Vestibular Disorders in Dogs

Vestibular syndrome in dogs can be described as a condition that makes everything feel like it's spinning, just like vertigo in humans. Vestibular syndrome, which is more common in older dogs, appears suddenly and is usually expected to resolve within a few weeks. In this article, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about vestibular syndrome in dogs and the vestibular diseases that cause this syndrome.

What is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system can be defined as the system responsible for maintaining balance. This system, which controls balance and prevents animals from falling, is quite important. The central components located in the brain and the peripheral components located in the inner and middle ear make up the vestibular system. Balance system sensors are located in the inner ear. Balance control is provided both by the position and movement of the dog's head and by the position and movement of the body and eyes. The balance sensors located in the inner ear of dogs detect the position of the head in space during stopping or moving. Position information is transmitted to the brain as electrical signals. The balance control center in the brain then ensures that the necessary messages are sent to the muscles for the body to stand upright.

What Diseases Affect the Vestibular System?

There are a number of different diseases that cause vestibular syndrome in dogs. Health problems affecting the vestibular nerve and causing this syndrome can include nerve tumors, nerve inflammation, underactive thyroid gland, head trauma, brain cysts, and thiamine deficiency. Idiopathic vestibular disease, which affects older dogs and has no known cause, also causes vestibular syndrome. Infection, inflammation, or tumors in the middle or inner ear are also among the causes of vestibular syndrome. Vestibular neuritis, also referred to as balance nerve inflammation in dogs, causes balance problems due to damage to these nerves as a result of inflammation or infection. Symptoms of Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs Many dogs experience sudden loss of balance, disorientation, tilted head, and irregular eye movements as symptoms of vestibular syndrome. The phrase "My dog ​​can't stand up" often points to this syndrome.

Vestibular Syndrome Symptoms in Dogs

Sudden loss of balance, disorientation, tilted head, and irregular eye movements are among the symptoms of vestibular syndrome in many dogs. The phrase "My dog ​​can't stand up" often points to this syndrome.

The head tilt can be described as one ear positioned lower than the other. Irregular eye movements are called nystagmus and are defined as the irregular movement of the eyeball from side to side or up and down. In dogs with vestibular syndrome, wobbling is very clearly visible; even if the dog wants to go straight, it moves in a line that deviates to the right or left. Nausea may occur in dogs with vestibular syndrome because the balance center is very close to the area of ​​the brain that controls vomiting.

The balance sensors are located close to the hearing sensors in the ear and the nerves that control the movement of the eyelids, lips, and ears. Because of this proximity, diseases affecting the vestibular system can cause hearing loss, drooping of the facial muscles, or facial paralysis. These diseases can cause seizures affecting different areas of the brain, lethargy, vision loss, and difficulty eating and drinking.

How is Vestibular Syndrome Diagnosed in Dogs?

If you suspect your dog has symptoms of vestibular syndrome, you should consult a veterinarian. Symptoms of vestibular syndrome, which can be described as "my dog ​​cannot stand," must be taken seriously. This is because the underlying diseases causing this syndrome must be treated. Many dogs with vestibular syndrome may not have ear canal, eardrum, inner or middle ear infections. Therefore, imaging methods such as MRI, X-ray, or CT scans can be used to detect deep ear infections or brain diseases. Taking a sample of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is also among the methods used in the diagnosis of vestibular syndrome.

Treatment of Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs

Treatment of vestibular syndrome in dogs varies depending on the underlying cause, if it can be diagnosed. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is of great importance. In cases of vestibular syndrome due to infection, antibiotic treatment is generally preferred. When the syndrome occurs due to a tumor, treatment procedures are focused on preventing the tumor from pressing on the nerves. Although the underlying cause changes the course of treatment, supportive treatments to improve the dog's quality of life are also applied during the diagnosis and treatment process. In severe cases, supportive treatments should be used when the dog cannot eat or drink on its own. If the dog has lost its balance significantly and is experiencing panic as a result, tranquilizers can be used. Medication may also be recommended for nausea that may be caused by vestibular syndrome.