{"id":2161,"date":"2017-10-23T06:00:40","date_gmt":"2017-10-23T06:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=2161"},"modified":"2017-10-23T15:08:28","modified_gmt":"2017-10-23T15:08:28","slug":"vestibular-disease-in-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/vestibular-disease-in-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Vestibular Disease In Dogs And Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats<\/h1>\n

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Vestibular disease\u00a0affects both dogs and cats, and when it happens it can look very scary. The important thing to remember is that although the symptoms of vestibular disease look very similar to\u00a0stroke these are entirely different conditions.<\/p>\n

Unlike stroke, which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain, vestibular disease is caused by a malfunction in the mechanisms of the inner ear. Although stroke can cause permanent damage to the brain, vestibular disease does not.<\/p>\n

Vestibular disease is essentially a sudden disturbance of balance. It\u2019s very common in cats, and in dogs it\u2019s often referred to as \u201cold dog vestibular syndrome\u201d. Although it\u2019s more often found in older dogs and cats, all ages can be affected.<\/p>\n

But to really understand how vestibular disease affects the body, it\u2019s important to know how the vestibular system works.<\/p>\n

The Vital Vestibular System<\/h4>\n

Our body\u2019s vestibular system is responsible for maintaining normal balance and keeping us in an upright position without falling over. According to Cornell University\u2019s College of Veterinary Medicine, the vestibular system is made up of 2 parts: the vestibular apparatus (located deep within the inner ear), and a second component located in the\u00a0medulla, an area of the brain located at the base of the skull.<\/p>\n

Inside the vestibular apparatus are fluid-filled canals filled with specialized nerve cells and receptors. These receptors are connected to nerves that lead directly to the medulla. As our heads change position, the fluid in these canals shifts and sends signals to the brain, which registers the position of our heads relative to gravity. This tells our brains whether we are motionless or moving, and if so, in what direction.<\/p>\n

Just like us, dogs and cats maintain their sense of balance because the vestibular system can adjust for changes in position. Whenever an animal turns, signals are sent from his brain to the muscles on one side of his body telling them to make adjustments \u2013 and it\u2019s this communication that prevents him from tipping over.<\/p>\n

What Causes Vestibular Disease?<\/h4>\n

Vestibular disease can result from a variety of factors:<\/p>\n