I was just curious what percentage of older Basenjis have had bouts with Canine Vestibular Syndrome. My vet was never able to make a firm diagnosis (he hadn't heard of it before) but both Cassi and Alex had occurrences around 13+ years of age. Alex had a second occurrence a year later, and has never completely recovered. When it first happened, we thought the dog might have had a stroke. It wasn't until a friend who's dog had had similar symptoms told me about their dog's diagnosis the I started researching it.

If you're unfamiliar with the condition, here are a few links with some basic info:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Old-Dog-Vestibular-Syndrome&id=731682
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/devestib.html
http://www.vara.org/vestibularsyndrome.htm

We had 2 older females that had it, both recovered, one had 1 severe episode and then 2 more mild episodes with complete recovery, the other had several mild episodes and pretty much recovered but sort of leaned to the left most of her last year. She died at almost 19, so that may have just been "Old age".

Anne in Tampa

It is pretty common in all dogs, not just Basenjis… I am surprised that your Vet never heard of it?

@tanza:

It is pretty common in all dogs, not just Basenjis… I am surprised that your Vet never heard of it?

I'm in a very rural area. My vet's specialty is horses; smaller animals are a very very small part of his practice. Not a whole lot of choice unless I want to drive more than an hour, which isn't practical in emergency situations.

@Craigh:

I'm in a very rural area. My vet's specialty is horses; smaller animals are a very very small part of his practice. Not a whole lot of choice unless I want to drive more than an hour, which isn't practical in emergency situations.

Well, I understant that, but even a specialty Vet would have contacts to consult with?…. I have had many a Vet that is versed in one thing or the other (and only horses) that would do that.... and of course not practical in emergency situations