Vestibular Syndrome

Vestibular Syndrome (often called Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome because it affects senior pets mostly) is characterized by the sudden onset of poor balance. No underlying cause can usually be found.

Cause

The cause of Vestibular Syndrome is unknown. Some studies have shown small problems in the inner ear receptors, some of the nerves of the equilibrium part of the brain, or deeper within the brain of pets with this problem.

Signs

The following symptoms are typical:

• very sudden onset of head tilting
• pet may be falling, rolling or circling to one side
• pet may vomit from nausea
• usually the pet will try to eat and seem fine otherwise, but not always

Diagnosis

It is important to not just look at the clinical signs of your pet and assume that this is the problem. Vestibular Syndrome can exhibit the same symptoms as the following:

• systemic illness of many internal organs
• trauma
• ear disease
• Rickettsial diseases (infection of the nerves)

A good physical examination, combined with blood and urine tests to evaluate your pet’s health is important.

Treatment

No treatment is usually necessary with vestibular syndrome. The rolling and unco-ordination will diminish often within 3-4 days and the other signs, within 3-4 weeks. Anti-nausea medication will help to treat the vomiting.

Prognosis

Your pet may be left with a residual head tilt, but usually all other symptoms will resolve within a month.