- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Vestibular disease can be very worrying for pet parents. One moment, your dog is fine, and the next, their face is drooping, and they are struggling to stay upright. The rapid onset of vestibular disease can be very concerning for dog parents, and many believe their dog has suffered from a stroke. “Vestibular disease is a disturbance in the balance center in dogs, which includes the inner ear,” explains Dr. Shannon Barrett, a veterinarian and owner of Island Veterinary Care.
Additionally, Dr. Barrett says although vestibular disease can be very scary, it’s not usually painful. Most dogs will recover with patience and supportive care from their veterinarian. Lastly, while vestibular disease is more common in older dogs, younger dogs aren’t immune.
Read on to learn more about the types of vestibular disease, symptoms, various treatments, and long-term care options.
What are the Symptoms of Vestibular Disease?
Dr. Barrett outlines the common signs of vestibular disease in dogs, including the following. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a vet right away.
- Head tilt: A dog’s head tilting to one side often indicates a disturbance in balance.
- Unusual eye movements: Abnormal, involuntary movements of the eyes are a common sign of vestibular disturbance.
- Poor coordination: Dogs with vestibular disease often display a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. This can include staggering, falling, or drifting to one side.
- Nausea and decreased appetite: Since vestibular disease can cause dizziness and nausea, many dogs will not want to eat.
- Facial paralysis: Drooping and weakness in one or both sides of the face.
Some dog breeds, such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, are more prone to vestibular disease than others.
What are the Types of Vestibular Disease?
Vestibular disease in dogs can arise from issues in either the peripheral components (inner ear and vestibular nerve) or the central components (brainstem and cerebellum) of the vestibular system. Below, we’ll discuss the two most common types of this disease.
Peripheral vestibular disease
“The peripheral vestibular system involves the inner ear receptors and the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve,” Dr. Barrett explains. Consequently, peripheral vestibular disease (PVD) affects these nerves and receptors.
PVD causes include:
- Idiopathic vestibular syndrome: The underlying cause is not yet known
- Otitis media: Inflammation of the middle ear
- Otitis interna: Inflammation of the inner ear
- Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid
Central vestibular disease
“The central vestibular system includes the cerebellum’s brainstem, vestibular nuclei, and vestibular centers,” Dr. Barrett says. She adds that central vestibular disease (CVD) affects these brain areas and is more serious.
CVD causes include:
- Brain lesions: Damage to the brain tissue
- Neoplasia: Abnormal growth of cells
- Systemic diseases: Diseases that may have secondary effects on the central nervous system, e.g. hypothyroidism
How Do Vets Diagnose Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
During an initial exam, Dr. Barrett says vets perform complete bloodwork to rule out any other problems, such as liver or kidney disease.
Dogs who do not improve or seem to be getting worse are usually referred to a veterinary neurologist for a complete neurologic exam and imaging. They use MRIs to see what’s causing the symptoms and whether the dog has peripheral or central vestibular disease.
What Are the Treatments for Vestibular Disease?
The chosen treatment depends on the root cause of vestibular disease. “When patients first present, we focus on supportive care and symptomatic relief,” Dr. Barrett says. “This includes anti-nausea medications, which help with appetite.”
Your vet might also recommend fluids if your dog is vomiting. Alternatively, if an ear infection is the cause, the infection is treated.
How Can Pet Parents Manage Vestibular Disease Long-Term?
Thankfully, Dr. Barrett says most dogs with vestibular disease see improvement in a few weeks with no underlying cause.
However, for dogs who have persistent symptoms like head tilt, facial paresis, or ataxia, long-term management often involves regular monitoring and supportive care. The goal is to keep your dog as comfortable as possible while monitoring the improvement in symptoms.
Lastly, Dr. Barrett recommends offering your dog a bland but more delicious diet at home, such as baby food or boiled chicken and rice.
How To Care For A Dog With Vestibular Disease
Adjustments to your dog’s environment and lifestyle may be necessary while they are dealing with the symptoms of vestibular disease.
To ensure your dog’s safety and comfort, you can:
- Use a harness to help them walk
- Avoid stairs when they are unsteady
- Remove trip-prone obstacles
- Keep their food and water readily accessible
- Give them a comfortable place to lie down in multiple rooms
While it can be very scary to see your dog suffer from the symptoms caused by vestibular disease, the good news is that the majority of dogs make a full recovery within a few weeks. Focus on keeping your dog comfortable and help them along every step of the way in their healing journey.