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My dog's vestibular disease returned quickly. Is this normal or pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 14 years and 9 months old | 24 lbs

Took my 14 year old English bull terrier to the vets who said he had vestibular disease/syndrome. I was told it’s unlikely to reoccurre however it’s been 2 days and again his head has dropped, tilted and he yelps. Is this normal for the diagnosis the vet game or another health problem. Many thanks Lindsay

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on October 5th, 2018

Although old dog vestibular disease can recur it is less common then with other diseases that cause vestibular symptoms. It would also be unusual for a dog to have symptoms of this syndrome, be normal that quick (depends on severity but most dogs get better over 7 to 14 days) and then have symptoms again. The yelping is also odd as this could signal pain. If you are saying that your dog moving his head initiates the pain then he could have neck pain. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Egor again with these new symptoms. With some disease processes it can be helpful to see the progression in order to know what is going on. If neck pain is detected your vet may recommend some x-rays of the spine and pain management. If neurologic dysfunction is detected on a neurologic exam he or she may recommand referral to a veterinary neurologist. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2018
Yes they can get it again although not usually. Yes it could be something else. With vestibular disease they have symptoms for several days then they stabilize or improve without treatment. If it’s something else I would expect the symptoms to worsen with time, and additional problems to develop. Have your veterinarian monitor Puddles with blood work and periodic exams. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Puddles.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2021
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, the vestibular disease symptoms can vary from very mild (confusion, wobbly legs, head tilt) to severe ( lack of balance, vomiting, panting, nystagmus).
If Bella is improving that is great news, hopefully she will be back to normal soon. Typically, it takes around 10-14 days for older dogs to get it over with.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 18th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dottie!

Yes, if she has idiopathic old dog vestibular it tends to resolve on it's own with in 2 weeks. The head tilt can be permanent. But they tend to be very dizzy and nauseous. I recommend a vet exam so we can be sure it is peripheral and not central vestibular disease and so medications can be prescribed to relieve her nausea.

I hope this helps and I wish Dottie the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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