Condition8 connections · 2 sources
Vestibular Disease
Vestibular disease affects the neurological system responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It is commonly (and usually incorrectly) referred to as a "stroke" in pets.
Key Facts
- Vestibular apparatus: middle ear structures + nerves to brain + brain itself
- Signs: stumbling/staggering (ataxia), head tilt, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), motion sickness
- Idiopathic vestibular disease is the most common form in both dogs and cats
- "Old dog vestibular disease": begins acutely, usually improves within 72 hours, resolves in 7-14 days
- Peripheral causes (inner ear): middle ear infection, idiopathic disease
- Central causes (brain): tumors, vascular accidents, infections (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
- Vertical nystagmus suggests brain (central) lesion
- True vascular stroke is rare in pets unlike in humans
- CT or MRI may be needed to image the brain for central causes
- A residual head tilt may persist even after resolution
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (8)
Related Conditions
Malassezia OtitisCondition
Deep ear infections can cause vestibular signs
Otitis ExternaCondition
Middle ear infection can cause vestibular signs
SeizureCondition
Brain tumors can cause both vestibular signs and seizures
Stroke Vascular AccidentCondition
Vascular accidents can cause vestibular symptoms but are often confused with primary vestibular disease.