The vestibular system is responsible for keeping the head and body in correct orientation with respect to gravity, thereby maintaining proper balance. It tells the brain if one is sitting, standing, falling, or spinning.
The system is composed of neural pathways arising in the brain and ending in the inner ear. Sensors in the inner ear inform the brain about our body’s positional changes. Therefore, disease of the vestibular system affects the brain’s ability to perceive movement and thus maintain balance.
Abnormalities of the vestibular system are categorized as central (originating in the brain) or peripheral (originating in the inner ear). Most cases we see are peripheral and idiopathic (of unknown cause).
Vestibular disease is usually seen in older dogs and has a sudden onset. Symptoms include incoordination, head tilt, quick eye movements, and vomiting (due to motion sickness).
Because the onset is sudden, owners often think their dog has had a stroke and fear that their pet will have to be euthanized; however, most cases resolve on their own.
It was always so gratifying for me to be able to tell the owners, who expected that this was going to be the dog’s final trip to the clinic, that their old friend was going to get better.
East Bare Hill Road resident Fred Karotkin is a veterinarian.
