A clinical exam and some laboratory tests are important to make sure there is no inner ear infection or other condition that might cause similar symptoms. What we do know is that most patients respond very well to aggressive supportive care. Like Max, many cannot stand or even sit up comfortably enough to eat or drink. They are often distressed, and their owners assume they cannot ever recover. But they really can and most do return to near-normal neurological function.
Routine treatment includes the administration of intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
Many veterinarians inject a steroid such as Dexamethasone and maintain the patient on fluid therapy and nutritional support. Some patients have to be hand fed for several days. Good nursing care is essential for those patients that cannot care for themselves. The good news is that with persistence, patients like Max can overcome this syndrome and go home to be healthy and happy members of the family. For a few, there may be some residual change to the facial features.