What Causes Vestibular Disease in Dogs and How to Recognize its Symptoms
Have you ever seen a dog suddenly exhibit a lack of coordination, loss of balance, or other symptoms that suggest they might be suffering from some neurological issue? That could well be a case of vestibular disease, a common condition in older dogs. Noticed by vets as well, the condition usually arises due to nerve issues that lead to a problem with the animal’s sense of balance.
What Causes Vestibular Disease in Dogs?
There are several causes of vestibular disease which may be central or peripheral. One of the prominent causes of the disease is an imbalance in the fluid of the inner ear that carries signals to the brain. In addition, many other underlying issues lead to a central nervous system involvement, such as old age, ear infections, head injuries, tumors, drug reactions, and so on.
Peripheral Vestibular Disease
Peripheral vestibular disease (PVD) is generally associated with issues of the inner ear. PVD issues mostly arise from inner ear inflammation, which often can have bacterial or fungal infections in it –or from other complications of an infection, allergies, trauma, or the glandular system problems.
Central Vestibular Disease
Central vestibular disease (CVD) may happen from a malformation in the brain stem or base, or it may surface because of an immune-meditated disease. In addition, other reasons include tumors of the spinal cord or brain, inflammation, abscesses, toxic reactions, or any other disease that puts a strain on the central nervous system.
Identifying Symptoms of Vestibular Disease in Dogs
As a dog owner, you can identify various clinical signs and symptoms of vestibular disease in the animal. One of the most common symptoms of vestibular disease is a loss of balance and coordination, mild to severe ataxia, disorientation, and general fatigue. Apart from this, dogs with severe vestibular disease can show potential signs such as severe vomiting, head tilt, anxiety, and rapid eye movements. It is, however, essential to make sure and eliminate any other issue that may explain these symptoms before concluding it’s vestibular disease.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Vestibular Disease
It’s always wise and recommended to contact a veterinarian if you think your dog is exhibiting symptoms of vestibular disease. While the symptoms can be a sign of brain or spinal cord-related issues, a diagnosis is necessary. Thus, the experienced team at your vet’s office will conduct an evaluation with your furry friend and recommend medication or other treatments as per diagnosis.
The Treatment of Vestibular Disease in Dogs
The treatment of vestibular disease depends on the underlying cause or factors. In general, the primary goal of therapy is to restore the animal’s sense of balance, controlling any related symptoms and keeping the animal comfortable through the process. While some cases may require fluids and medications to manage symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, the veterinarian may also recommend therapy or medication to aid in the animal’s recovery from the illness.
The Takeaway
Vestibular disease in dogs could be a pet owner’s worst nightmare as they can be quite devastating to their dog’s health, engendering dizziness, nausea, and total discomfort. However, keeping an eye out for the signs and symptoms, contacting your veterinary team, and starting treatment early may be crucial factors in helping both you and your pet battle the disease.
