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IDIOPATHIC VESTIBULAR DISEASE/SYNDROME
 
Description    Idiopathic Vestibular Disease/Syndrome is a common cause of canine peripheral vestibular signs. This peracute condition is most frequent in older dogs. The three clinical hallmarks: head tilt; ataxia; and nystagmus can be initially severe. Often misdiagnosed as a 'stroke'. Normal strength and postural reactions might be masked by ataxia and spatial disorientation. Recovery is spontaneous but can take a few days to a few weeks and residual dysfunction might remain. Feline Acute Idiopathic Vestibular Disease affects adult cats. Affected cats are reluctant to move and might crouch against a wall. Signs are bilateral at first but one side will usually predominate. There is improvement over a period of 2-4 weeks, but residual signs might persist. Idiopathic Facial Neuropathy occasionally accompanies this disease. Rare in other species.
 
Species   Canine, Equine, Feline, Porcine
 
Signs   Abnormal corneal pigmentation, Anorexia, Ataxia, Circling, Conjunctival, scleral, injection, Conjunctival, scleral, redness, Constant or increased vocalization, Corneal edema, opacity, Corneal neovascularization, Corneal ulcer, Decreased tearing, lacrimation, Difficulty in prehending or chewing food, Dullness, Dysmetria, Head tilt, Head, face, ears, jaw weakness, droop, Inability to stand, Nystagmus, Reluctant to move, Strabismus, Trembling, Tremor, Vomiting or regurgitation
 
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Wilson A. Suspected idiopathic vestibular syndrome in the horse: Eight cases (2014–2021). Equine Vet Educ 2023 [https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13852]
Everest S. Suppression of inner ear signal intensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging in cats with vestibular disease. J Feline Med Surg 2023 [https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X231168001]
Henze L. Ondansetron in dogs with nausea associated with vestibular disease: A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled crossover study. J Vet Intern Med 2022 [https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16504]
Castel A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 13 Neurologic Pot-Bellied Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2020 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00021]
Fraser A. Concurrent idiopathic vestibular syndrome and facial nerve paralysis in a cat. Aust Vet J 2015 [https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.12338]