Diagnosing Vestibular Disease in dogs can be an extensive
process. The outcome can be an unknown cause or it can become fairly
complicated. The main function of the Vestibular System is to keep the
body balanced. It contains nerves that start in the brain and continue
to the inner ear. Sensors in the inner ear will inform the brain if
there are any movements. Vestibular disease affects the brain by not
recognizing abnormal body position. The body is then not able to correct
these abnormalities resulting in a loss of balance. There are two
different disorders of Vestibular Disease: Central Vestibular Disease
and Peripheral Vestibular Disease.
Central Vestibular Disease
Central Vestibular Disease is associated with an abnormality in the
brain, such as a brain tumor. This usually takes place in the cerebellum
or the vestibular nuclei. Symptoms of central vestibular disease may
include unexpected falling, horizontal and vertical nystagmus
(involuntary movement of the eyes), circling, rolling, reduced
coordination, stumbling, weakened limbs or a head tilt.
Peripheral Vestibular Disease
Peripheral Vestibular Disease is linked to an abnormality with the
receptor organs or vestibular nerve in the inner ear. This disease is
known as Idiopathic (ie has unknown cause). Most cases of Vestibular
Disease are Peripheral, and are seen in older dogs 12 to 13 years of
age. Symptoms that are noticed with Peripheral Vestibular Disease are
unexpected falling, horizontal nystagmus, incoordination, circling,
stumbling, facial paralysis and a head tilt.
Diagnosing Vestibular Disease
Because of the similar symptom, owners often mistake Vestibular
Disease with a Stroke. Unlike Vestibular Disease, Strokes are rare in
animals. If you suspect that your dog has Vestibular Disease, a proper
examination by your veterinarian is needed. A complete medical history,
physical and neurological examination will be preformed to distinguish
Vestibular Disease with other disorders that can affect your dogs body
in the same way. Other disorders with similar symptoms include inner ear
infection, middle ear cancer, thiamine deficiency and head trauma.
Blood work such as a CBC, urinalysis, glucose and liver/kidney function
test may be completed for diagnosis.
Treatment of Vestibular Disease
Treatment of Vestibular Disease will depend on your veterinarians
diagnosis and the underlining cause. If your dog is diagnosed with
Peripheral Vestibular Disease he should slowly improve within 1 to 2
weeks with little or no treatment. If your dog is experiencing
dizziness, your veterinarian may recommend motion sickness medication
such as diphenhydramine. Your dog may experience a permanent head tilt.
If your dog is diagnosed with Central Vestibular Disease then other
actions will be required. More diagnostic tests may be necessary to
determine the cause of illness, such as an MRI or X-rays. Treatment of
Central Vestibular Disease usually involves surgery and the treatment
can become intense.
Vestibular Disease can occur suddenly and sometimes without any
cause. The symptoms that your dog may experience can be distressing to
an owner, but the earlier your dog is diagnosed with this disease, the
better understanding you will have of this disorder and possibly the
better chances of survival he will have.