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My dog's head is tilted and she's losing balance again, what's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 6 years and 10 months old

My dogs been to the vet, she's loosing her balance, her heads tilted. The vet said she's got a clump of wax in her left ear but her head tilts to the right, can this happpen? The dog has been on steroids and antibiotics, she became well then 5 days after finishing steroids she became unwell again.. head tilting, generally unwell, what could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 20th, 2017

Oh dear, I'm sorry that Ruby is going through this. Her head tilt and loss of balance typically indicate a problem with the vestibular system, which controls balance near the middle/inner ear. Vestibular problems can be either peripheral or central in origin, and a thorough neurologic exam by you vet will be able to differentiate between the two. This differentiation is important because different conditions can be related to peripheral vs. central vestibular issues, which helps to guide both diagnostic testing, treatment and prognosis. Peripheral vestibular lesions can occur due to inner/middle ear infections, hypothyroidism, geriatric dog idiopathic vestibular syndrome, head injury or use of aminoglycoside therapy. In general, these lesions have a better overall prognosis. Central vestibular lesions can be caused by brain tumors, viruses (distemper or rabies), fungal infections, blood clots or hemorrhage into the brain. If possible, consider taking Ruby to a veterinary neurologist specialist for evaluation and to discuss if an MRI is necessary. I hope this helps to clarify some of your concerns about Ruby. I hope that all goes well for her!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Ruby, I'm sorry she is unwell! The head tilting is a sign of vestibular disease, and it's most commonly caused by a middle or inner ear infection, infection or inflammation to the brain, hypothyroidism, or cancer among other causes. It is possible that Ruby has an ear infection, and the medication she was given did not clear it up. Ear infections can be stubborn to treat, and may often take a while to get it cured. I would have Ruby seen by the vet again tomorrow if your vet is open for normal hours; otherwise, you can wait until Monday. I recommend having an ear culture done on both ears, which will help identify which bacteria is causing her ear infection so the correct antibiotic can be given to treat it. Should she be very unwell, lethargic, having trouble walking, and anorexia, then I wouldn't wait until Monday, I would take her into a vet immediately. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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