Why Is My Dog Acting Drunk and Wobbly?
What do you do when all of a sudden, your dog starts walking around like he’s had too much of a martini? The term for this uncoordinated gait is “ataxia,” and the type of ataxia that causes the dog to walk as if intoxicated is called “vestibular ataxia.” The vestibular system, or balance system, in dogs consists of two parts: the peripheral part, or inner and middle ear, and the central part, or parts of the brain, that control the balance system. Other signs that may be seen in dogs with vestibular dysfunction include abnormal, rapid eye movements (called nystagmus), head tilting to one side, walking in circles, and falling or rolling to one side. or nausea and vomiting. my dog staggers
What are the causes of vestibular disorders in dogs?
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There are many causes of vestibular disorders in dogs, depending on whether the inner/middle ear (peripheral vestibular system) or the brain itself (central vestibular system) is affected. , tumors, infectious or inflammatory diseases (meningitis), idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog” vestibular syndrome) or other causes are less likely.
How are the causes of vestibular disorders diagnosed?
The first step to finding the cause of vestibular dysfunction is to take your pet to a veterinarian to distinguish vestibular disease from other causes of incoordination. X-rays may be recommended. If vestibular disease is suspected, the next step is a neurological exam with a veterinary neurologist. Your neurologist may recommend an MRI scan, which is the test of choice to evaluate both the inner ear, middle ear, and brain and find the underlying cause of vestibular dysfunction. 
Depending on what the MRI shows, this is usually combined with a spinal tap to look for evidence of inflammation (meningitis). Additional testing may be recommended after these trials, based on the results.
How to treat vestibular disorders?
Treatment of vestibular disorders depends on the underlying cause. Inner/middle ear infections are treated with prolonged courses of systemic (oral) antibiotics and sometimes require cultures to be obtained from the middle ear by perforating the ear canal (myringotomy) and flushing out the contents. . may be playing a role. Pets with a stroke diagnosis should have further testing to look for the underlying cause that may be causing them to have a stroke. . Infectious or inflammatory diseases can be controlled with medication. Idiopathic vestibular syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means it is diagnosed if an underlying cause of vestibular dysfunction is not found on MRI and spinal fluid analysis.
What is the prognosis for dogs with vestibular disease?
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause of vestibular dysfunction. With proper intervention and treatment, many pets can improve rapidly with time and supportive care; However, some pets can show persistent signs of dysfunction, most commonly residual head tilt, but we think this makes pets look cute and curious! There are many causes of vestibular disorders in dogs. Many of these causes can be treated with medication, but some can progress if not evaluated and treated early. .Read more: why do people put candles in their windows | Top Q&A
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