Common causes of Peripheral Vestibular Disease*

Peripheral Vestibular Disease

Peripheral vestibular disease is one of the most common presentations of neurological disease in dogs and cats. The vestibular system can be divided into a central and a peripheral component and, using the neurological examination, lesions can generally be localised to one of these components. Investigation of central vestibular dysfunction relies on advanced imaging of the brain but, in cases with peripheral disease, this is not often required so these cases can, in many instances, be managed in general practice.

This article aims to review both lesion localisation within the vestibular system and the most common conditions causing peripheral vestibular disease. The two most common diseases causing peripheral vestibular dysfunction - idiopahtic vestibular disease and otitis media/interna will be discussed in more detail as they are frequently presented and can often be managed in general practice.