Just like humans, dogs also feel disoriented if there is any dysfunction in their body’s balancing system, known as the vestibular system. Canines feel unbalanced all of a sudden when suffering from vestibular disease. And though not life-threatening, dog vertigo or vestibular disease is troublesome for both dogs and dog parents. A thorough knowledge of this disease is, therefore, helpful for all pet parents and pet enthusiasts.
Read on to learn about vestibular disease in dogs, its causes and symptoms, and the ways to treat it.
Vestibular disease in dogs: what is it?
Known as Canine Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome (CIVS), this disease is a collection of neurological disorders that cause dysfunction in the vestibular system. A dog’s vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and synchronising the eyes and body movements to maintain orientation relative to Earth’s gravity and movement. This system is located in the middle and inner ear area, just past the eardrum.
When a dog suffers from vestibular disease, their vestibular system functions abnormally. This dysfunction results in the sudden loss of coordination and balance. As this disease is more common in older dogs, it is also known as Geriatric or Old dog vestibular disease.
Symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs
There are some distinct and some common symptoms of vestibular disease. A dog suffering from this disease will display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Head tilting, usually to just one side
- Walking in circles
- Loss of balance and falling over
- Unwillingness to stand up or walk
- Rapid and continuous eye movements (nystagmus)
- Stumbling (ataxia)
- Staggering
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
What causes vestibular disease in dogs?
Dogs suffer from vestibular disease due to various reasons including:
- Infection in the middle or inner ear
- Hypothyroidism
- Head trauma
- Injury that has caused eardrum rupture
- Ear canal tumour or polyps in the middle ear
- Certain treatments or recreational drugs
- Some breed dogs are naturally more susceptible to vestibular disease
Sometimes, the cause is unknown and the disease appears suddenly.
Diagnosis & Treatment of vestibular disease in dogs
Though not dangerous, the vestibular disease is very discomforting for dogs. A proper treatment helps restore the dog’s health early. Here is how the disease is handled:
- Diagnosis
The first step is to take the affected dog to a veterinarian and brief them about the dog’s medical history and the start and progression of the disease symptoms. Once the disease is confirmed, the vet will conduct a neurological examination to determine whether the cause of the disease is a central dysfunction (e.g. tumour or polyp) or a peripheral dysfunction (e.g. ear infection).
The vet will conduct a blood or urine test, X-rays of the dog’s head, and MRI or CT scans as required to find out the cause of the disease so that the relevant treatment can be provided. - Treatment
Once the underlying cause is confirmed, the vet starts with the treatment of the disease. The treatment for vestibular disease includes:- Administration of anti-nausea treatment to reduce vomiting and control motion sickness
- Administration of oral antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
- Providing IV (intravenous) fluids, as required
- Administration of anti-anxiety treatment
- Treatment of thyroid disease
- Surgery, if required, to remove the tumour or polyp
When no specific cause of the disease is identified, it is hard to determine treatment for vestibular disease in dogs. In such situations, the vet would suggest supportive care for dogs e.g. assisting with eating, drinking, walking, or going to the bathroom; providing a well-lit safe space with plenty of soft places to lie down, etc.
The symptoms of the disease are most severe during the first one to two days. The majority of dogs show improvement within 3 days and mostly recover within 2 to 3 weeks, even without any specific treatment. But to be on the safer side, it is best to always get the dog checked with a veterinarian.
Vestibular disease: frequently asked questions
Check out the answers to some of the most common questions regarding vestibular disease in dogs:
Q. What to do for a dog with vestibular disease?
A. If your dog shows the signs of vestibular disease, take them to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Administer the treatment prescribed by the vet and provide supportive care while your furry friend is recuperating. Assist them with movements and provide them with a safe and comfortable space to rest.
Q. How long can dogs live with vestibular disease?
A. Vestibular disease is not fatal for dogs. In case of severe symptoms, sometimes the head tilt may become a permanent feature. But overall, dogs who have suffered from vestibular disease may live a long and normal life.
Q. Is it okay to walk a dog with vestibular disease?
A. Avoid making your dog walk or move excessively while the dog is undergoing the treatment. As supportive care, you can make them take assisted walks for bathroom breaks or for eating or drinking.
Q. Is vestibular disease treatable?
A. Yes. In most cases, the treatment of vestibular disease is possible once the underlying cause is diagnosed. Mostly dogs recover from vestibular disease within 2 to 3 weeks even without treatment. But, it is always advisable to check with a veterinarian to get proper guidance.
To wrap up
Vestibular disease in dogs is a common problem that appears suddenly causing discomfort to dogs and worry to their human parents. With proper treatment and supportive care, it is easy to handle this disease. The information provided in this blog will help you know all about this condition and provide the required care to ensure the health and happiness of your canine companion.
