Yesterday afternoon I noticed Mattie with a wobbly walk, a stumble or two, and losing her balance when she tried to shake. I thought she overdid her physical activity and opted not to throw the ball for her in the evening. Otherwise she seemed fine.
This morning she continued to wobble and I also noticed her eyebrows twitching and her eyes flitting side to side ... nystagmus. It took some cajoling to get her down the stairs and we were both relieved when she made it down to the first floor without taking a tumble. (I immediately blocked the stairs off, she'll have to sleep downstairs.)
Dr Google referenced Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome when I searched for Mattie's symptoms.
Although The Man had just arrived in Ventura yesterday I called him before he headed out fishing - and out of cellphone range - and he started packing to return home. I wanted his help in case Mattie couldn't walk and needed to be carried. (Later he told me he misunderstood and thought we were putting Mattie down. What? No.)
Anyway, the Vet confirmed ODVS, gave Mattie a shot for nausea and meclizine tabs for home. It could take a week or longer for the symptoms to resolve though the head tilt may never go away. Her labs were within normal limits for a 14-year old elderly girl so that was good news for this old dog.
