When a pet suddenly loses balance, tilts their head, or starts walking in circles, it can be frightening for any pet parent. These signs are often linked to a condition called vestibular disease in dogs and cats.
The vestibular system controls balance and body position, so when it is affected, pets may appear dizzy or confused. While the symptoms can look severe, many cases improve with proper care and time.
What Is the Vestibular System?
The vestibular system is the part of the body that helps maintain balance and coordination. It includes structures inside the inner ear and parts of the brain that work together to control posture, eye movement, and head position. This system allows pets to stand, walk, and turn without falling.
What Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats?
Vestibular disease occurs when the balance system stops working normally. In canine and feline vestibular disease, the brain receives incorrect signals about body position. This makes pets feel disoriented and unsteady. It can affect one or both sides of the body.
How Does Vestibular Disease Affect Balance and Coordination?
When the vestibular system is damaged, pets lose their normal sense of balance and body position. The brain receives incorrect signals about where the head and body are in space. Because of this, the eyes, head, and legs do not move in a coordinated way. Pets may wobble while walking, fall over, or lean strongly to one side.
This lack of coordination can also make pets feel dizzy and unsettled. Many pets experience nausea, much like motion sickness in people, which can lead to drooling, vomiting, or refusal to eat. These changes can appear suddenly and may be very frightening for pet parents, even though many cases improve with time and care.
Is Vestibular Disease Life-Threatening?
In most cases, vestibular disease is not life-threatening. However, it can be serious if caused by brain disease, tumours, or infections. The main risks come from falls, dehydration, and inability to eat or drink properly. Prompt veterinary care improves safety and comfort.
If you’re concerned vestibular disease may be serious, book a pet consultation.
Types of Vestibular Disease in Pets
Vestibular disease is grouped into two main types:
- Peripheral vestibular disease, which affects the inner ear or nearby nerves
- Central vestibular disease, which affects the brain
Another form is idiopathic vestibular syndrome, where no clear cause is found, especially in older dogs.
What Causes Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats?
Vestibular disease can occur due to different underlying problems that interfere with the balance system. One of the most common causes is infection or inflammation of the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. When this area is affected, pets may suddenly lose coordination and develop head tilt or dizziness.
In some cases, vestibular signs come from conditions that affect the brain itself. These can include brain infections, growths such as tumours, or injuries caused by accidents or falls. Certain toxins can also damage the nerves involved in balance and coordination.
In cats, feline vestibular disease is often associated with ear infections or inflammatory conditions of the ear and surrounding tissues. Because there are many possible causes, identifying the source of the problem is important for choosing the right treatment approach.
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Risk Factors for Vestibular Disease
Some pets have a higher risk of developing vestibular problems:
- Senior dogs
- Pets with chronic ear infections
- Pets with immune disorders
- Breeds prone to ear disease
- Pets with a head trauma history
Older dogs/ cats often develop idiopathic canine/ feline vestibular syndrome without a clear cause.
Early Signs of Vestibular Disease
Early signs usually appear suddenly. Pets may seem confused or dizzy. They may hesitate to walk or fall over. Appetite often decreases due to nausea. These signs may worsen quickly within hours.
To check for early signs of vestibular disease, visit our pet diagnostics.
Common Symptoms of Vestibular Disease
Typical signs and symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs and cats include:
- Head tilt
- Loss of balance
- Circling
- Falling to one side
- Rapid eye movements
- Nausea or drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty standing
Signs of Central Vestibular Disease
Central vestibular disease often causes more severe signs. These may include weakness, abnormal pupil size, seizures, or changes in behaviour. Pets may appear dull or unresponsive. These signs suggest brain involvement and the need for urgent care.
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How Is Vestibular Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of vestibular disease usually includes:
Physical and Neurological Exam:
The veterinarian checks balance, head position, eye movements, and walking to see which part of the system is affected.
Ear Examination:
The ears are checked for infection or inflammation, which is a common cause of vestibular problems.
Blood Tests:
These help detect infections, inflammation, or metabolic disorders that may affect balance.
Imaging (CT or MRI):
If needed, scans are used to examine the brain and inner ear for tumours, injury, or other abnormalities.
Differentiating Peripheral vs Central Vestibular Disease
Peripheral disease mainly affects balance and head position. Central disease also affects mental alertness and limb strength. Imaging and neurological tests help determine which part of the system is affected.
Is Vestibular Disease Treatable?
Yes. Many cases improve with supportive care and treatment of the cause. Vestibular disease treatment in dogs and cats focuses on controlling nausea, treating infections, and preventing injuries.
Treatment Options for Vestibular Disease
Treatment in both dogs and cats depends on the cause and severity:
- Anti-nausea medications
- Fluids for dehydration
- Antibiotics if infection is present
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Supportive nursing care
Get help with treatment options at our pet emergency care.
Recovery Timeline for Vestibular Disease
Most pets show improvement within 48 to 72 hours. Head tilt may take weeks to resolve. Full recovery can take several weeks, especially in older pets.
Prognosis for Dogs With Vestibular Disease
The outlook for dogs is usually good, especially for idiopathic cases. Most dogs recover balance but may keep a mild head tilt. Dogs with brain disease/tumours have a more guarded prognosis.
Prognosis for Cats With Vestibular Disease
Cats often recover well, especially if the cause is an ear infection. Feline vestibular syndrome usually resolves with proper treatment. Brain-related causes have a more cautious outlook.
Can Pets Fully Recover From Vestibular Disease?
Many pets return to normal or near-normal function. Some may keep a slight head tilt. Early treatment improves recovery chances.
Caring for a Pet With Vestibular Disease at Home
Home care plays an important role:
- Keep floors non-slip
- Use soft bedding
- Assist with walking
- Offer small meals
- Ensure hydration
- Prevent stairs and jumping
These steps help pets feel safe while healing.
Residual Effects After Recovery
Some pets retain a mild head tilt or slight imbalance. These effects usually do not affect quality of life. Most pets adapt well over time.
Can Vestibular Disease Be Prevented?
Not all cases can be prevented. Regular ear cleaning and early treatment of infections reduce risk. Avoiding head trauma also helps.
Vestibular Disease Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention
Seek urgent care if your pet:
- Cannot stand
- Has seizures
- Stops eating or drinking
- Has breathing problems
- Becomes unconscious
- Shows severe weakness
These may indicate brain disease.
FAQs: About Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats
Is vestibular disease the same as a stroke?
No. Vestibular disease mainly affects the balance system, while a stroke affects blood flow in the brain. Although the signs may look similar, the causes, tests, and treatment approaches are different.
How long does vestibular disease last in dogs?
Most dogs begin to improve within a few days, especially with supportive care. Full recovery may take several weeks, although some dogs may continue to have a mild head tilt for longer.
Can cats get vestibular disease?
Yes. Vestibular disease in cats is fairly common and is often linked to inner or middle ear infections or inflammation. With proper treatment, many cats recover well over time.
Is vestibular disease painful?
Vestibular disease itself is not usually painful. However, the dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance can be uncomfortable and stressful for pets, which may make them appear anxious or distressed.
Can vestibular disease come back?
Yes. Some pets may experience repeated episodes, especially in idiopathic vestibular disease, where no clear cause is found. Recurrences are often milder but should still be checked by a veterinarian.
How can I help my pet walk safely at home?
You can help by using non-slip mats, supporting your pet with a harness or towel, blocking access to stairs, and keeping furniture arrangements stable to reduce the risk of falls.
When should I see a veterinary neurologist?
You should seek a veterinary neurologist if symptoms worsen, fail to improve after a few days, or if your pet shows signs of brain involvement such as weakness, seizures, or abnormal behaviour.
References:
Brooks, W. (2024). Vestibular disease in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner, Veterinary Information Network. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com
VCA Animal Hospitals. (2024). Vestibular disease in dogs. https://vcahospitals.com
