Dogs and Vestibular Disorders
We get to know our dogs pretty well. We know when they are happy, scared, lonely or hungry. We also know when they suffer from a vestibular (inner ear) disorder. Dogs rely on their ears for hearing and balance just like we do. And, they can suffer from the same inner ear disorders.
There are many reports of dogs with suspected vestibular neuritis, as this can put man’s best friend into an acute vestibular crisis. Many of the presenting signs are the same, including nystagmus, vomiting and disequilibrium. In the veterinary world, disequilibrium is known as “circling,” where the dog can’t seem to walk a straight line or keeps walking in circles. Keep in mind that dogs have the advantage of walking on four legs, which increases their tactile feedback in a time of vestibular loss. I am not aware of any case reports of dogs suffering from BPPV, but it is reasonable to consider that they are not immune to this common condition. In fact, there is an article in a veterinary journal describing a technique to perform the Epley maneuver of dogs. I doubt that my dog would cooperate in said doggy Epley.
Dogs also get carsick, and treatment for motion sickness in animals is the same as in humans. Do you think dogs like to hang their head out the window to fight of motion sickness? It is certainly possible. It helps humans to have fresh air and look outside of the car. Maybe I am on to something!
picture courtesy of https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261702036
