What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining normal balance. This system has central components located in the brain and peripheral components located in the inner and middle ear.
What is vestibular disease?
Vestibular disease refers to a sudden and non-progressive balance disorder. It is more common in older dogs and is also known as old dog vestibular syndrome and idiopathic vestibular syndrome in canines.
What are the clinical signs of vestibular disease?
Most dogs present with a sudden onset of loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt, and irregular eye movements called nystagmus.
Many dogs become reluctant to stand or walk, and most tend to lean or fall in the direction of the head tilt.
What causes vestibular disease?
Causes of vestibular disease include infections in the middle or inner ear, ear-toxic medications, traumas or injuries, tumors, and hypothyroidism.
When no specific cause is found, the condition is called idiopathic vestibular syndrome. These cases are characterized by the sudden onset of clinical signs and rapid subsequent improvement with little or no medical intervention.
How is vestibular disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical signs, and the results of blood and urine tests. In some cases, diagnostic tests may include blood pressure measurement, or X-rays of the head to evaluate the appearance of the middle and inner ears and tympanic bullae.
Occasionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be performed to look for tumors or other abnormalities. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing may also be performed in some patients.
The criteria for diagnosing idiopathic vestibular syndrome in dogs are:
- Older dog
- Sudden onset of peripheral vestibular signs
- No detectable cause (i.e., no signs of infection in the outer or middle ear, ototoxicity, trauma, hypothyroidism, infectious disease, etc.)
- Signs disappear over several weeks
How is vestibular disease treated?
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause, if one can be identified. In severe cases, supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be necessary until the dog can eat and walk on its own.
If the dog is severely disoriented or ataxic (dizzy, unable to stand or walk), sedatives may be administered to help it relax. Medications that help combat nausea or motion sickness may be beneficial.
Antibiotics may be used in suspected cases of infections in the middle or inner ear. Although corticosteroids have been used in the past, there is little scientific evidence to support their use in this condition and they are generally not recommended.
What is the prognosis for a dog diagnosed with vestibular disease?
Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Vestibular disease in dogs is a condition that affects the vestibular system, responsible for balance and body coordination. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, injuries, or age-related issues.
The most common symptoms include imbalance, head tilt, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), vomiting, and inability to stand up. Dogs may also appear dizzy or disoriented.
Vestibular disease can be classified as central or peripheral. The peripheral form is usually caused by issues in the inner ear, such as infections or injuries, while the central form is related to problems in the brain or brainstem.
In most cases, vestibular disease in dogs is not fatal. Many dogs recover completely with proper treatment, although the recovery time can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, the animal’s medical history, and additional tests such as blood tests, radiographs, and imaging studies like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease. In cases of infections or inflammations, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
Supportive therapies such as fluid therapy to treat dehydration may also be necessary. In some cases, symptoms may improve over time without specific treatment.
It’s not always possible to prevent vestibular disease in dogs, especially when it’s related to factors like old age. However, maintaining the dog’s overall health, including regular veterinary visits and a balanced diet, can help minimize the risk of certain causes such as infections and inflammations.
If you notice any symptoms of vestibular disease in your dog, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early treatment can help improve the chances of recovery and minimize your pet’s discomfort.
If you suspect your pet is ill, immediately call your veterinarian. For health-related inquiries, always consult your veterinarian as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.