What Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
Similar to humans, dogs rely on their vestibular system to maintain balance, posture, and regulate head position, which in turn affects eye movement.
Vestibular System: Found within the ear, specifically in the middle ear beyond the eardrum, the vestibular system consists of various interconnected structures in the inner ear.
Vestibular Disease: Vestibular disease encompasses any irregularity in the function of the middle or inner ear (vestibular system) leading to sudden loss of balance and coordination, among other symptoms. As the inner ear is housed within the middle ear, any condition affecting the middle ear, or specifically targeting the inner ear, can result in vestibular disease.
In dogs, vestibular disease is also referred to as geriatric or “old dog” vestibular disease or canine idiopathic vestibular disease.
Is Vestibular Disease Similar to Vertigo?
Much like vertigo (dizziness) in humans, vestibular disease in dogs stems from an inner ear dysfunction. The symptoms exhibited by dogs with vestibular disease closely resemble those experienced by humans with vertigo.
Why Is It Called ‘Old Dog’ Vestibular Disease?
When the cause of vestibular disease is unclear, it is termed idiopathic vestibular disease or syndrome. This particular type of vestibular disease is most frequently observed in older dogs, hence the term “geriatric” or “old dog” vestibular disease.
Symptoms
Old dog vestibular disease manifests suddenly, with symptoms typically not escalating or worsening over time. The most severe symptoms of the disease usually appear within the initial 48 hours and tend to ameliorate over a span of two to three weeks.
Common symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs comprise:
- Tilting of the head
- Circling during walking
- Lack of coordination
- Stumbling or swaying (ataxia)
- Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Horner’s syndrome (characterized by drooping of the upper eyelid and facial muscles on one side of the face)
Causes
The various causes of vestibular disease in dogs encompass:
- Ear infections that extend beyond the eardrum into the middle and inner ear. These infections may result from chronic, untreated ear infections.
- Ruptured eardrum or trauma, which can occur, for instance, from the use of a cotton-tipped applicator during ear cleaning.
- Tumors or polyps developing around the middle ear.
- Hypothyroidism.
- In exceptionally rare instances, certain medications such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, metronidazole, or topical chlorhexidine may induce vestibular disease in dogs.
Diagnosis
To diagnose vestibular disease, your veterinarian will inquire about your dog’s medical history, including current medications, the onset and progression of symptoms, and any existing illnesses or conditions.
During the hospital visit, a physical examination will be conducted to assess if your dog displays signs of vestibular disease. If vestibular disease is confirmed, a neurological examination will help determine whether it is a central dysfunction (such as a tumor or polyp) or a peripheral dysfunction (such as an ear infection).
Based on the results of the neurological examination, your veterinarian will decide on the most suitable tests. These may include:
- Ear cytology: This involves collecting a sample of debris from the ear canal to identify if yeast, bacteria, mites, or a combination thereof is causing an ear infection. Not all ear infections extend beyond the eardrum into the inner ear. By considering symptoms, physical examination findings, and test results, your veterinarian can assess if an ear infection is likely the cause of the vestibular disease.
- Complete blood count: This helps confirm or rule out other systemic infections or blood-related abnormalities like anemia that may lead to stumbling similar to vestibular disease.
- Internal organ function or biochemistry test: Although it cannot pinpoint the location of cancer or tumors, this test can indicate if further cancer or organ dysfunction testing is necessary.
- Urinalysis: The results, combined with those of other tests, help identify if an underlying condition may be responsible for the vestibular disease.
- Advanced imaging: X-rays (radiographs) or CT (computed tomography) scans can confirm suspicions of polyps or tumors.
Treatment
As vestibular disease in dogs stems from an underlying condition, your veterinarian will initially address the dog’s primary condition and then manage the effects of vestibular disease through supportive care.
Supportive care for vestibular disease is tailored to each dog’s symptoms and may comprise:
- Anti-nausea medication to alleviate vomiting and assist with motion sickness.
- Topical skin care for dogs unable to walk or maintain normal positioning for urination and defecation, aiming to prevent urine scald, bedsores, and skin infections.
- Oral antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids, administered as necessary.
- Sedatives to induce relaxation and diminish anxiety.
Recovery and Management
Generally, the prognosis for dogs with vestibular disease is positive if the underlying cause can be addressed.
Most dogs diagnosed with vestibular disease typically show signs of improvement within a week and often return to normal within three weeks. However, some may experience a permanent head tilt or ongoing episodes of ataxia. During the recovery period at home, it’s crucial to create a calm and hazard-free environment devoid of potential dangers such as pools, stairs, or objects that may cause injury.
While a recurrence of vestibular disease is possible, it’s uncommon. A persistent head tilt or mild ataxia may persist even after other symptoms have resolved. Nonetheless, neither symptom poses a life-threatening risk, and dogs can lead normal lives.
In cases where vestibular disease is caused by an ear infection, resolving the infection typically leads to resolution of the vestibular disease. If the cause of vestibular disease remains unknown, symptoms typically resolve completely within three weeks.
In severe cases or instances where the underlying cause cannot be resolved—such as with tumors or polyps that cannot be removed—hospitalization for supportive care may be necessary until the dog can independently eat, walk, and eliminate.
Vestibular Disease in Dogs FAQs
How long can dogs live with vestibular disease?
Dogs can enjoy a long and regular life despite vestibular disease, though symptoms such as nausea, motion sickness, episodes of ataxia, or a head tilt may persist.
Is vestibular disease in dogs curable?
Yes, in most cases of vestibular disease in dogs, treatment leads to the complete resolution of symptoms. However, in cases where the cause is a growth, such as a tumor or polyp, complete resolution may hinge on removing the growth.
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