Vestibular disease is a nervous system disease. The disease can impact central areas of your dog’s nervous system within the brain or peripheral areas of your dog’s nervous system such as the inner ear.

Symptoms vary but may include a head tilt, unsteady gait, rapid eye movement, nausea and even paralysis.

There are multiple causes of vestibular disease. Some common causes of central vestibular disease include cancer, inner and middle ear infections, hypothyroidism, viral infections, tick-borne infections, and fungal infections. Vestibular disease may also result from a reaction to drugs or toxins. Finally, vestibular disease may also be a congenital condition in certain breeds such as Akitas, Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds.

Your vet will conduct a thorough physical and neurological exam. Your vet will also likely perform blood work, and may take a sample of your dog’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis.

Congenital vestibular disease is not treatable. For other types of vestibular disease, treatment, if possible, depends on the underlying cause.

For vestibular disease triggered by an underlying cause, safeguarding your dog against the underlying cause, if possible, can help prevent vestibular disease. For congenital vestibular disease, it is best not acquire a dog who has a family history of this condition.

No, you cannot get vestibular disease from your dog.