What Causes Vestibular Disease in Dogs and How to Spot It

Vestibular disease in dogs, also known as old dog vestibular disease, is a common condition that impacts the balance system of dogs, causing symptoms like head tilt, loss of coordination, and jerky eye movements (nystagmus).

Interestingly, this disease is more prevalent in older canines, with an average onset age of around 12 to 13 years. 

Understanding the complexities of vestibular disease is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In this blog, we’ll cover dog vestibular disease, its causes, and how to diagnose and treat it. We’ll also address common questions like whether it’s fatal and whether it can cause seizures.

What is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

The vestibular system is responsible for a dog's balance and spatial orientation. It consists of central structures in the brain and peripheral structures in the inner and middle ear. Vestibular disease is a sickness that affects a dog's vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation. This system has two parts:

• The Peripheral Vestibular System inner ear (including semicircular canals and vestibular nerve)
• The Central Vestibular System (brainstem and cerebellum)

Vestibular disease in dogs is also mistaken for a stroke because it comes on suddenly, but the two are different in terms of treatments and causes. The dog can look dizzy, lose balance, or become confused when something fails in this system.

Peripheral vestibular disease is more common and generally less severe, but central vestibular disease suggests a serious neurological disease. Idiopathic vestibular disease, often called 'old dog syndrome, commonly affects senior dogs and has no identifiable cause.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disease in Dogs

Dogs with vestibular disease may suddenly present with:

• Head tilt to one side.
• Stumbling, falling, or walking unsteadily.
• Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements).
• The dog may circle instead of going forward.
• Nausea and vomiting are caused by disorientation, similar to motion sickness.
• Some affected dogs may struggle to stand or maintain their posture.

These signs usually appear suddenly and can be confused with a stroke or brain disorders. However, vestibular disease itself is not fatal in most cases. A persistent worsening head tilt may indicate brainstem disease rather than idiopathic vestibular disease. 

What Causes Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

The causes of vestibular disease can be categorized into peripheral and central origins:

Peripheral Causes

Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome also known as old dog vestibular disease, is commonly observed in senior dogs. Its exact cause remains unknown.

Infections of the inner ear or eardrum can disrupt the vestibular apparatus

Certain medications can adversely affect the ear's structures

Head Trauma or injuries leading to damage of the Vestibular system

Thyroid hormone deficiencies impacting nerve function

Main Causes

• Brain Tumors: Neoplasms affecting the brainstem or cerebellum.
• Cerebrovascular Accidents: Strokes resulting in ischemia of vestibular centers.
• Inflammatory Diseases: Meningitis or encephalitis.
• Distinguishing among these causes is critical to establishing the right treatment regimen

How to Diagnose Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

A complete diagnostic evaluation should involve:

• Clinical History and Physical Examination: Assessing onset, duration, and progression of symptoms.
• Neurologic Exam: Peripheral vs. central vestibular signs.
• Otoscopic Examination: Inspection of the ear and tympanic membrane for trauma or infection.
• Radiographs: Diagnosis of middle ear abnormalities.
• MRI/CT Scans: These provide detailed views of inner ear and brain structures.
• Blood Work: Detecting underlying metabolic or infectious conditions.
• Thyroid Function Tests: Testing for hypothyroidism.

Early and correct diagnosis is crucial for proper management and positive results

How to Treat Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

The treatment options for vestibular disease vary with the underlying cause. Nevertheless, these are some methods to treat vestibular disease in dogs:

Supportive Care

• Fluid Therapy: Ensuring hydration and electrolyte balance.
• Antiemetics: Controlling nausea and vomiting.
• Sedatives: Alleviating anxiety and disorientation.
• Nursing Care: Assisting with mobility and preventing self-injury.

Explore essential veterinary supplies at DVM Central to aid in supportive care.

Specific Treatments

• Antibiotics/Antifungals: Address bacterial or fungal eardrum infections.
• Thyroid Hormone Supplementation: Managing hypothyroidism.
• Surgical Intervention: Remove tumors or draining abscesses when indicated.

Prognosis is variable; cases that are idiopathic tend to improve in 72 hours and could recover within a few weeks, although there may be some persistent slight head tilt in some dogs.

Is Canine Vestibular Disease Fatal?

Vestibular disease is not usually fatal. Most canines have an immediate improvement in a few days, with complete recovery within two to three weeks. The prognosis, however, depends on the cause central vestibular diseases have a guarded prognosis.

How Long Does Vestibular Disease Last in Dogs?

The duration of vestibular disease varies:

IdiopathicCases: Initial symptoms peak within 24-48 hours, with noticeable improvement in 72 hours and complete recovery in one to two weeks

• Secondary to Other Conditions: Duration depends on the resolution of the underlying cause
• Peripheral vestibular disease recovers better than central disease

Vestibular Disease vs. Old Dog Syndrome

Many veterinarians interchange the term 'old dog syndrome' with idiopathic vestibular disease. However, here’s how they compare:

 

Final Words

Canine vestibular disease is scary, but the majority of dogs recover completely with prompt diagnosis and proper management. Peripheral ones, such as Old Dog Syndrome, improve within weeks, whereas central ones may need prolonged care or aggressive treatment options.

Veterinary Responsibility

• Differentiate between peripheral vs. central vestibular disease.
• Educate clients on realistic recovery expectations.
• Consider advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT) when neurological disease is suspected.
• Stay updated on new treatment protocols.

Spending on good-quality veterinary supplies can enhance recovery ratios, and the referral of serious cases to specialist veterinary care guarantees optimal treatment. As veterinary medicine continues to advance, dogs affected by vestibular disease have a very good prospect of living happy lives.

FAQs

Can Vestibular Disease in Dogs Cause Seizures?

While vestibular disease itself is not typically a seizure cause, some etiologies of underlying vestibular disease, i.e., brain tumor, stroke, or severe infection, can cause seizures. A neurological examination, e.g., MRI or CT scan, would be warranted if the dog with vestibular disease has seizures, loss of consciousness, or worsening neurological deficits.

How Long Does Dog Vestibular Disease Last?

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease gets better within 2-3 weeks and recovers fully in a few months. Recovery from eardrum infections depends on the type and duration of treatment and may take weeks to months. Recovery from strokes or brain tumors is variable and, in some cases, may result in permanent deficits or no improvement.

What Are the Best Methods to Care for a Dog Recovering from Vestibular Disease?

The following are the best methods to care for a dog recovering from vestibular disease:

• Offer a stable, quiet environment.
• Administer anti-nausea medications.
• Assist with mobility using harnesses or slings.
• Keep an eye on eating and drinking, as dizziness may impact food and water intake.
• Follow up with veterinary visits to eliminate underlying diseases.

How Do Veterinarians Distinguish Between Vestibular Disease and a Stroke?

A stroke and vestibular disease may present similarly since both result in an acute loss of balance, head tilt, and ataxia. Nonetheless, symptoms of vestibular disease resolve slowly over weeks to months. Also, stroke symptoms will worsen acutely, such as weakness in limbs, change in consciousness, or facial paralysis. The veterinarian should perform a neurological examination, and in suspected stroke, imaging should be performed.