VET APPROVED
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Iulia Mihai
DVM MSc (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn more »
When your puppy begins to move suddenly as though intoxicated, they may be experiencing ataxia, or uncoordinated/wobbly walking. Vestibular ataxia causes a dog to seem as if they are walking drunk, and they may behave as though everything is spinning around them.
The vestibular system stabilizes the body in three-dimensional space and contributes to its stable perception. This system is part of the inner ear, primarily occurring through the three semicircular canals, the utricle, and the saccule. The semicircular canals detect rotational movements of the head.
If your puppy starts walking unsteadily, they may have vestibular syndrome, which is a cause for concern, and you should get in touch with your veterinarian. Potential reasons for wobbly walking in dogs include inner or middle ear infections, tumors, cysts, trauma, or stroke.
What Is Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs?
The vestibular syndrome in dogs refers to an issue with the vestibular system in the inner ear. It is part of the nervous system, regulating eye movements, head movements, and balance. It allows animals and humans to maintain balance and orient themselves based on head position. The eyes can track movement without inducing dizziness.
The vestibular system includes:
- Inner ear
- Brainstem
- Vestibulocerebellum (flocculonodular lobe or archicerebellum)
- Vestibulocochlear (acoustic-vestibular) nerve (a sensory nerve)
If any of these areas are affected, your puppy will exhibit signs of vertigo, appearing off balance and wobbly.
What Are the Clinical Signs of Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs?
A dog with this condition may seem drunk/dizzy and disoriented due to experiencing vertigo. Vestibular disease is occasionally confused with a stroke.
The clinical signs of vestibular syndrome in dogs include:
- Ataxia, or wobbly walking (drunkenness, dizziness, or loss of balance)
- Falling to one side
- Head tilt (usually to one side)
- Inability or hesitation to stand or walk
- Nystagmus (rapid involuntary eye movements)
- Positional strabismus (abnormal position of the eyes)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Face drooping
- Face paralysis
- Circling
- Horner syndrome (a combination of clinical signs affecting only one eye)
What Are the Causes of Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs?
Issues with the vestibular system can arise from the inner ear, brain, or both.
The causes are diverse and encompass:
- Infections and inflammations (otitis) of the inner ear
- Infections and inflammations of the middle ear (affecting inner ear sensors)
- Tumors or cysts pressing on a nerve, part of the brain, or the inner ear
- Brain trauma and/or injuries
- Inner ear trauma
- Hypothyroidism (a less common cause of vestibular syndrome)
- Stroke
- Certain medications, toxic to the ears, with the potential to cause this condition (aminoglycoside antibiotics, metronidazole, or topical chlorhexidine)
- Idiopathic vestibular syndrome (in senior dogs with an unknown cause)
What Is the Treatment for Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs?
The treatment of vestibular syndrome in dogs varies according to how the underlying issue is addressed. For instance, if your dog’s vestibular syndrome stems from an inner or middle ear infection, treatment may include topical ear medication and oral medication (e.g., antibiotics). Periodic ear cleaning for your dog is also essential.
If your dog has had a stroke, treatment will be symptomatic, including anti-vertigo (e.g., meclizine) and anti-nausea medication. In cases of hypothyroidism, the veterinarian will supplement your puppy with thyroid hormones. Supportive treatment may also be administered until the hormone therapy takes effect.
How to Prevent Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs
Vestibular syndrome itself cannot be avoided, but you can take measures to prevent the primary conditions that can lead to it.
Here’s what you can do:
- Clean your dog’s ears regularly.
- Routine veterinary check-ups and tests can aid in identifying issues before your dog develops vestibular syndrome.
- If you observe signs of illness in your dog, promptly take them to the vet. The quicker the problem’s source is identified, the sooner your dog can receive appropriate treatment.
How to Care for a Dog With Vestibular Syndrome
In conjunction with the veterinarian-prescribed medication, there are steps you can take at home to assist in your dog’s recovery.
Here are some examples:
- Restrict your dog’s access to a confined, safe, quiet, and comfortable space.
- If your dog’s condition is severe with major imbalances, provide support with pillows or blankets.
- Limit your dog’s access to stairs or the pool.
- Clear potential obstacles in their path.
- Assist your dog in eating and drinking if they are unable to do so on their own, as they may risk choking otherwise.
- If your dog struggles to move, change their position from side to side every 4 hours (maximum) to prevent bedsores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Is My Puppy Dizzy and Off Balance?
A dog displaying loss of balance, appearing dizzy, and seeming intoxicated likely has a significant health issue and requires immediate veterinary attention. A sudden loss of balance, dizziness, and an unstable gait can be indicative of a neurological problem.
How Long Does Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs Last?
Generally, the clinical signs of idiopathic vestibular syndrome resolve within 2–3 weeks. However, some dogs may retain residual symptoms for life, such as an unsteady gait or head tilt. If the clinical signs persist beyond a few weeks, there may be an underlying condition affecting the vestibular system. Hence, it is advisable to seek a vet’s guidance for accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment.
Conclusion
If your dog shows wobbly walking and has difficulty maintaining balance, it indicates they may have vestibular syndrome. The causes in dogs are varied and encompass brain tumors, infections and/or inflammations of the middle or inner ear, hypothyroidism, stroke, or certain medications harmful to the ears. Apart from wobbly walking and balance loss, vestibular syndrome can present with additional clinical signs such as circling, head tilt, nausea and/or vomiting, nystagmus, face paralysis, and Horner syndrome. If your dog exhibits one or more of these signs, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment for vestibular syndromes involves addressing the primary condition and delivering supportive treatment.
Featured Image Credit: Taylor Treadgold, Shutterstock
