Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Vestibular syndrome affects a dog's balance and encompasses a group of disorders impacting their vestibular system. When this system is impaired, dogs struggle to stay upright due to malfunctioning balance sensors.

The Vestibular System Explained

The vestibular system includes sensors deep inside a dog’s inner ear paired with a control centre located at the back of the brain. Together, they keep the dog balanced by detecting head position when resting or moving. These sensors send electrical signals to the control centre, which processes them and directs the body to maintain stance. Simultaneously, the brain sends commands to eye muscles to adjust their position to match the dog’s head movements, helping maintain stable vision.

Signs There May Be a Problem

Recognising signs early can help get your dog attention quickly. Common symptoms of vestibular syndrome include:

• Falling over
• Head tilt
• Rapid flickering or jerking eyes (nystagmus)
• Circling repeatedly
• Unsteady legs or difficulty walking

Due to the proximity of the balance centre to the brain area controlling vomiting, dogs often become nauseous and may vomit during episodes. The nerves near balance sensors also affect hearing and facial muscles, so some dogs might lose hearing or experience facial droop due to muscle paralysis.

When the entire balance centre is involved, other brain functions can be affected, causing seizures, weakness, vision loss, and trouble eating or drinking.

Causes of Vestibular Syndrome

Any disease or damage affecting the inner ear’s balance sensors, the connecting vestibular nerve, or the brain's control centre can cause vestibular syndrome.

Common causes include:

• Otitis: Deep ear infections affecting the inner ear
• Tumours or polyps: Growths in or around the ear
• Trauma: Skull damage from accidents or falls

Vestibular nerve disorders such as nerve tumours, neuritis (nerve inflammation), or an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can also contribute.

Brain conditions like tumours, encephalitis (brain inflammation or infection), stroke, head trauma, vitamin deficiencies (especially thiamine), and cysts may lead to vestibular syndrome.

Certain antibiotics may trigger vestibular symptoms in sensitive dogs, particularly in seniors where the condition often arises spontaneously and is termed idiopathic vestibular disease.

Diagnosing the Condition

A detailed description of changes in a dog’s behaviour or stance often prompts suspicion of vestibular syndrome. However, because similar symptoms occur in multiple disorders, a veterinary neurological examination is critical to pinpoint the problem’s origin.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Ear examination with a scope and swab to identify infections
• MRI scans to detect deep ear infections, tumours, or brain diseases
• CT scans to evaluate possible brain disorders
• Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain and spinal cord

Treatments and Care

Treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause when identifiable. If treatable, symptoms usually improve; however, some balance damage may be permanent, resulting in a persistent head tilt or occasional unsteadiness.

Dogs experiencing severe balance loss or repeated vomiting may be given medications to control motion sickness. Supportive care includes providing a safe environment, plenty of rest, and assistance with eating or drinking if needed.

Prognosis

The outlook varies with cause. Treatable infections often result in good recovery. More severe conditions like tumours may have a poorer prognosis.

If no cause is found, idiopathic vestibular disease typically resolves over weeks to months, though a lasting head tilt may remain.

Breeds Prone to Vestibular Syndrome

Certain breeds have a higher predisposition, including German Shepherd puppies, Dobermann puppies, French Bulldog puppies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. However, all dogs can develop the condition, especially with advancing age.