Have you ever had a balance problem? If yes, then you might know how scary it can be. Just like humans, dogs can have balance issues too. When it happens, it can be frightening for both the dog and the owner. This condition is known as vestibular disease. It occurs when there’s a problem with the body’s balance system.
Now, you might be wondering, can they recover? Although vestibular disease symptoms in dogs are normally worse in the first 24-48 hours, many of them start getting better within 72 hours.
Aged dogs might have a slight head tilt or a bit of unsteadiness even after they recover, but they usually adapt well to these changes. Keep reading to learn about the signs of vestibular disease in dogs and what you can do if your dog is affected.
What is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
Vestibular disease affects how a dog keeps its balance, holds itself, and moves its eyes, much like humans. This system is crucial for stability and is found in the middle ear, just past the eardrum. Inside this area are connected parts that make up the inner ear.
When there’s an issue with the middle or inner ear, called “vestibular disease,” dogs may suddenly have trouble balancing and coordinating movements, along with other symptoms. Sometimes, this is called geriatric or “old dog” vestibular disease or canine idiopathic vestibular disease, depending on what’s causing it and the signs the dog shows.
What Are the Causes of Vestibular Disease
Some dog breeds might be more likely to get vestibular disease due to their genetics. But there are other reasons dogs can have it;
- Ear Infections: Infections in the inner or middle ear can affect the vestibular nerve or fluid and cause symptoms similar to vestibular disease.
- Trauma or Injury: Head injuries from falls or accidents can damage the balance (vestibular) system, eventually leading to temporary or permanent issues.
- Tumors: Though rare, tumors in the brainstem or inner ear can also cause vestibular symptoms in dogs.
- Toxicity: Some medications or exposure to toxins can affect the balance system.
Sometimes, a vestibular disease in dogs will suddenly develop with no warning, sign, or known cause, but it clears up quickly without any medical treatment. This is called idiopathic vestibular disease.
Symptoms of Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Vestibular disease in dogs has easy-to-recognize symptoms. Still, people often get confused because its symptoms are quite similar to those of seizures, strokes, and brain tumors. Fortunately, vestibular disease is not as serious as those conditions. Common symptoms include walking in circles, standing with a wide stance, tilting the head (slightly to extremely), falling or rolling, acting dizzy, rapid eye movement, abnormal eye positioning, stumbling or lack of coordination, and vomiting.
Keep an eye out for other behavioral changes too. For example, if your dog suddenly gets motion sickness while riding in the car or starts lying down to drink water, these could be signs of vestibular disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet for advice right away. It’s essential to communicate with your vet to rule out any serious conditions.
How Vets Diagnose Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
When diagnosing vestibular disease in dogs, your vet will consider a few things. They look upon the dog’s history, symptoms, and medication they are taking (if any). After that, they may recommend several tests, including;
- Blood pressure reading
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
- Culture tests (for checking infection)
- Urine tests
If necessary, your vet might suggest a CT scan or MRI. These scans are the best way to identify issues in the brain and middle ear, such as tumors and infections. If the vet can’t find the root cause, the condition might be diagnosed as idiopathic vestibular disease, which typically comes on suddenly and resolves quickly.
After all the results, they’ll advise you on a treatment plan and your dog’s specific symptoms.
Is There A Cure For Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
Vestibular disease might make your dog feel uncomfortable or dizzy. However, the good news is that it’s not painful or dangerous. Vestibular disease in dogs usually gets better on its own within a few weeks.
Most pets recover fully in 2 to 3 weeks, though some might have a slight head tilt or mild wobbling for life. The prognosis for vestibular disease depends on the following causes:
- Idiopathic Vestibular Disease: This type usually gets better within 7-10 days. As an owner, it can be worrying to see your dog with symptoms, but most dogs recover fully without any special treatment. However, some might experience it again.
- Peripheral Vestibular Disease: If caused by infections or conditions that can be treated, the prognosis is generally good with proper treatment. A full recovery is possible with early detection and treatment of the root cause.
- Central Vestibular Disease: The prognosis for central vestibular disease is less clear. It can be more difficult to treat effectively, particularly if it’s caused by a brain tumor or a serious infection in dogs. Treatment success depends on the specific problem and its severity. Some cases can be controlled with proper medication for a long time, but some may not be curable.
Note: If your pet doesn’t improve or just gets worse, there could be more serious issues. The best course of action is to see a veterinary neurologist, as advanced treatments should be used in these situations.
How Can I Help My Dog with Vestibular Disease?
- Create a Safe Space: Make sure your dog has a comfortable and safe area to rest. Remove any obstacles it might trip over and provide a soft bed where it can relax.
- Limit Movement: Keep your dog in a safe, small area to avoid stairs and hazards. A small room or partition can help prevent them from tripping over things.
- Give Them Proper Sleep and Rest: Place a rolled towel under your dog’s neck and use cushions around their body for extra support. Reposition your dog every 4-6 hours, use soft bedding, and change it if it gets soiled.
- Cover Hard Floors and Light the Area: To prevent slipping, use non-slip mats or rugs on hard floors. Make sure the area is well-lit so your dog can move around safely and avoid bumping into things.
- Provide Stability for Walking: Consider a lightweight vest to help with stability. For severe cases, a wheeled cart with outriggers might help your dog move more easily.
- Avoid Water Therapy: Water therapy can confuse your dog and make them dizzy, so it’s best to avoid it if your dog has vestibular disease.
- Stand-and-Rock Exercise: Help your dog stand and gently rock them back and forth, and side to side, for one minute in each direction, twice a day.
- Core Exercises: Tickle your dog’s belly to strengthen its abdominal muscles or use a treat to encourage it to move its head from side to side, repeating six times on each side two to three times daily.
Vestibular Disease in Dogs Home Treatment
Vestibular disease in dogs affects balance and coordination, often causing dizziness, head tilt, and unsteady walking. Home treatment focuses on providing a calm, safe environment to prevent injuries, such as removing obstacles and offering supportive bedding. Ensure your dog stays hydrated and assist with eating if necessary. Medications prescribed by your vet can help alleviate symptoms like nausea. Most dogs recover with supportive care, but always consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and guidance.
Should You Put a Dog Down with Vestibular Disease
Deciding whether to put a dog with vestibular disease is a difficult and deeply personal choice. Vestibular disease, often referred to as “old dog syndrome,” typically presents with symptoms like dizziness, head tilt, and loss of balance. While these symptoms can be alarming, many dogs recover well with supportive care and time. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian who can assess the severity of the condition and provide guidance on treatment options. If the dog is suffering significantly, has other serious health issues, or the quality of life is severely impacted, euthanasia may be considered as a humane option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is vestibular disease in dogs?
Vestibular disease in dogs affects their balance and coordination, causing symptoms like dizziness, head tilt, and unsteady walking.
2. What causes vestibular disease in dogs?
Causes can include inner ear infections, trauma, and tumors, or it can occur idiopathically, meaning without a known cause, especially in older dogs.
3. How is vestibular disease treated in dogs?
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, providing supportive care, and addressing any underlying conditions like ear infections.
4. Can dogs recover from vestibular disease?
Many dogs recover from vestibular disease within a few days to weeks, though some may have residual symptoms like a slight head tilt.
5. Is vestibular disease in dogs painful?
Vestibular disease itself is not painful, but it can be disorienting and cause nausea. Comforting your dog and providing a safe environment is important.
6. Should I take my dog to the vet if it shows symptoms of vestibular disease?
It’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out other serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment and care advice.
Conclusion
Dealing with vestibular disease in dogs can be daunting. However, the good news is that most dogs can recover well with the right care. Early detection and prompt veterinary attention are crucial in these situations.
If you notice sudden balance problems or unusual head tilts, it is more important to get your dog checked by a vet immediately.
With your proactive actions and professional care, your pup can fully recover and return to enjoying life with a little extra love and support from you.
