Diagnosis costs $200-$500, treatment $200-$500. Causes sudden loss of balance, head tilting, rapid eye movement. Looks like a stroke but usually resolves in 1-3 weeks. The idiopathic form (most common) affects senior dogs without specific treatment needed. MRI ($1,500-$3,000) rules out brain tumors.
Peripheral vestibular disease (most common) affects the inner ear - usually idiopathic with no identifiable cause. Can be caused by ear infections, polyps, or hypothyroidism. Central disease involves the brain: tumors, inflammation, or stroke. Primarily affects senior dogs.
Sudden onset within minutes: head tilt, nystagmus (rapid eye movement), loss of balance, falling or rolling, circling, inability to walk straight, nausea and vomiting, reluctance to eat. Symptoms look like a stroke but are usually less serious.
Neurological exam ($100-$200) differentiates peripheral from central disease. Blood work ($100-$200) checks for hypothyroidism. Ear exam ($50-$100) rules out ear infection. MRI ($1,500-$3,000) recommended if central disease suspected.
Idiopathic vestibular disease: supportive care with anti-nausea medication (Cerenia, $30-$80), IV fluids if dehydrated ($100-$300), hand-feeding. Most improve within 72 hours, recover in 1-3 weeks. Ear infections need antibiotics ($50-$150). Central disease requires underlying cause treatment.
Diagnosis + supportive care. If MRI is needed to rule out brain tumor, add $1,500-$3,000.
All senior dogs are at risk. German Shepherds, Dobermans, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are frequently affected in their senior years.
Most dogs improve within 72 hours. Full recovery takes 1-3 weeks. Some dogs retain a permanent mild head tilt.
No prevention for idiopathic form. Treat ear infections promptly. Regular senior wellness exams help identify underlying causes.
02/04
Diagnosis + supportive care.
Most policies cover vestibular disease as standard illness. Standard 14-day illness waiting period applies. Emergency visits, diagnostics, supportive care covered. MRI to rule out brain tumors typically covered.
MRI costs $1,500-$3,000 to rule out brain tumors. Insurance covers MRI as diagnostic. Without insurance, many skip MRI and hope for idiopathic recovery. Insurance lets you get definitive answers.
Simple vestibular episode: $400-$1,000. With MRI, total reaches $2,000-$4,000. Insurance value highest with advanced diagnostics. Simple episodes may fall near or below your deductible.
Most policies cover each episode as separate occurrence. If episodes caused by chronic ear condition documented before enrollment, coverage may be limited.
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