The vestibular apparatus is responsible for recognizing the body’s orientation relative to the earth. It determines if you are up right, falling over, lying down etc. Vestibular disease is when this apparatus is affected.
Dr. Rossmeisl Jr describes the vestibular system well: “The vestibular system is the major sensory (special proprioceptive) system that, along with the general proprioceptive and visual systems, maintains balance.”
Content:
- What Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs? Causes & Types
- Is It Vestibular Disease, a Stroke, or Something Else?
- Treatment & At-Home Care for a Dog with Vestibular Disease
- Is Vestibular Disease Curable? Recovery Time & Recurrence
- Conclusion
What Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs? Causes & Types
The vestibular system is in control of keeping normal balance and consists of components in the brain and peripheral components in the inner and middle ear, it also contains the nerves found in the middle ear that carries messages to the central nervous system.
Causes of vestibular disease:
- Drugs that are toxic to the ear
- Ear infections (middle and inner)
- Tumours
- Injury or trauma
- Hypothyroidism
If no specific reason or cause is found, with very quick improvement with little to no medical intervention, then it is considered idiopathic vestibular disease. Essentially it is of unknown origin. Usually, it begins acutely and resolves acutely.
Central vestibular disease is when a lesion is present in the brain. Peripheral vestibular disease is due to a problem in the inner or middle ear.
Is It Vestibular Disease, a Stroke, or Something Else?
A thorough clinical exam will be performed by your veterinarian which will include examining the inside of the ear with an otoscope. Any medical history that can be provided will always be helpful and welcome. Blood and urine tests may be recommended.
The most common symptoms seen for vestibular disease are:
- Ataxia (stumbling and staggering about)
- Disorientation
- Head tilt
- Loss of balance
- Nystagmus (jerking eye movements)
- Leaning or falling in direction head is tilted
Middle ear infection is a very common cause for vestibular disease, especially in patients suffering from chronic ear problems.
A stroke is a vascular accident in the brains of dogs and cats and is uncommon. Vestibular disease is often incorrectly referred to as a stroke. A vascular accident is characterised by a sudden onset that may get worse over 3 days and then start to recover slowly or partially.
Treatment & At-Home Care for a Dog with Vestibular Disease
If the cause is known, then treatment will be aimed at the specific cause. Treatment of idiopathic vestibular disease will be aimed at managing the symptoms and generally includes nausea medicine to keep the patient comfortable while the condition runs its course.
If the case is severe your veterinarian will advise hospitalization with fluid therapy. This will be recommended until your dog can walk, eat and drink on its own again. If your dog is very disorientated and scared your vet may give low doses of sedatives to help him relax and recover.
“The vestibular system also functions to coordinate body posture and ocular position in relation to the position or motion of the head. Considering its physiologic roles, the clinical hallmarks of vestibular dysfunction are abnormalities of the gait, head and body posture, and ocular movement.” Says Dr. Rossmeisl Jr.
In cases that are not as severe at home nursing is possible. It would include helping your dog to go outside to urinate and defecate and possibly assist with eating and drinking. Hygiene is important as accidents (urinating) are common and you want to prevent urine scald.
The Petcube App is the only app that you would need to assist with at home care. You can track symptoms, your pet’s health, habits and bathroom breaks. You will also have access to certified vets for any guidance you may need on changes in behaviour or symptoms.
Is Vestibular Disease Curable? Recovery Time & Recurrence
Recovery time and recurrence depend on the initial cause of the disease. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend frequent check ups that will include neurological exams to monitor your pet’s progress.
Generally, the clinical signs associated with vestibular disease are most severe in the first 48 hours and many pets begin to improve after 72 hours. Stumbling and head tilting generally takes just over a week to improve.
In some instances, a head tilt or other facial signs may be permanent even if the cause has been resolved.
In the article The neurology of balance: Function and dysfunction of the vestibular system in dogs and cats it said: “Central vestibular diseases in general have a poor prognosis in comparison to those affecting the peripheral vestibular system.”
Conclusion
Don’t expect the worst at the initial onset of the disease as your pet’s health (and posture) can improve quickly. Vestibular disease is manageable if not curable. Your veterinarian is there to help you.
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