Ataxia is a lack of coordination in gait that can occur due to lesions in the proprioceptive sensitivity pathways (they inform the brain of the position of the body), in the cerebellum or in the vestibular system (responsible for balance). Therefore, in this article on our site we are going to detail some of its most common causes. Ataxia in dogs will be observed as a strange, hesitant and completely uncoordinated way of walking. Generally we will see it accompanied by other symptoms, such as a tilt of the head, tremors or vomiting. Read on and find out what causes ataxia in dogs and what to do.
Trauma ataxia in dogs
If our dog receives a strong blow, such as that caused by a fall from a certain height, a run over or even an assault, we can see that he has ataxia, generally accompanied by other symptoms such as seizures, difficulties breathing, tilted head or other postural problems, circling, spinning, farsightedness (exaggerated movements), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), blindness, hemorrhages, open or closed fractures and even unconsciousness.
If we observe the accident or find our dog in a state similar to that described, obviously we must quickly transfer it to our veterinarian, who will carry out a physical and neurological assessment. In cases like this, the X-rays, MRIs or CAT scans often provide us with valuable information. In the most serious situations, our dog will have to be hospitalized and even operated on, although the priority will be to stabilize it. In these more serious cases, the ataxia will be due to a brain or vestibular system injury. Depending on the characteristics of this lesion, ataxia in dogs can be cured or not, in which case the dog will have more or less significant incoordination in walking. Sometimes this ataxia is the sequel to diseases from which the animal has recovered, leaving only this sign.
Ataxia in dogs due to intoxication
Dogs are usually very fond of eating all kinds of food. Some of them, although harmless and common in our diet, are the cause of ataxia in dogs. An example is a substance called xylitol, which is used as a sweetener, although it is not the only food that can cause ataxia, usually accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy or tremors. Depending on the amount ingested, as well as the weight of the dog, the situation will be more or less serious. Our veterinarian will be in charge of establishing the treatment, which generally involves fluid therapy. If we know what our dog has eaten, we must bring a sample. As prevention, we will avoid leaving food for human consumption within the reach of our dog. You also have to take precautions during walks.
Vestibular ataxia in dogs
Sometimes ataxia in dogs is caused by vestibular syndrome, which also causes more symptoms such as the typical uncoordinated pacing characteristic of ataxia. ataxia, head tilt, nystagmus, strabismus, circling, and even vomiting. If the lesion is bilateral, there is no head tilt but the animal will avoid moving.
The vestibular system can be peripheral (located in the inner ear) or central (brain stem), with peripheral damage being more common. The causes can be various, such as otitis media or internal, trauma or infections such as canine distemper. It is important to monitor otitis, since, although they are external, they can be complicated and lead to median or internal otitis. It can also occur what is known as idiopathic vestibular disease, whose origin is unknown but it does affect older dogs. The symptomatology is what we have already described and it presents acutely. The dogs recover, although there is no treatment, but they can maintain their head tilt and other defects. It must be the veterinarian, as always, who evaluates the situation and arranges the appropriate measures, since it is usually diagnosed by ruling out.
Ataxia in dogs as a side effect
Ataxia in dogs can also appear as a consequence of certain drugs In this sense, the case of epilepsy stands out. To control this disease, several of the drugs used have ataxia as one of their side effects. If this happens and we see that the dog does not coordinate its movements, we must inform our veterinarian, since he will be the one to assess the situation and consider changing the medication, if possible.
Other causes of ataxia in dogs
Some diseases such as Wobbler syndrome are responsible for producing ataxia in dogs. This disorder is due to vertebral problems (narrowing, protrusion, degeneration) along the spine, of which different origins have been pointed out, since they can be congenital, nutritional, dependent on race or exercise. Dogs suffering from this syndrome, in addition to presenting ataxia, show a wobbly gait and paresis (paralysis or muscle weakness). A considerable percentage of affected dogs will also present pain in the cervical area. It affects more large breed and middle-aged dogs and usually begins to manifest as a limp that does not go away. Our veterinarian will establish the diagnosis, differentiating between various pathologies, for which he will take into account the clinical history and tests such as the neurological and orthopedic examination, as well as X-rays, myelograms, MRI or CT. Treatment, once the diagnosis is confirmed, may include absolute rest, anti-inflammatories, analgesics or surgery. The prognosis will depend on the cause that is causing the disease.
There are other hereditary and degenerative diseases that cause alterations in the cerebellum and, therefore, are responsible for cerebellar ataxia in dogs, among other symptoms such as hypermetria, tremors, awkward walking, etc. They have no treatment.
