Vestibular disease in dogs and cats.
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.
Rossmeisl
John H
JH
Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. jrossmei@vt.edu
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D009420:Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*