Loss of Balance May be Related to Ear Problems

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (IVD) is a disorder of the organ of balance (vestibular apparatus), situated in the middle ear. In dogs, IVD is more commonly termed geriatric vestibular disease since it usually occurs in senior dogs. The purpose of the vestibular organ is to maintain equilibrium (balance) by coordinating movements of the head with the eyes, trunk and limbs. Failure of this system results in a tilting of the head to one side, abnormal body posture, loss of equilibrium, abnormal eye movements and loss of coordination as the body tries to compensate. Vomiting may occur because the loss of balance and dizziness makes the patient nauseous or "sea sick".

This condition can be confused with a “stroke” by pet owners. In some cases, pet owners have mistakenly euthanised their pets, thinking that their pet’s prognosis is poor and the situation hopeless. However, pets with IVD, although confused and anxious at times, are not in pain and there is no reason for euthanasia. Relapses usually do not occur.

There are many causes of vestibular disease. Degenerative processes of the body, inflammation, cancer, trauma and poisons are some of the known causes. Sometimes your veterinarian will recommend a skull X-ray to rule out internal ear infections. However, in some cases, the cause is simply not known. In these situations, the disease is termed Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome. (The term "idiopathic" means that veterinarians do not know why this disease occurs in this instance).

In cats, this condition occurs at any age, and is most often diagnosed in the summer and early fall (75 per cent between June and September). It is not understood why so many occur during these two seasons.

IVD is usually sudden in onset and initially incapacitating. The pet usually has a loss of balance, disorientation, unsteadiness, and a pronounced head tilt. The degree of head tilt can vary considerably and there are usually involuntary rapid movements of the eyes. There may also be a tendency for the animal to walk around in a circle in one direction. Some animals will be listless, refuse to eat, pant and be nauseated.

In the early phase (up to 72 hours), a pet may need supportive care at the hospital. Sometimes supportive fluid therapy is given, and soft, warm bedding is supplied so that if they tip over, they will not hurt themselves. Sometimes sedatives and antibiotics will be recommended.

There is no definitive treatment for the idiopathic form of this disease nor does any appear to be necessary since most if not all patients appear to recover on their own. In some cases, a slight head tilt may be the only clinical sign that persists after 2 to 3 weeks. Should your dog or cat show signs of this disorder, consult your veterinarian immediately.