Vestibular Disease

FAQ:  Our old dog suddenly became dazed and confused, staggering around the house, losing his balance, and wandering in circles. Our veterinarian diagnosed his problem as vestibular disease. What causes this disease and how serious is it?

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease" (IVD) is a disorder of the organs of balance (vestibular apparatus), situated in the middle ears. Their function is to maintain equilibrium (balance) by coordinating movements of the head with the eyes, trunk and limbs.   Failure of this system results in a tilting of the head, abnormal body posture, loss of equilibrium, abnormal eye movements and incoordination as the body tries to compensate.   Vomiting occurs because the loss of balance and incoordination, in a sense, make the patient "sea sick" or nauseous.

There are many causes of vestibular disease. Degenerative processes of the body, inflammation, cancer, trauma and poisons are some of the known causes.  Most commonly, the disease can be related to an inflammation of the organs of balance due to an ear infection.   However, in some cases, the cause is simply not known.  In these situations, the disease is termed "Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome". The term "Idiopathic" means that  veterinarians  do not know why this disease occurs..   

When IVD  affects middle-aged or older dogs , which it commonly does, it is called "Geriatric" or "Senile" Vestibular Syndrome.   It can also occur in cats at any age, and it occurs most often in the summer and early fall (75% between June and September).

When it occurs, IVD is usually sudden in onset and often incapacitating.  The pet usually has a loss of balance, disorientation, unsteadiness and a pronounced head tilt. The degree of head tilt can vary considerably and there are usually  involuntary  rapid movements of the eyes.  There may also be a tendency for the animal to walk around in a circle in one direction. Some animals will be listless, refuse to eat, pant and be nauseated.

At this point, many owners often think that their dog or cat has had a "stroke" or a fatal brain hemorage and suspect the worst.  In some cases, pet owners have mistakenly  euthanized their pets, thinking that their pet's  prognosis is poor and the situation hopeless.  Nothing could be further from the truth. Pets with IVD, although confused and anxious at times, are not in pain and there is no reason for euthanasia.    Relapses usually do not occur. 

In fact, there is no treatment for this disease nor does any appear to be necessary since all patients appear to recover on their own.  In some cases, a slight head tilt may be the only clinical sign that persists.   Supportive therapy, if required, generally consists of preventing self-injury and ensuring adequate nutrition. Should your dog shows signs of this disorder, contact your veterinarian to confirm that this is the problem with your pet.