Nystagmus in dogs

[Momo’s GardenStudent]

Hello,  has anyone had experience with Nystagmus (rapid eye movement) in dogs?  Our older dog (13+ years, 90 lb, mixed breed) is having trouble with this, and earliest appt with vet is Monday at 3 pm.

Had first episode yesterday, just 3-5 minutes.  Since early this morning it has been going on for almost 3 hours.  Gave some melatonin to calm him down, because I ran out of Rest Easy tincture this week.

Any other thoughts or suggestions how we can help him immediately?  He is very unsettled, and it has affected his balance too.

[Sharon EStudent]

Hi Momo, I know this is a late response, I hope your dog is recovered. I have had this in myself and it is beyond debilitating, went to an eye, ear nose throat specialist initially to pick his brains and then further research. I found it was simply calcium crystals in the inner ear after my own testing, dogs apparently can get this as well. I resolved this with topical magnesium, ie magnesium chloride (magnesium chloride flakes in water approx 40:60). For humans one can do the Epley maneuver, count the number of tic’s in the eyes prior to the maneuvers and after. This greatly reduced the tic’s in the eyes, therefore knew immediately what the problem was. Fixed in no time, the whole thing resolved it’s self. Also look up Semont Liberatory Maneuver. As to herbal remedies I don’t know of anything herbal besides reducing the stress levels as it is highly alarming to the individual. Also something to settle the stomach as it wants to vomit from the vertigo. Have a look at the structure of the inner ear of a human and also a canine.

• This reply was modified 2 months ago by Sharon E.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Momo’s Garden wrote:

Hello,  has anyone had experience with Nystagmus (rapid eye movement) in dogs?  Our older dog (13+ years, 90 lb, mixed breed) is having trouble with this, and earliest appt with vet is Monday at 3 pm.

Had first episode yesterday, just 3-5 minutes.  Since early this morning it has been going on for almost 3 hours.  Gave some melatonin to calm him down, because I ran out of Rest Easy tincture this week.

Any other thoughts or suggestions how we can help him immediately?  He is very unsettled, and it has affected his balance too.

I’m late to the party on this one. Did the vet have any input? Is it still and issue?

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Momo's Garden

[Momo’s GardenStudentTopic Author]

Dr Jones, thank you for responding!  I know you have had an incredibly busy year.  We appreciate all you do!  Absolutely LOVED our time at Resilient Roots, thanks to you all.

The vet said there was no way to know for sure, but it was possibly an inner ear infection.  They put him on clindamycin, and the nystagmus did clear up after a few days, so I guess that was at least part of the problem.  But his balance was way off and his head leaning left for a couple of months.  He has improved a lot, but not fully recovered his balance even after 6 months, still walks a little crooked and sometimes stumbles.  With his age, it seems he is also having some joint issues, i.e. more difficulty coming to a standing position, slower walking, doesn’t run as much.  But at least not the nystagmus issue, that made him very anxious!

Is there anything you could recommend for joint stiffness, and just overall health in older dogs?  He is a sweetheart and we want to keep him comfortable.  I apologize if this is already in the course and I just have not got to that yet, my priority has been on several family issues.

Thanks again!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Some Joint Support will make him feel better. You could also try some memory and alertness. I’ve used it on a lot of neuro and stroke cases. It’s often very helpful.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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