Balance impairment caused by diazepam in 2 dogs with vestibular disease: case reports

Following intravenous (IV) administration of diazepam as a preanesthetic agent, sudden balance impairment, such as falling, leaning, and rolling, was identified in 2 canine cases. The 2 dogs were anesthetized for brain magnetic resonance scan to diagnose about a history of head tilt. After end of the diagnostic procedures, during the anesthetic recovery period, balance impairment was also observed. However, the symptoms gradually ceased by IV administration of flumazenil. These 2 canine cases indicated that diazepam premedication was responsible for the acute balance impairment.