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Why is my dog's head tilted if ears are clean and balance is good?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I have a 3 year old Bernese Mountain dog that acquired a head tilt about two weeks ago. His balance is good and his ears were checked by a local vet under sedation and they were clean and clear. It doesn't seem to be slowing my dog down but he does appear to be a little more anxious then normal. There is No rapid eye movement or any type of circling. His only real symptom is the tilted head. My vet said the next step would be an MRI but that is not in our budget. Do you have any advice?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2018

Unfortunately I agree with your vet that MRI is probably the next step. Even though his ears appeared normal inner ear disease is still possible although fairly unlikely, especially since there is no nystagmus eye movement noted. A head tilt can be a sign of infectious or inflammatory brain disease, a stroke or blood clot in the brain, or even a brain tumor. If the head tilt is the only neurologic symptom and your dog is otherwise acting like his normal self you could consider simply monitoring for additional neurologic signs - with most of these neurologic problems I would expect more symptoms to develop as the disease progresses.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 26th, 2018
It may be from an ear infection or the innernor middle ear and the grooming just made it worse. He needs to see a vet as this can progress to loss of balance and the inability to walk. They can provide medication to treat it
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on July 4th, 2017
A head tilt can be a sign of various things such as ear infection, vestibular syndrome (a little bit like a stroke but not as serious), neck pain or a brain issue. Have a look at her eyes if they are moving oddly it is likely vestibular or a brain issue. If not ear infection or neck pain is more likely. It would be best to get her checked out as for each of these things she will likely need some pain relief or treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 7th, 2016
It's most likely an ear infection, if the head is tilted it means the infection is already quite severe and deep. You need to bring him to the vet ASAP in order to get treated, he will need antibiotics and ear drops to solve this problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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