The vestibular system helps provide balance and a sense of spatial orientation to dogs. But a dysfunction can have serious effects on the balance systems of the dog’s body. This system includes the parts of the inner ear and the brain, which are responsible for balance and eye movements. If the network is damaged by disease, aging or injury, serious disorders can result and are often associated with one or more of these signs, among others: Vertigo and dizziness.
There are two types of this disorder in dogs:
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central vestibular disorder
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peripheral vestibular disorder
The first is a less common but more serious form of this disease that originates within the central nervous system.
The second type of this disease occurs when there is a disturbance in the nerves that connect the inner ear with the brain. This results in lack of balance and other symptoms that result in vertigo and dizziness. This disease can seem quite melodramatic to the dog owner if this is the first time the dog has been affected. But most of the time the dog recovers with supportive care and treatment.
Causes
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Chronic and perennial infections of the inner and middle ear
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Excessive cleaning of the ears leading to perforation of the eardrum
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Head injury trauma
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stroke
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tumors
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polyps
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hypothyroidism
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Meningoencephalitis
Signs and symptoms
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bowed head
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loss of coordination
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circling and stumbling
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staging
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falling and rolling
Congenital vestibular disease is seen between birth and three months of age. Certain dogs are more predisposed to this condition, such as the Doberman Pinscher, English Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, German Shepherd, Tibetan Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier.
This disorder is often mistaken for a stroke. The vertigo caused by this disease has an adverse effect on older dogs that present with symptoms such as difficulty standing up, circling, nystagmus, nausea, and head tilt. Older dogs are more stressed due to this disease, so it is necessary to reduce their stress through calming agents such as amino acids, L-theanine, and herbs, such as hops, valerian, chamomile, and passion flower. . Other remedies, such as GABA, flower essences, tryptophan, and homeopathics, are also good for calming overwhelmed dogs.
Diagnosis
The vet will perform a physical exam to determine if the disorder is peripheral or central. In the event that a peripheral form of the condition is found, the vet would use an otoscope to take a deep look at the pet’s ears. There are times when X-rays are required. The vet would also take the help of blood work, culture, sensitivity, and cytology to get rid of other probable causes of specific symptoms. For tumors and polyps your vet will suggest a surgical biopsy. In case central vestibular disease is determined, the vet would use an MRI or CT scan along with cerebrospinal fluid shots to find the root cause. If it is due to an infection, then it needs to be resolved.
Treatment
Nausea and vomiting can be relieved with motion sickness treatments, but there is no specific treatment to manage Congenital Vestibular Disease. For middle or inner ear infection, antibiotics may be required to improve the condition. In case the reason is an underactive thyroid, the disorder will resolve itself when the metabolic condition is precisely managed. If treatment is the primary cause, discontinuation of treatment may achieve complete resolution. But there are times when there may be some residual hearing failure. To completely cure this situation, the vet would remove the polyps, but if there are cancerous growths, the conclusion is generally less positive.
This disease has a worse prognosis than the peripheral form because of the potential dangers to the brainstem that can be quite devastating. If an infection is found, it must be treated. In case of an inflammatory condition, it may react to treatment at first, but it may progress to a point where it could be untreatable. But the most common form of vestibular disease, the peripheral form, improves rapidly once the inherent cause is addressed and vertigo symptoms are managed with supportive care.
