A recent question was proposed about vestibular disease in dogs. Without having heard of this diagnosis before, the concern from a pet parent opened the door to learning more. Is this a disease that has a short or long duration, what are the possible treatments, and how does a pet parent navigate the symptoms of their pet walking around with their head tilted and dizziness? Let’s take a look.

What makes up the vestibular system?

To understand what our topic is referring to, we must have knowledge of the sensory system we are exploring. The vestibular system is made up of five distinct end organs:

The utricle, the saccule, and three semicircular canals.

The utricle detects head tilts in the horizontal plane (turning the head left and right). The saccule detects linear accelerations and head tilts in the vertical plane (tilting head forward and back as in answering yes). Both are vestibular sacs of the inner ear. The three semicircular canals of each ear are interconnected tubes that respond to rotational movement.

What is the responsibility of the vestibular system?

This system control balance and works to prevent the animal from falling over. There are sensors located deep inside the inner ear that are linked to a specialized control center in the back of the brain, the cerebellum, to control balance and coordination. This system is identical in dogs, cats and humans.

Another Name for Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs: Old Dog Syndrome

What causes acute onset vestibular disease in dogs and cats?

Acute onset means the occurrence or reoccurrence of a condition spontaneously without advanced notice. Acute often also connotes an illness that is of short duration, rapidly progressive, and in need of urgent care. Causes for acute onset of this disease include:

• Idiopathic vestibular disease– no cause is found
• Otitis media/internal– ear infection
• Ischemic stroke– sudden lack of blood supply to the brain
• Neoplasis– new, uncontrolled growth of cells that is not under physiological control
• Hypothyroidism– underactive thyroid gland, not producing necessary hormones
• Toxins– spread of bacterial toxins into the inner ear causing an infection
• Meningoencephalitis– inflammation of the brain and its surrounding protective membranes

Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance.

What are symptoms of vestibular syndrome?

A pet may show only one sign or symptom listed below or several. Here’s what pet parents should look out for:

• Sudden onset of loss of balance
• Disorientation
• Falling into the direction of the head tilt
• Head tilt
• Pathological nystagmus
• General wobbliness
• Tight circling

The onset of a head tilt is a cardinal sign of vestibular disease.

How is this dysfunction diagnosed?

According to Simon Platt, BVM&S, DACVIM (Neurology), DECVN, MRCVS of the University of Georgia, the following is the diagnostic plan for vestibular dysfunction in dogs and cats:

1. Obtain a comprehensive history of the onset of the disease. Information regarding previous systemic disease, previous ear disease and medication administration is important. Travel history, the possibility of toxin exposure and head injury also are also note worthy.
2. Perform a complete neurological exam. This helps determine the location of a lesion, nystagmus, ataxia and define each symptom with great detail to assist with determining the kind of vestibular disease present.
3. A minimum database should be performed on all cats and should include hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis and thoracic radiographs. If toxicity is suspected due to antibiotic administration, immediate withdrawal of the medication is recommended.
4. Ancillary tests as needed including CT scan or MRI to view the brain and analyze the cerebrospinal fluid. Also, brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing may also be performed on some patients.

Is vestibular syndrome painful?

While this disease may be uncomfortable for pets because it causes discomfort or motion sickness, vestibular disease is not dangerous or painful for pets.

How do you treat vestibular syndrome?

While this dysfunction usually resolves itself within two to three weeks, there can be some lingering residual effects. Treatment is dependent upon the underlying cause which can lead to the following interventions:

• Sedative– to help the pet relax if they are stumbling and unable to safely walk or stand
• IV fluids and hospitalization– if the pet is dehydrated or unable to eat
• Medications– to combat nausea or motion sickness
• Antibiotics– if the pet is suspected to have an ear infection

Another Name for Vestibular Syndrome in Cats: Feline Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (IVD)

Is vestibular syndrome life threatening in dogs and cats?

No, vestibular syndrome is not life threatening. As mentioned, recovery is anticipated within two to three weeks. However, if the symptoms do not resolve themselves then a more severe underlying disorder should be suspected, and advanced diagnostic testing should be pursued.

Signs and symptoms of vestibular disease can also be a sign of stroke in pets.

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