Recently, vestibular disease has come up a lot in my life. First with a dog that came into the office I work at and then a dog on Tik Tok! Since it’s been coming up so much lately, I want to learn more about it. So let’s learn together! Where it comes from. Why it happens. How to prevent it. How to treat it. Who it affects.
What is Vestibular Disease?
Vestibular disease, vestibular disorder, vestibular syndrome, or vestibular dysfunction. Whatever name you want to call it, this disease attacks the vestibular system which is in control of the body’s balance (Barnes et al.). This system includes areas in the brain as well as the ear.
Fluid in ear canals helps to control balance and as the head changes positions, this fluid moves to send signals to the brain regarding position (Cornell Feline Health Center, Vestibular syndrome).
In humans there are different vestibular disorders that may occur. Common ones include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, perilymphatic fistula, and Meniere’s disease (Booth et al., 2023). Others include acoustic neuroma, ototoxicity, enlarged vestibular aqueducts, vestibular migraine, and mal de debarquement syndrome (Booth et al., 2023). If you would like to read more about these disorders, feel free to click either one of these links
https://www.webmd.com/brain/vestibular-disorders-facts
https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/
What are the signs?
Vestibular disease can be represented as sudden loss of balance, irregular eye movements (nystagmus), a head tilt, and disorientation in dogs and cats. In humans, similar symptoms can be observed. Dizziness and vertigo being the most common. Nausea, anxiety, vision and hearing problems can also be attributed to vestibular disease. These clinical signs, along with blood and urine tests, can provide a diagnosis. Hearing tests for humans can also be useful. Symptoms are often worse in the first 24-48 hours and most animals improve within 72 (Barnes et al.). The head tilt could improve around 7-10 days, however it could last for the animal’s lifetime. The same can be said for the balance issues.
Who is it likely to affect? And why does it occur?
This disease can be found in both humans and animals. Commonly, vestibular disease is found in older patients but can happen at any age (Vestibular balance disorder 2019).
This disease can be caused by something as simple as an ear infection, trauma, or hyperthyroidism in dogs and cats (Barnes et al.). Medications, ear infections, trauma, or inner ear problems can be the cause in humans (Vestibular balance disorder 2019). Sometimes, it can even occur without a specific cause which then earns the name idiopathic vestibular syndrome (Barnes et al.). Dogs and cats who have an episode are more likely to have another episode in their lifetime (Barnes et al.).
How can you treat or prevent it?
If there is an underlying cause, such as an ear infection, treatment of the cause can help get rid of vestibular disease. Otherwise, fluids, sedation, motion sickness drugs, or antibiotics may help get rid of the symptoms. When a dog or cat is unable to walk, eat, or drink on their own, hospitalization or at-home care may be necessary. Sometimes, rehabilitation will also help the human or animal to regain some balance.
Conclusion
While I have done some research on this topic for this article, I am not a veterinarian (yet) or a doctor. Please do your own research and consult a professional if you believe you or your pet may have vestibular disease.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vestibular-disease-in-dogs
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/vestibular-balance-disorder
https://www.webmd.com/brain/vestibular-disorders-facts
Images:
https://www.elwoodvet.net/ear-infections
https://www.clearchoicerochester.com/services/middle-ear-fluid
https://southfields.co.uk/factsheet/idiopathic-vestibular-disease