Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction

Peripheral vestibular dysfunction in dogs is a condition that may have a sudden onset of very dramatic symptoms. Dogs that develop this condition may have a loss of coordination and balance, as well as nausea and dizziness. Peripheral vestibular dysfunction may occur in any breed of dog.

  1. Identification

    • Peripheral vestibular dysfunction is also known as peripheral vestibular syndrome. This condition most often affects older dogs, but can occur in middle-aged dogs as well. The vestibular system in dogs is responsible for controlling balance and spatial orientation. Peripheral vestibular dysfunction affects the dog's balance and may cause symptoms of nausea as well.

    Cause

    • The exact causes of peripheral vestibular dysfunction in dogs are often unknown. Veterinarians feel that some cases of peripheral vestibular dysfunction may be caused by inflammation of the nerves that connect to the dog's inner ear to the cerebellum in the brain. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance and orientation in space. There are other conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to peripheral vestibular disease such as an inner ear infection or head injuries from trauma.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms associated with peripheral vestibular dysfunction may include nausea, head tilt, loss of balance, circling, stumbling and rhythmic eye movements. These symptoms may appear suddenly and can be severe. The symptoms associated with peripheral vestibular dysfunction are often confused with seizures.

    Diagnosis

    • To determine if your dog is suffering from peripheral vestibular dysfunction, the veterinarian may perform diagnostic tests. This may include a CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, blood glucose tests and tests to determine kidney and liver function. Other tests that may help rule out other causes of the symptoms of peripheral vestibular dysfunction may include X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.

    Treatment

    • According to the veterinary information website Pet Place, the treatment for peripheral vestibular dysfunction may be determined by the cause of symptoms. Any underlying conditions that may contribute to the disorder must be treated. Most cases of peripheral vestibular dysfunction will slowly improve over the course of two to three weeks. Your veterinarian may give your dog medication to help quell the nausea that often occurs with this condition. Medication such as diphenhydramine may be prescribed for dizziness.

    Considerations

    • Consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment plan if your dog has symptoms of peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Some dogs may retain a head tilt, even after the symptoms of peripheral vestibular dysfunction have subsided. In many cases, the head tilt is permanent.