Question of the Day

Physiologic nystagmus is a normal, rapid, involuntary movement of both eyes that occurs when an animal’s head is moved from side to side.

You can see it easily if you try it on your own dog or cat. Click here to see a short demonstration video of nystagmus (human eye).

Nystagmus can also be abnormal due to disease processes that may cause nystagmus when the head is stationary, or make the eyes move in abnormal directions as the head moves.

Vestibular disease can be peripheral (e.g., otitis media and otitis interna or nasopharyngeal polyps) or central (e.g., FIP, toxoplasmosis, neoplasia).