Canine Vestibular Disease

Canine Vestibular Disease

20 January 2012 Pet Advice & Ideas (6)

Have you ever noticed your dog leaning his head to one side, as if listening to something, for extended periods of time? Or worse, his eyes twitching or suddenly losing his balance? If so, he could be suffering from Canine Vestibular Disease, which is fairly common among older dogs. The symptoms have led some to refer to sufferers as “Head-Tilt Harry”. Fortunately, this condition is generally not grave, but when it occurs, it can be very frightening for pet parents. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah talks about the possible causes of CVD and what you can do to minimize the symptoms.

Canine Vestibular Disease

Have you ever noticed your dog leaning his head to one side, as if listening to something, for extended periods of time? Or worse, his eyes twitching or suddenly losing his balance? If so, he could be suffering from Canine Vestibular Disease, which is fairly common among older dogs. The symptoms have led some to refer to sufferers as “Head-Tilt Harry”. Fortunately, this condition is generally not grave, but when it occurs, it can be very frightening for pet parents. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah talks about the possible causes of CVD and what you can do to minimize the symptoms.

Comments (6) -

  • marie

    1/20/2012 6:52:22 PM |

    Thank you for the information. Dr. Sarah explains things so well for the common person to understand that otherwise might be confusing.

  • Sari

    2/3/2013 8:30:27 AM |

    My 10 year old Wheaten Terrier Bailey has been diagnosed with Vestibular Disease.  We took him to an neuro specialist in NYC who diagnosed him and gave him meclizine for supportive care but seems to think he either has a tumor or a brain infection- meningioencephilitis.  Dr. Sarah is explaining that CVD may not be that serious, but according to the vet I saw it certainly seems that way.  If it's the meningioencephilitis she suggested steroids and procarbazine if it's a tumor well then possibly surgery/chemo/radiation.  I don't know what to do at this point.  I want to do what's best for him but want what's least invasive and keep him as comfortable as possible.  Of course if his life can be saved I want that more than anything.  To make matters a little more complicated he has a history of pancreatitis....The vet says the next step should be an MRI to make the official diagnosis which will cost over $3k.  Any thoughts?

  • Priewe

    12/6/2013 6:46:59 AM |

    Your method of explaining this article is actually fastidious, all be able to simply understand it. Thanks a lot.

  • Frances Byhower

    12/3/2018 11:01:03 PM |

    My dog did the same thing and my vet treated  him the same. MRI, neurological and blood tests and  ran up a $2000 vet bill. My neighbor did some research and came up with canine CVD ( canine Vestibular disorder).  She said to get motion sickness pills and wait a couple weeks. It worked!  Look it up on YouTube and see if the symptoms fit. Don’t give up on your dig!!!

  • Tuesday Florence

    6/30/2020 7:47:17 PM |

    My dog leans his head to the right. The vet told me he had a ear infection. When they drained his ear, they said there was nothing there and they pulled (a small amount of)hair from his ear. They said he could have allergies?
    I'm stumped!
    He whines when he scratches it and I feel so sad and helpless.

    Help!

  • Life's Abundance

    7/21/2020 4:40:30 PM |

    There are multiple reasons why a dog would be leaning their head to one side. This kind of diagnosis is only possible with an in-person consultation with an experienced vet. If your current vet is unable to assist you any further, we recommend getting a second opinion from another reputable vet in your area. We do applaud your efforts as a pet parent to help your furry friend.

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