Head tilt can occur for different reasons, depending on the area affected. There can be problems occurring within the ear, something wrong with the balance organ or issues with the brain. Your dog’s tilted head can have a cause, or it could simply be something that they develop as they age.
The Ear
Problems involving the ear can cause your dog to walk with their head positioned in an abnormal manner. This can include ear infections, tumors, polyps, a foreign object that is stuck inside and irritating the ear, or even a bad reaction to ear drops. As a hint to determine if your dog has an infected ear, lift the flap to see if there is any discharge or foul smell. Also be on the lookout for heat, redness or swelling. Ear infection can be caused by ear mites, bacteria or yeast. Dogs with allergies or excessive hair growth can be more prone to ear infections.
Balance Organ
The balance organ is found within the inner chamber of your dog’s ear and relays the information to the brain. Issues with the balance organ that can cause head tilting are an infection, drugs that may have side effects that cause damage to the balance organ and vestibular disease. Infections will most likely start in the ear and could possibly work their way downward to the balance organ. Vestibular disease is an illness that comes on suddenly and has no known cause, but will resolve itself once given time. The signs of vestibular disease, which is the most common cause of head tilts, include a drunken walk, strange eye movements and, of course, a tilted head.
If the disease takes place in the central nervous system, your dog will often show weakness on one side of the body which can cause them to drag their feet on only one side as well as lethargy, loss of muscle over the head and, in some cases, difficulty eating and swallowing. There is an illness called old dog vestibular disease, otherwise known as idiopathic vestibular disease, which only occurs in elderly dogs. It is similar to vertigo and can cause your dog to feel sick and unbalanced. It will develop when there is a problem with your dog’s vestibular system and can occur with no known causes.
The Brain
Diseases in the brain can also be the source of your dog’s head tilt. Strokes, tumors, infections like meningitis, and trauma can all be causes. Strokes are caused by blood clots that form in the brain or by cerebrovascular accidents. Brain tumors are rare, and the symptoms vary depending on the location. Tumors originating from membranes around the brain are more commonly seen in Collies and other breeds with long heads and noses. Other breeds that are predisposed include Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Boston Terriers. Dogs that have brain tumors will show differences in behavior, such as circling or pacing, increase in hunger and thirst, decreased vision on one side of the body, seizures, or signs of pain in the head.
Weakness on one side of the body, head tilting, staggering, a loss in appetite, difficulty swallowing and vomiting will occur if the tumor is affecting the brainstem. Tumors can also lead to an inability to move the eyes, a change in the voice or paralysis. Head trauma can occur from car accidents or direct hits to the head. If you think that your dog could have suffered head trauma, watch out for different sized pupils, rigid or flaccid limbs, unusual levels of consciousness, strange eye movements, head tilt, bleeding from the nostril or ear canal, and seizures. While waiting to go to the vet, keep your dog warm and with their head elevated. If you suspect either head trauma or brain tumors, bring your pet to your veterinarian immediately as they are both severe.