Does your pet canine exhibit unusual behavior of rotating in circles? A veterinary expert clarifies the reason.

Dogs, much like humans, can exhibit unusual behaviours from time to time. One such behaviour is spinning in circles, a behaviour that might seem harmless but can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue.

Dr. Diana Hasler, an expert vet who graduated with distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2018, sheds light on this topic.

Normal dog behaviour includes spinning in circles before certain activities like lying down or urinating. However, persistent circling behaviours accompanied by other symptoms or interfering with a dog's daily routine should prompt a consultation with a vet as soon as possible.

The vestibular system, responsible for balance and the spatial orientation of the eyes, head, trunk, and limbs in relation to the environment, plays a crucial role in this behaviour. Issues within this system can lead to symptoms such as a sudden disturbance in balance, a head tilt, circling, disorientation, and nystagmus, often diagnosed as idiopathic vestibular disease.

This condition, most common in older dogs with an average age of onset of 12-13 years, usually resolves on its own within three to four weeks. Unfortunately, no treatments have been found to be effective in treating it.

To diagnose spinning in dogs, a thorough clinical history, physical examination, neurological exam, otoscopic examination, comprehensive blood test, and urine test are used. If a specific cause is not identified, additional diagnostic tests like imaging, screening for infectious diseases, or further blood tests may be recommended.

Behavioral conditions can also cause spinning. These may include anxiety in dogs, boredom, frustration, overexcitement, OCD in dogs, canine dysfunctional behavior, canine cognitive dysfunction, or "doggie dementia." Behavior modification training and, in some cases, medications like Prozac for dogs with canine compulsive disorder, may be necessary to address these issues.

Medical issues that can cause spinning include vestibular system problems, middle or inner ear infections, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, toxicities, head trauma, infections of the central nervous system, inflammation of the brain and/or meninges, stroke, nutritional deficiency in thiamine, severe liver disease, congenital issues like hydrocephalus, and distemper in dogs. Treatment for these conditions depends on the underlying cause, with examples including antibiotics for inner or middle ear infections and thyroid hormone supplementation for hypothyroidism.

It's essential to remember that excessive or persistent spinning can be a sign of an underlying issue, and early consultation with a vet can help ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.

Dr. Hasler, with her experience working as a small animal vet in general practice and her recent foray into medical communications, encourages pet owners to stay vigilant and seek professional help when necessary.

Does your pet canine exhibit unusual behavior of rotating in circles? A veterinary expert clarifies the reason.