Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Need to Know

3 min read

If you’ve ever seen your dog or cat suddenly stumble, tilt their head, or walk in circles, it can be alarming. These symptoms often point to vestibular disease—a condition affecting your pet’s balance system. While it can look serious (and sometimes mimic a stroke), vestibular disease is often manageable, and many pets recover with the right care.

In this post, we’ll explain what vestibular disease is, how to recognize the signs, what causes it, and how you can help your pet through recovery.

What Is Vestibular Disease?

The vestibular system controls balance and coordination, and it’s located in the inner ear and brain. When something disrupts this system, pets may experience dizziness, disorientation, and difficulty standing or walking.

Vestibular disease can be:

• Peripheral – Caused by issues in the inner ear (most common, especially in dogs)

• Central – Caused by problems in the brain, such as tumors, inflammation, or injury

  
  

Common Signs of Vestibular Disease

Symptoms can appear suddenly and may be more pronounced on one side of the body. Watch for:

• Head tilt (often to one side)

• Loss of balance or falling over

• Stumbling or walking in circles

• Rapid, side-to-side eye movement (nystagmus)

• Nausea or vomiting (due to dizziness)

• Reluctance to stand or move

💡 Tip: While vestibular disease itself is often not life-threatening, some underlying causes can be serious. Always consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice these signs.

Possible Causes

The cause of vestibular disease isn’t always obvious. Some common triggers include:

• Ear infections (especially deep inner ear infections)

• Inflammation or injury to the ear

• Hypothyroidism in dogs

• Stroke or brain tumors (more common in older pets)

• Idiopathic vestibular disease – sudden onset without a known cause (common in senior dogs and cats)

  
  

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your vet will perform a physical exam and may recommend ear exams, blood tests, or imaging (like X-rays or MRI) to rule out serious conditions.

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Infections – Antibiotics or antifungal medications

• Inflammation – Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Idiopathic cases – Supportive care, such as anti-nausea medication and rest, until symptoms resolve

  
  

Many pets show improvement within 48–72 hours, though a head tilt can sometimes remain permanently.

Helping Your Pet at Home

Recovery can be disorienting for pets. Here’s how you can make it easier:

1. Create a safe space – Block stairs and remove tripping hazards.

2. Assist with mobility – Use a harness or sling to help your pet walk.

3. Prevent falls – Keep them on non-slippery floors.

4. Offer comfort – Be patient, keep noise low, and encourage gentle movement as they improve.

   
   

Key Takeaways

💵 Early Vet Visit Matters – Prompt diagnosis can rule out more serious conditions.

🏡 Supportive Care Helps – Home adjustments can make recovery smoother.

🕒 Most Pets Recover – Many regain balance in days to weeks, especially in idiopathic cases.