If you notice your dog suddenly tilting their head, struggling to maintain balance, falling over, and having abnormal eye movements, you may fear the worst. However, these symptoms are often caused by vestibular disease, which is not as serious as it appears. In many cases, the condition resolves on its own. Let’s take a closer look at vestibular disease and what it means for your dog.
Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disease
Vestibular disease affects the vestibular system responsible for balance, resulting in noticeable signs. These symptoms occur suddenly and are more common in older dogs. The first sign is a loss of balance, where your dog may act like a drunken sailor, tilting their head, being unsteady on their feet, and falling over. Other signs include abnormal eye movements, disorientation, reluctance to stand or walk, and nausea or vomiting.
Body Language
Your dog’s body language can indicate vestibular disease. Look for signs such as head tilting, lack of focus, loss of balance, stumbling and falling over, irregular eye movements, nausea and vomiting, and reluctance to stand or walk.
The Science of Dogs Getting Vestibular Disease
The vestibular system helps dogs maintain balance, and when it malfunctions, they experience a sudden disturbance in balance. This condition, often referred to as “old dog vestibular disease,” is more common in older dogs. The cause is unknown, but it is common in senior canines. Other causes include infections, trauma, tumors, and certain medications affecting the balance system in the ear.
Most of the time, the prognosis for dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease is good, although severe cases can occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Disease
If your dog shows symptoms, seek veterinary attention. The vet will conduct a physical examination, review medical history, and perform tests to determine the cause. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as preventing falls, providing assistance with daily activities, and keeping your dog calm. Medications can relieve nausea, and supportive care and confinement aid in recovery.
Most dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease improve within 72 hours and fully recover within two to three weeks. Some may have residual symptoms, but these typically do not impact their quality of life.
“Vestibular disease may look serious, but in most cases, it’s less scary than it seems.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Vestibular disease is a condition that can cause sudden loss of balance and other symptoms in dogs, but it is often less serious than it appears. In many cases, it resolves on its own without treatment.
2️⃣ Signs of vestibular disease in dogs include head tilting, lack of focus, loss of balance, stumbling and falling over, irregular jerking eye movements, nausea and vomiting, and reluctance to stand or walk.
3️⃣ Veterinary attention is essential if your dog is showing symptoms of vestibular disease. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Most dogs will start to improve within 72 hours and fully recover within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are the signs and symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs?
– The signs and symptoms include sudden loss of balance, head tilting, irregular jerking eye movements, disorientation, reluctance to stand or walk, and nausea or vomiting.
2. Is vestibular disease serious?
– Vestibular disease is usually less serious than it looks. In many cases, it arises spontaneously and resolves itself on its own.
3. What causes vestibular disease in dogs?
– The exact cause of vestibular disease is unknown, but it is commonly seen in older dogs. Other possible causes include infections, trauma, tumors, and certain medications.
4. How is vestibular disease diagnosed?
– A veterinarian will conduct a physical examination, assess the dog’s medical history, and may perform blood and urine tests. Radiographs, MRI, or CT scans may also be necessary to check for tumors or other abnormalities.
5. How is vestibular disease treated?
– Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care. This may include monitoring to prevent falls, assistance with bathroom activities and eating/drinking, motion sickness medications, IV fluids, and sedatives. Most dogs will start to improve within 72 hours and fully recover within two to three weeks.
