Although this condition is often colloquially referred to as a stroke in dogs due to its similar symptoms, it is not a circulatory disorder of the brain as in humans, but rather a disorder of the balance organ located in the inner ear of dogs.
Vestibular syndrome can have many causes. Based on the underlying disease, two forms of balance disorder are generally distinguished: central and peripheral vestibular syndrome.
Central vestibular syndrome can be caused by infections such as distemper or toxoplasmosis, inflammatory changes in the brain, or damage to the brain stem and central nervous system. It is much less common than peripheral vestibular syndrome, which is caused by disorders in the balance organ of the inner ear.
The balance organ, known as the vestibular apparatus, is located in the right and left inner ear of dogs. This complex system ensures that the brain receives information about the position of the body in space in order to control movement and coordination. If the transmission of this information is disrupted, the animal loses its balance and coordination. The exact cause of this disorder of the balance organ is still not fully understood. It is suspected that inner and middle ear infections, autoimmune diseases, or severe circulatory disorders lead to a malfunction of the vestibular apparatus. In rare cases, an underactive thyroid can also trigger vestibular syndrome. Due to the still unclear cause, this form is also known as idiopathic vestibular syndrome. As it mainly affects older dogs, the term geriatric vestibular syndrome is also used synonymously.
Puppies can also develop congenital vestibular syndrome. This is a rare hereditary disease in which the balance organ has not developed properly, leading to head tilt and coordination problems. The symptoms usually appear in the first month of life and are often accompanied by deafness in one or both ears. Again, there is no specific treatment available, but the symptoms often improve in the second month of life as the body compensates for the dysfunction through other senses.
The signs of vestibular syndrome often appear very suddenly, resemble those of a stroke in humans, and are therefore usually very frightening for you as a pet owner. Affected animals simply fall over from one moment to the next or stagger, sway, and have poor coordination. The head is held at a distinct angle and the eyeballs move jerkily back and forth (nystagmus). The animals have difficulty orienting themselves and experience dizzy spells that lead to nausea and vomiting. They refuse to eat. In milder cases, eating behavior is usually unaffected and the animals show only slight disturbances in their gait.
Even though the exact causes of the disease remain unclear, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian, as the symptoms described may also indicate other serious underlying diseases.
The diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian based on the clear symptoms. There is no specific test or specific laboratory values for vestibular syndrome. However, a blood count is often performed to rule out possible differential diagnoses (diseases with similar or identical symptoms). It is particularly important to rule out inner and middle ear infections, foreign bodies, tumors, and various infectious diseases such as distemper or toxoplasmosis. Certain medications can also have negative effects on the vestibular system.
Since the cause of the disorder cannot be identified in many cases, no specific treatment is possible. The focus is therefore primarily on effective symptomatic therapy to speed up recovery and minimize the possible consequences of vestibular syndrome. In severe cases, the animals are treated in the initial phase with medication to promote blood circulation and fluid replacement. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, medication for nausea and vomiting may be used. The owner needs to be patient and provide good care, as the animals recover in small steps.
The prognosis depends on whether the condition is central or peripheral vestibular syndrome. Since central vestibular syndrome is usually caused by a serious and often difficult-to-treat underlying condition, the prognosis is generally cautious.
Most cases of peripheral vestibular syndrome, especially the idiopathic form, heal spontaneously and completely within seven to 21 days without treatment. However, mild symptoms such as head tilt may persist in some dogs, but this does not significantly affect their quality of life. Physiotherapy can also help to significantly reduce these symptoms.
Most dogs with congenital vestibular syndrome can also lead a largely normal life, but they should be excluded from breeding. With special training methods, dogs with unilateral or bilateral deafness can also enjoy a species-appropriate life.
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Tortoises are fascinating animals that many children love. But before you bring a tortoise into your home, you should be aware that there is much more to it than just finding them cute or interesting.
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EOTRH, or more precisely Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis, is currently considered an incurable inflammatory condition affecting the incisors and canines of horses. The disease has only been known for about 10 years, but is now affecting more and more older horses. In many cases, the disease is not detected until late stages, as it is not visible below the gums at the onset.
