Vestibular Disease in Dogs | Signs, Diagnosis, Causes and Treatment

Vestibular disease in dogs refers to any disturbance in a dog’s vestibular system. Dr. Senneca from Southeast Veterinary Neurology of Jupiter reviews the causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment options of vestibular disease in dogs.
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#DogVertigo #VeterinaryNeurology #VestibularDisease
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Causes
01:44 Clinical Signs
02:29 Diagnosis
03:31 Treatment

[@CC-tw5gx]

I had my 14 year old Belgian sheepdog put down a few years ago. Otherwise healthy he would constantly bang his head on the floor before laying down. His last episode was horrific and lasted for more than a day, my vet's office was closed for a holiday. Tough decision to make but my boy left me with many great memories, I will always miss you my beautiful Claude.

[@Elefyrion]

My 17yr old maltese-poodle mix got this just recently. She had never had a vestibular episode or ear issues before and it hit very suddenly. After I noticed it I had her to her vet in under an hour and we got anti-nausea medication, steroid inj, sq fluids etc to help with the symptoms. At first her head was tilting to the side a little bit but she was able to get around and walk with some occasional stumbles. 30 hours later though the balance issues were significantly worse to the point she could not do anything on her own. The anti-nausea medication wasn't helping anymore either, and she was not able to eat or drink or stand to urinate. I ended up taking her to an emergency vet, but opted not to pursue hospitalization and MRI testing. We put her to sleep just last night. A lot of what I was reading says this is normally a condition that gets better and pets are able to live a relatively good life afterwards, but with her age, worsening symptoms and other underlying health problems (renal failure that was progressing) had me and my family thinking it may be better to let her go peacefully. Been second guessing myself a lot, but I feel like it was the right decision for her own comfort.

[@leslie1010]

Dogs can also sometimes have inner ear infections, even though they don't show signs in the outer ear. This happened to my dog, and once he was put on prednisone and antibiotics, he got better.

[@heymel]

So sorry for your loss. The hardest decision to make, but inevitable. I’m so glad you have your great memories to lean on. ❤

[@klprtrt]

My 14 yo mongrel dog got this last week. He lost his balance, and his eyes darted. He wont eat drink and move. We go to the vet next day and got meds for his dizziness and vitamin. His eyes stopped darting on the 4th day, and now he’s getting better and better, just a little wobbly and his head still a little bit tilt to the left.

[@TheZack555]

Could you please share the medication that was subscribed for this ? Il have a conversation about them with my Vet so he can subscribe if it fits my dog

[@turtlesoup672]

My dog is exactly the same right now except hes 13 and can still eat and drink well, I really hope its vestibular disease and nothing more serious. Were going to the vet in a day since most clinics are closed on Sundays. I hope your dog had a good recovery :)

[@dennisdawson9896]

Our vet prescribed Cerenia 60mg once a day. They also said to give him Meclizine 25mg up to 3x daily. Meclizine is over the counter.

[@j_johnson_music]

@@dennisdawson9896 Our lab was given meclizine 25mg 1x 24 hrs

[@irishtruth6801]

How is your Dog now? My 13yr old just got diagnosed today but not sure about the cause yet. It’s horrible seeing them like this.

[@Boyycrazzy97]

My one year old Aussie has this and it’s so upsetting. It started yesterday and I’m praying he gets better soon without any reoccurrence in the future 😢

[@scribetechnologies]

We've recently had issues with what our vet stated may be vestibular disease in our Miniature Schnauzer. Desperate to help her with her inability to walk, eat, or drink normally, we read about trying Cayenne Pepper, which has proven to be successful, restoring her balance when used. It's usually only needed once a day. When her symptoms kick in, I wet the first digit of my index finger, dip it in Cayenne Pepper, shake off the excess, then put it in her mouth & rub it on her gums & tongue. I'm careful not to get it on her nose or in her eyes, because it's irritating. It has made such a difference for the past few days and is allowing her to recover. My understanding is that the Cayenne Pepper is a vasodilator that helps with blood flow, providing some relief from the symptoms. Her appetite kicks in when she starts feeling better & we are careful to feed her only a bit. Naturally, the hydration is more important for now. If this helps anyone out there get through this, it's worth sharing. ❤

[@ddma5195]

Any other with similar success using cayenne pepper?

[@suzi-qx240]

Thanks for sharing Cayenne pepper is also used for any one having heart attacks and will help with blood thinning,l found this out from Barbara O’Neil. She’s the best.

[@MarieR-ol7el]

My German Shepherd was diagnosed with this disease. That was over 6 months ago. He has gotten so bad that he poops and pees on himself. He's eating drinking water with me helping him by sitting and holding him up. He's 15 years now and I won't take him to put him down. I'm really having a hard time from him being a very energetic, happy and I've had had him since he cc was a 3 or 4 months. I cry alot and hate seeing him like this. I feed hi and bath him and he's still here for now. I love him so much, but know I have to let him go. It's heartbreaking. Just wanted to speak of this and see if anyone understands 😢😢😢

[@cjko100]

This happened to our 14 year old maltipoo. We were worried she had a stroke. Luckily the vet knew what was wrong without performing tests. Gave her some fluids since she hadn’t been eating or drinking and a steroid and had me get anti nausea meds at the store. She is already showing a lot of improvement a day later.

[@AW-xv7dq]

Thank you so much for explaining this so concisely. Very much appreciated.

[@fwfrazorx]

I hate to give this info but I had a cavachon that was about 8 and she had a bought of it. Scared me to death, I raced her to the vet and they gave her meds to stop her from vomiting due to her eyes spinning around some like vertigo. She got better but she kept having episodes and ultimately had to be put down. She went from completely healthy to dying in just a few months. Best of luck.

[@rdee8652]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@olgakiely6898]

My girl, a GSD was 11 years old. I had to have her put down, she couldn't get up. More importantly she had not peed in 2 days. That was the determining factor with my girl, Not being able to pee. Sad.

[@boooom7]

thank you so much for making this video. even though it can be unsettleing to see dogs in such discomfort it realy helps us understand what to look out for and understand what we may be seeing in our pets. My poor springer gets ear infections very easily and somewhat regularly, and i think this may have caused Vestibular syndrome, lets hope it resolves on its self over the next few days :/

[@SEVNeurology]

Hi George. Thank you for your comment! We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this. We are here for you if you ever decide to have your pet examined by a specialist. To find a location near you visit us online at sevneurology.com.

[@Slowmo896]

I woke up my GSD 8yr old was laying by my bed wouldn’t get up then I gave him a heal command and he is well trained he tried to get up and started flipping over and over so much he was twisting his spine, im crippled and couldn’t help him, as he is my service dog,he eye where going side to side, I was screaming like a baby,and I’m a DVET ,seen lots of bad stuff, yet loosing men ,wasn’t as bad as thinking my dog was dying to be honest..had to hire some guys to come help move him to the vets office…they side it was this..I called the breeder I got him from and he said they lost both his brother a month apart 9/23 10/23 both had spleens rupture bleed to death, yet one had cancer, yet they both had weak rear legs and couldn’t walk..so I’m scared ..hope all is well down the road..

[@kokomitchell5173]

Thanks for the advice but I’m not gonna lie it’s more advice than I just got from the vet. I had to save up money for a blood test for $208 😂 that took like 10 mins… smfh and she said my dog seemed normal lmao. I even showed videos. Thinks it could be stress or anxiety even though it looks like my poor baby is sometimes having mini strokes I pray I hurry and get my funds in complete order cuz this is ridiculous. The vet system loves taking our money when we only have them to go to. What a waste. & all she recommended was a stress relaxing drug. But I hope it helps cuz I hope it isn’t what’s going on in this video

[@eryionhetzel2545]

My girl just got this, she was violently vomiting because she was so dizzy it made her nauseous. She also accidentally pees herself, refuses to eat and is absolutely miserable. The hospital said the first 72 hours are the hardest as she's on anti nausea and anti dizziness meds. It can also take 2 to 3 weeks to start seeing improvement 😢

[@Sam-tl3bk]

I hope she gets better - my little 15 year old shiba inu girl got this and I am so worried

[@arceline07]

It's hard to get a proper answer anywhere especially when most of us don't have access to highly trained vets or clinics during such situations. When my dog had this imbalance and side to side eye movement I checked her ears and cleaned out her ear with cotton and ear cleaner solution. I kept her calm on the bed and stayed with her. My dog was anxious, panting and vomited once . Mine subsided after an hour.

[@janetweeks5]

When talking about the intensive and very expensive testing involved in determining cause and treatment for this condition, especially in a dog who is beyond average lifespan for her breed, I wonder if the kindest choice is to end the suffering and help the older dog die in peace and dignity. That was the choice I made.

[@SEVNeurology]

We all have to make the choices that are best for our situation. Sorry for the tough decision you had to make.

[@user-rl4ve4eq9k]

It is most common in old dogs. My yorkie has been of and on prednisone for 6 years, first sign give him the tablets ,touch wood,, this has worked up till now.

[@cal7281]

our 6 months old gsd x collie got this last night he already had idiopathic seizers but hadn't had any for over 2 months and then this suddenly it was so different to his seizures before and I genuinely thought we was going to lose him

[@annhodges2991]

Our maltipoo had GME. Diagnosed after an MRI and spinal tap. Symptoms are similar and there are many dogs that have GME - the big question is WHY this is happening. Our dog lived 4 yesrs with it and died of hemolytic anemia - no doubt caused by the powerful immunosuppressive meds we had to give her.

[@jacquiej5330]

My dog has this, but he’s eating and drinking. He’s had an ear infection and he’s always falling over like he’s off balance. He moves his head around like he’s nervous or anxious too😢

[@dennisdawson9896]

My 11yo collie boy is 8 days into vestibular hell. He hasn’t gotten better. We are going for an MRI next week. Very tiring. We had a beautiful collie boy recently pass away. He was disabled so we have a wheelchair, stretcher and special wagon for bathing. We are prepared. We seem to be blessed with dogs with special needs and terminal diseases.

[@SEVNeurology]

We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this but it sounds like you're an amazing dog parent and you're doing everything you can. Hoping your collie is showing improvements after any recommendations.

[@domithaliaputri11]

Oh my god, my collie girl also got this disease. It has been 10 days after the first attack, she had improvement but she still unable to walk and eat/drink. May I ask how long was the time between when your boy got sick and when he left?

[@ronsblahblah]

My vet put my lab mix on Prednisone , in his words, " For the rest of her life" for vestibular disease. She's 14 years old . It's causing anxiety so he put her on gabapentin also. Is this proper??

[@shaundavid1997]

My dog is a 7yr old sweet loving pit bull. Her eyes flicker back and forth she can't climb up and down the steps she falls and it all started with an ear infection. We have took her to several veterinarians and no help. So plz help.

[@supunranaweera284]

Plz help me i have dorberman dog he cant barking and left eye cant see

[@tototita413]

my dog the past 2 week is loosing front legs on and of but starting yesterday he is loosing is back legs I'm so scared he is only 11 yrs help

[@Sesshomarufan30]

My dog just started this 2 days ago. She is 13. I read you can give benadryl so I've given her that.

[@De.aurious]

which type of benadryl

[@samyrodriguez5036]

Did it cure it

[@shaunamallett9511]

I think my dog is going through this right now, very sad to see him almost unable to walk. It happened one day last week and he was suddenly better the next, but it's back again.

[@SEVNeurology]

Hi Shauna, thank you for your comment. We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this. Unfortunately, in order to give clinical advice, our Neurologist requires that pets be seen for a thorough workup. At that time, treatment options and recovery could be discussed. We are here for you if you need us. sevneurology.com/

[@astridischill]

My dogs 17 and she started loosing balance and freaking out. She can’t stand, she keeps kicking and rolling over. Her head is tilted and it’s really scary. We can’t take her to the vet until tomorrow is this what she has or is she having a stroke?

[@cherronroberts6271]

Mines not drug tox but he is getting worse with balance and coordination. I shattered my foot and haven't been working amd not one vet will work with me on payments so i can get my dog seen. Im so mad, sad, and feel hopeless. I've had him 13 years and i feel like he's mad and its my fault. i am very mad at these vets around me!

[@karenthomas4575]

I feel your pain. My dog has just developed this. It's disgusting that most vets are only interested in the money. I thought vets would be more compassionate. It's actually sickening, the money they charge

[@BookishDragon18]

I just adopted a dog that was a breeder fail (returned to the breeder), for having this issue. He is now 6 months old, and has had this since birth. Wobbliness, astagnis, easily loses balance, rolls over without meaning to, and is super sensitive to certain noises that most dogs don't mind. He's been cleared by a regular vet, but we are still unsure what is causing this. His symptoms are constant unless he's being physically held, or is asleep.

[@mirellacosta3596]

We just adopted a 3 month old dog and she loses her balance and has major head tilt. Everything I read says this disease is only in older dogs but you are in a similar position. Did your dog get better? If they did how? Thanks

[@BookishDragon18]

no he hasn't got better, but thankfully hasn't got worse.@@mirellacosta3596

[@plecates]

My 3.5 yr old chi is going thru this. One vet thought for sure he got a hold of some marijuana. This wasn’t so. Then vet gave me antibiotic for his ears in case was ear infection. Took him to 2nd vet 5 days later and that vet doesn’t think it’s his ears and recommended a neurologist. We have appt there on 9/11. Meanwhile he on antibiotic, pain med and meds for motion sickness. He is eating and drinking. Just walks with the head tilt, little unsteady on his feet sometimes, stiffins up and rolls body to side when you go to pick him up.

[@239renee]

@plecates. How is your Chi bebe? My 13 yr old chi mix just started this, I'm taking him to his vet tomorrow. What did your vet say it was?

[@CS-jg7lo]

My 16 year old mini Dachshund had vomiting, nystagmus and inability to walk 5 days ago. Initially brought her to ER vet. Diagnosed Idiopathic Vestibular Disease. On nausea med meclizine and cerenia. I had to give her water with a 3cc syringe Initially and hold her standing up and hand feed her. She is walking now, but with a head tilt, and had an awful time when she is picked up. Her body turns and it's almost like cerebral palsy. She is eating and drinking on her own. Haven't tried taking her out for her favorite activity..walking..it's too hot out. It's sad because she was fine, walking up to a mile a day before this.

[@kitsunedotexe9937]

My dog keeps whimpering and tries to stand up idk if he is uncomfortable or in pain can anyone help?

[@saileshpradhan8335]

My dog is almost 2 years old and has the same issue need help.

[@merrygilbert8183]

My 2 year old mini schnauzer has a congenial defect in her spine but she walked fine as a puppy but now she really struggles to use her back legs and to control her bowels . There has to be help for this sweet pup?

[@SEVNeurology]

Hello. We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this. Unfortunately, in order to give clinical advice, our Neurologist requires that pets be seen for a thorough workup. At that time, treatment options and recovery could be discussed. We are here for you if you need us. sevneurology.com/

[@jelicadujmovic9781]

I think im going trough this with my 15 yo amstaff he has a head tilt and walks like hes drunk but he eats drinks and pees etc on his own he can stand we go on short walks, sometimes i have to help him maintaine ballance. He seems to be getting better but only thing i dont see improve is that head tilt

[@CS-jg7lo]

Read if head tilt lasts six months, it will probably be permanent.

[@marpoohkamsi6072]

Please help me.. my dog is also having problem in balancing, head control also not good.. drug overdose toxicity case. It’s now 6 days over.

[@SEVNeurology]

Hello. We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this. Unfortunately, in order to give clinical advice, our Neurologist would need to evaluate a pet through a consultation. At that time, treatment options and recovery could be discussed. We are here for you if you need us. To find a location near you visit us online at sevneurology.com.

[@Marlene4399]

Please explain what do you in the meantime during an episode like this? Keep them calm, strap them down, What? I know that the answer it’s take them to the vet but what one can’t right away or take them in the morning? This happened to me on New Year’s Day and all Vets were closed. I took my dog to the emergency and they just said she had a muscle spasm and sent me home with pain meds. What do you during the episode?

[@SEVNeurology]

You bring up a great reason that we often say “be evaluated by a veterinarian” - it sounds like after evaluation they were much more worried about neck pain than about a balance problem. Advice for balance problems is very different than for pain. This is why it’s challenging for us to give a diagnosis over the internet and why being evaluated in person is so valuable.

[@arceline07]

I too find it's hard to get a proper answer anywhere especially when most of us don't have access to highly trained vets or clinics during such situations. When my dachshund of 10 years had this imbalance and side to side eye movement I checked her ears and cleaned out her ears with cotton and ear cleaner solution. I kept her calm on the bed and stayed with her. My dog was anxious, panting and vomited once . It subsided after an hour. I had also rubbed abit of cayenne pepper on her gums although i didn't see any improvement using that. Cleaning the ears was the one that stopped it after 15 minutes or so.

[@tlenesanders9845]

I have a 13 year old Standard Poodle. How can I tell the difference between a stroke and Vestibular Disease in dogs?

[@SEVNeurology]

Hello, thanks for your comment. Oftentimes, advanced testing is needed in the diagnosis of a neurological condition. We always recommend consulting a Vet Neurologist if any neurological condition is suspected. We are here if you need us - sevneurology.com/

[@SEVNeurology]

Hello, you can find information on stroke symptoms and vestibular disease symptoms on our blog: pulse.ly/a40is8mrmp pulse.ly/o7f5hpdio1

[@danamarie4U]

My 13 yr old shihtzu falls to his side cries out and his neck is hyper extended and all 4 legs are as well as soon as i pick him up ...immediately he stops crying and neck and legs soften. Lasts a total of max 1 or 2 minutes and has no appetite or barhroom changes this has been going on the past year my fear is if it were to happen and i am not home. Today it happened just after i groomed him but usually happens with no reason. If his bladder is full he has lost control of that when im holding him. As i said the episode stops as soon as i hold him. I dont know what these episides are he also did have lymes disease when he was about 5 if that means anything. He has fur family and they all come to his side.

[@SEVNeurology]

Doesn’t sound like vestibular disease. See your veterinarian or possibly a cardiologist.

[@27deathage]

Anyone have experiences with it coming and going every time my boy stands after resting he'll start acting up but with in 5 min of him walking hes acting mostly normal, a bit of a wobble but head straight and walking normally instead or circles.

[@JanelleAnstey]

My dog actually has very similar symptoms but it doesn’t happen every time she gets up, usually when she gets startled up though. I haven’t been able to get any answers.

[@nyssettemarie]

Mine doesn't have a diagnosis yet but the symptoms are very similar. He tilts his head. his eyes roll to the top and seems unable to keep balance for a minute. After that, he always walks and acts normally. No problems with urination or appetite. Is your dog experiencing something similar? were you able to talk to a vet about it?? Mine dismissed what i was reporting, even though it's happened a few times in his first year. I'm so scared and concerned

[@dancerdirection]

Same with my dog :( she’s fine one minute and then sometimes the symptoms kick in. Started about two weeks ago.

[@alexisportillo2747]

@@dancerdirectionmine too it’s so sad to see

[@geofflink]

My girl Abby Had this come on last friday finally got her to the vet on tues, it's now thursday she wont eat . What do I do? tomorrow will be 1 wk without any food but drinks lots of water. help

[@kellydoyle]

Google “dog won’t eat.” There’s a plethora of tips online. I’ve had to syringe feed, finger feed, and buy copious amounts of different foods to find one she’ll eat bits of for 12 days now. Syringe feed bone broth (not the salty crappy kind) for nutrients and puréed chicken in broth and canned pumpkin. Try: boiled chicken, beef, canned foods, tripe, eggs, hot dogs, liquid supplements, baby food… And always a little puréed pumpkin with every meal for upset stomach from new foods. It’s been a 24/7 ordeal for me all day trying things till she’ll eat something or feeding through a syringe. Canned foods have been her favorite.

[@vivianlee6280]

I'm going through this right now and my vet prescribed mirtazapine to stimulate my dogs appetite...it seems to work but he doesn't eat alot like he did before his world started to spin.

[@CS-jg7lo]

Mine is on meclizine and cerenia. At first I had to hold her standing up and hand feed her small bites of chicken. After 2 days, she is able to eat off a plate. I initially also had to give her water with a syringe. She also got subcutaneous fluids twice.

[@julianrivera4203]

My dog definitely has this problems.. took him to the vet, charge me $800 gave me Meds and told me he need A scan.. $3000 can't afford what can I do?

[@orsmiley4526]

whatd u do?

[@suzi-qx240]

How is your dog ?

[@fernym6091]

My dog is experiencing the same issues we need help

[@SEVNeurology]

Hi Ferny. We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this. Unfortunately, in order to give clinical advice, our Neurologist requires that pets be seen for a thorough workup. At that time, treatment options and recovery could be discussed. We are here for you if you need us. sevneurology.com/

[@shaundavid1997]

My pit bull does the same thing and it started with her ears. She is a loving caring 7 year old baby. Her eyes flicker back and forth she can't climb up and down the steps anymore she falls please help me

[@printsbee154]

My dog does not stop spinning. I take him to vet. But still spinning continues

[@Christian-up1on]

What was it? My dog is doing this now

[@jsavage4418]

Poison in dog food

[@jessicaspecht]

I don't understand why idiopathic is also known as "old dog" disease? Is this vet saying that young dogs can't get idiopathic diseases? I find that very hard to believe.

[@freddiebee320]

I think what she’s saying is IF a young dog is affected with it there will more than likely be a reason found for the episode. In a dog 9 years or older (Old Dog Disease) there won’t be a reason found.

[@CS-jg7lo]

Idiopathic just means there is no known cause..

[@VERIFIED_COMMENT]

*3:50* my dog will lay stay laying and do that

[@SEVNeurology]

Hello Paul. We are so sorry to hear your pet is going through this. If your pet needs Vet Neurology care, we are here for you. You can request a consultation by calling the location nearest you. Visit us online at sevneurology.com.

[@VERIFIED_COMMENT]

@@SEVNeurology she's doing better she's stealing socks and eating on her own and walking around I nursed her back to her self she just still has her head tilted as our vet thought it could of been an ear infection.

[@havedogwilltravel]

All these people begging for help, take your damn dog to the vet! Stop letting them just suffer. Good God people, what's wrong with you!

[@MarieR-ol7el]

What's wrong with you? People don't always have 1200.00 or so to take their babies to the vet Alot of us speak out for comfort . Maybe to see if others r going through similar situations to help ease our pain to know we're not alone. So if have negative things to say to hurt others, then maybe u shouldn't say anything. These type of situations are hard for us. So pleeeese 😮

[@nicola108]

My dog is worse from to many meds from vets . 5 grand later no diagnosis. I'm fuming .

[@nicola108]

Yeah that cost a fortune. What you charge is wrong.