Vestibular disease in dogs and cats

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2010 Jan;40(1):81-100. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.09.007.

Abstract

The vestibular system is the major sensory (special proprioceptive) system that, along with the general proprioceptive and visual systems, maintains balance. Clinical signs of vestibular disease include asymmetric ataxia, head tilt, and pathologic nystagmus. Neuroanatomic localization of observed vestibular signs to either the peripheral or central components of the vestibular system is paramount to the management of the patient with vestibular dysfunction, as the etiology, diagnostic approaches, and prognoses are dependent on the neuroanatomic diagnosis. This article reviews functional vestibular neuroanatomy as well as the diagnosis and treatment of common causes of small animal vestibular disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cat Diseases / therapy*
  • Cats
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Nervous System / anatomy & histology
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
  • Neurologic Examination / veterinary
  • Prognosis
  • Vestibular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Vestibular Diseases / therapy
  • Vestibular Diseases / veterinary*