Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Key takeaways
Vestibular disease in dogs is a common syndrome that develops due to dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus.
- The vestibular system provides information about body position and balance
- Vestibular disease may be idiopathic or may be linked to an infarction, middle and inner ear infections, tumors, and some metabolic diseases
- Symptoms can include loss of balance, difficulty walking, and abnormal eye movements
- Blood work, urinalysis, radiographs, and an MRI/CT scan may be used to diagnose the condition
- Treatment includes administration of anti-nausea and anti-anxiety medications along with any specific treatment for an underlying condition
- Prognosis is good for most cases of vestibular disease
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A closer look: Vestibular Disease in Dogs
The vestibular system is a component of the inner ear and creates the sense of bodily awareness, balance, and coordination for the rest of the body.
Vestibular disease is a common syndrome that develops due to dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus in the central nervous system. Onset of symptoms may be sudden or slow depending on the cause. Prognosis is good for most causes of vestibular disease but any dog exhibiting loss of balance or trouble walking needs to be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Vestibular disease is not usually an emergency, but the symptoms can be alarming to pet parents. In addition, symptoms of vestibular disease are similar to other, more serious conditions, including life-threatening poisoning. Prompt veterinary attention is advised to rule out more serious conditions.
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Risk factors
Symptoms slowly improve with time and correction of any underlying cause.
Vestibular disease is more common in older dogs.
Possible causes
In most cases, no underlying cause can be identified (idiopathic).
Main symptoms
Sudden onset of idiopathic vestibular disease in older dogs is the most common presentation.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis of vestibular disease is based on physical exam and history, blood work, urinalysis, skull radiographs, and MRI/CT of the head.
Steps to Recovery
Treatment of any underlying disease may include antibiotics, thyroid medication, or surgery. Supportive care includes anti-nausea and anti-anxiety medications.
Dogs with vestibular disease need to be kept in a safe, well lit environment with a soft space to lie. Assistance with standing, walking, eating, and drinking is also helpful. Non-ambulatory pets need frequent turning and cleaning. In severe cases IV fluid therapy and a feeding tube may be needed.
Most dogs show improvement within a few days and recover within a few weeks. Some dogs have residual symptoms like a head tilt.
Prognosis depends on resolution of the underlying cause, but is generally good for idiopathic, inner/middle ear inflammation, and infarcts. Vestibular disease due to a brain tumor carries a poor prognosis.
Prevention
The condition cannot be prevented.
Vestibular disease is not contagious.
Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs common?
Vestibular disease is common.
Typical Treatment
Treatment consists of:
- Anti-nausea medication
- Anti-anxiety medication
- IV fluids
- Feeding tube
