal changes. No relation with the head position was reported. Physical examination revealed bilateral otitis externa (treated with topical medication), whilst neurological examination was unremarkable. Clinicopathologic evaluation and arterial blood pressure were unremarkable. Neurolocalisation was compatible with right peripheral vestibular system. Despite the resolution of otitis externa, the episodes frequency increased up to once a week. Further investigations included head CT and CSF analysis and were normal. Levetiracetam, Phenobarbital and Imipetoin were ineffective. After three years the dog still experiences daily vestibular paroxysms. In this case, congenital vestibular disease, ear disease or structural encephalopathy are considered unlikely due to their permanent nature. Vestibulogenic seizure is unlikely due to lack of pharmacoresponsiveness. Vestibular migraine and transient ischaemic attacks are of central origin, whilst benign paroxysmal vertigo is related with the head posture. Thus, the dog may experiences a spontaneous episodic (peripheral) vestibular syndrome similar to the human condition called Meniere’s disease.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Additional Information: Poster Abstract.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Liatis, Dr Theophanes
• Authors: Liatis, T., Balla, S., Baka, R., Patsikas, M., and Polizopoulou, Z.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine