Granulomatous Meningoencphalomyelitis (GME ) A rapid, specific diagnosis provides for the best treatment and outcome of this life-threatening disease. The diagnosis is often made using MRI, spinal fluid analysis and infectious disease tests. Encephalitis is more common in small dogs, younger than 8 years of age, but any dog or cat can get the disease. Common Diseases Resulting in Poor BalanceĮncephalitis means that there is inflammation of the brain – it does not imply that the cause of the inflammation is known. Encephalitis can be infectious or non-infectious. Timely advanced testing followed by specific therapy, can be the difference between life and death. Another common reason for referral is the suspicion that the disease may be in the brain and therefore, life threatening. Many veterinarians offer referral to get the best opinion about where the disease is located. Once this is determined, the most appropriate test may become obvious allowing for more accurate and rapid treatment. Which test(s) BVNS would choose in any particular case often depends on age, breed, progression and clinical impression.

MRI is invaluable as it is the best imaging test for the brain, middle and inner ear. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER).Blood evaluation (Chemistry, Complete Blood Cell Count, thyroid levels, tests for infection).Common Testing for Pets with Poor Balance The most common diseases of the brainstem are granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME), tumor, stroke, low thyroid and infection. The most common diseases of the peripheral nerve are bacterial infection and inflammation that cross from the middle ear into inner ear, low thyroid and a process called idiopathic peripheral vestibular disease. These diseases can be rapidly progressive therefore, distinguishing central from peripheral disease early on can be very important. Some of the diseases that affect the brainstem can cause difficulty walking, coma and even death. In addition to controlling head and body position and therefore balance, the brain also controls level of awareness, strength, walking, pupil size, breathing and the heart beat. The brain then processes this information to make adjustments in head and body position. The cause of vestibular disease can be from a problem in the brain or a problem in the nerve. Disease located in the brain is often called central while disease of the nerve is called peripheral. Nerve or peripheral disease is generally self-limiting or easily treated however, disease of the brain can be life threatening, especially when left untreated. A careful examination will indicate the location and therefore the seriousness of the disease. Information from these receptors runs along the vestibular nerve into the brain. Pets with vestibular disease walk as if they are drunk because they side step, lean, or stumble to one side. Poor balance is called vestibular disease because the receptors that sense movement and head position are located in the vestibule of the inner ear. Seizure, blindness, head turn, different pupil sizes.Dullness, glassy-eyed appearance, confusion, eliminating in the house.Inability to walk or high stepping when walking.Slow rate of nystagmus or only seen when the head is in certain positions.Vertical nystagmus or fast phase towards head tilt.Balance and nystagmus improve in 1-2 days and head tilt improves more slowly.

Vomiting can occur in the first few hours.Pets are able to walk & are bright & responsive.Nystagmus at a rate of 1 beat per second.Fast phase of nystagmus is opposite the direction of the head tilt.Horizontal or rotary nystagmus (eye twitching).Indications of Nerve (Peripheral) Disease Therefore, if your pet has vestibular disease, achieving a rapid diagnosis can be very important. This information will help you understand what may be the cause of your pet’s balance problem. The good news is that many of the causes of vestibular disease are very responsive to treatment however, some causes are life-threatening.

Vestibular disease or poor balance is a sign of brain or nerve disease and can happen to any pet.

Vertigo in dogs