Ataxia in Dogs – Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
What is Ataxia in Dogs?
Ataxia is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing incoordination. Ataxia in dogs is an indication that the brain isn’t communicating properly with the dog’s body.
Specifically, Ataxia refers to a “lack of coordination or balance” that often occurs suddenly in a dog. It is usually a symptom of an underlying condition affecting your dog’s central nervous system (CNS). When a dog stumbles repeatedly, loses its balance, or seems uncoordinated–that is called ataxia.
There are many possible causes of ataxia in dogs that involve the inner ear, brain, or spine. More recent, the availability of legal, high-THC cannabis products has led to an increase in ‘symptomatic ataxia’ in pets who have been exposed to excessive amounts of THC from marijuana.
While some of these issues may not be treatable, determining the actual cause will offer more potential options to improve your dog’s Quality of Life.
3 Types of Ataxias in Dogs
Ataxia is a symptom of a neurological dysfunction that can have several different causes. In general, there are three different types of ataxias in dogs: Proprioceptive Ataxia, Cerebellar Ataxia, and Vestibular Ataxia.
Each type of ataxia has its own set of symptoms, causes & potential treatments.
Types of Ataxias in Dogs
1. Proprioceptive Ataxia
Proprioception occurs when the animal’s nervous system has trouble identifying the location of its limbs. (Proprioception is the ability to sense the position of the body & limbs in space). This type of ataxia is primarily related to disorders of the spinal cord but can also be less commonly seen with diseases of the brainstem. This means that the spinal cord can’t send signals correctly to the brain about body position.
Proprioceptive ataxia is usually the result of pressure on the spinal cord, often caused by a tumor, bulging intervertebral disk, or a bleeding vessel inside the spinal cord.
Proprioceptive ataxia occurs when the dog’s nervous system struggles to identify the location of its limbs while sitting or standing. This type of ataxia is often characterized by a loss of balance, stumbling, swaying, and dragging of the limbs between steps. Dogs with proprioceptive ataxia may also experience frequent falls to the ground due to their impaired sense of limb position.
2. Cerebellar Ataxia
This type of ataxia in dogs is characterized by an inability to control the rate and range of stepping movements, which is usually manifested by exaggerated stepping, or what veterinarians refer to as a “high stepping” or hypermetric gait.
Cerebella ataxia is caused by damage to the cerebellum in the brain which controls coordination and balance. Dogs that have exaggerated limb movements and head tremors might have an impairment in the cerebellum, the region of the brain responsible for fine motor movements.
Cerebellar ataxia in dogs is usually due to congenital defects, inflammatory diseases, or brain tumors.
3. Vestibular Ataxia
This type of ataxia refers to an issue in the inner ear that affects the canine’s perception of their body position and movement. Also called vestibular syndrome or vestibular abnormality, this condition disrupts the dog’s balance and makes them feel dizzy, often seen as a head tilt due to unbalanced equilibrium.
Vestibular Ataxia is characterized by a head tilt, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), and an uncoordinated gait or dizziness.
It is crucial to recognize that each of these types of ataxias can present with varying degrees of severity and may have different underlying causes. Identifying the specific type of ataxia is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What Causes Ataxia in Dogs?
There are multiple causes of ataxia that may occur in dogs, and all affect the nervous system. Any disease process that affects the central nervous system or vestibular system has the potential to result in ataxia as a symptom.
There are many causes of ataxia in dogs, some of which include:
– Trauma to the head or spinal cord
– Tumors in the nervous system
– Inflammation of the brain or brain stem
– Infections affecting the brain, such as distemper virus
– Infection of the spinal disks or vertebrae
– Infections of the inner or middle ear (vestibular disease)
– Heart disease
– Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
– Degenerative myelopathy (loss of spinal cord tissue)
– Metabolic diseases (hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia)
– Drugs (gabapentin, phenobarbital)
– Toxins (organophosphate pesticides, mycotoxins, THC from cannabis preparations)
– Middle or inner ear infections
– Geriatric vestibular disease
– Red blood cell count abnormalities
– Blood circulation issues
– Respiratory disease
– Hypothyroidism
– Thiamine deficiency
– Electrolyte imbalances (Low levels of potassium, calcium, or glucose)
– Medication overdose
– Congenital abnormalities (known as hereditary ataxia).
Clinical Signs of Ataxia in Dogs
Any disease process that affects the central nervous system (CNS) or vestibular system has the potential to result in ataxia as a symptom. Ataxia can appear suddenly or be much more gradual and chronic, depending on the underlying cause. Additionally, ataxia symptoms range in severity, from mild to severe.
Symptoms of Proprioceptive Ataxia:
- Uncoordinated, ataxic gait.
- Weakness in the hind limbs.
- Dragging or scuffing the paws.
- Abnormal spinal reflexes.
Symptoms of Cerebellar Ataxia:
- High stepping or hypermetric gait.
- Loss of balance and coordination.
- Intention tremors.
Symptoms of Vestibular Ataxia:
- Head tilt, walking in circles.
- Nystagmus (rapid eye movements).
- Uncoordinated gait or dizziness.
- Leaning, rolling, falling.
Treatment of Ataxia in Dogs
The treatment plan recommended for ataxia in dogs varies depending on the cause and location of the nervous system disorder.
Treatment ranges from a little at-home Tender-Loving-Care all the way to surgery to remove or relieve the lesion. Hospitalization with fluid therapy and medication to help control the clinical signs of ataxia in dogs (such as vomiting) may prove useful in the early days of diagnosis.
If the underlying problem is due to infection or inflammation, medications may be administered for toxicities, inflammation, or infections. In these cases, the ataxia may be treatable with anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID’s) prescribed by a vet. In cases of severe infection or toxin ingestion, the dog may require hospitalization to receive more intensive monitoring & advanced medical care.
Some dogs may require supplemental nutrition to offset potential deficiencies in vitamin B, potassium, calcium, and glucose.
Treatments for canine ataxia caused by tumors and cancer usually involve chemotherapy & radiation therapy. Surgery to remove tumors or to correct spinal abnormalities may even be necessary.
Pain management, supportive care, and making the environment safe (e.g., preventing access to stairs) are cornerstones of ataxia treatment. Regular reassessments will be scheduled in order to monitor the progress of recovery.
Remember, ataxia in dogs is a symptom; so, it is important to determine the specific type of ataxia present in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have any questions about ataxia in dogs, please discuss them further with your holistic veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ataxia in Dogs
How does ataxia caused by a lesion in the cerebellum affect a dog’s gait?
Ataxia caused by a lesion in the cerebellum results in a specific gait abnormality known as hypermetria. Dogs with cerebellar ataxia exhibit an exaggerated “goose-stepping” gait. This means that they have an inability to control the rate and range of their stepping movements, leading to exaggerated stepping or high stepping. The hypermetria gait is a characteristic feature of cerebellar ataxia in dogs.
What are the distinguishing characteristics of ataxia caused by a vestibular disorder?
Ataxia caused by a vestibular disorder presents with several distinguishing characteristics. Dogs with vestibular syndrome may exhibit abnormal eye movement, commonly known as nystagmus, where their eyes drift from side to side. In addition, a head tilt towards the side of the lesion is often observed. Dogs may also have an uncoordinated gait, dizziness, and difficulty standing. In severe cases, they may roll repeatedly towards the side of the lesion.
How does ataxia caused by a spinal cord lesion manifest?
Ataxia caused by a spinal cord lesion is characterized by the dragging of the dog’s toes on the ground as it walks. This dragging can result in the wearing off of the ends of the toenails. The abnormal gait and unsteadiness on their feet are prominent signs of ataxia in this type of condition.
What are the common signs of ataxia regardless of the cause?
The common signs of ataxia, regardless of the cause, include an abnormal gait where the dog is unsteady on its feet. Additionally, dogs may exhibit dragging of their toes on the ground while walking, leading to the wearing off of the ends of the toenails. In cases of vestibular disorder, abnormal eye movement is often observed, with the eyes drifting from side to side.
Dogs may also stand with their feet wide apart in an attempt to maintain balance. In vestibular syndrome, a head tilt towards the side of the lesion is common, and dogs may even be unable to stand, rolling repeatedly towards the side of the lesion.
Are there any specific treatments for ataxia caused by tumors and cancer?
Treatments for canine ataxia caused by tumors and cancer usually involve chemotherapy & radiation therapy. Surgery to remove tumors or to correct spinal abnormalities may even be necessary.
Are there any specific medications mentioned for ataxia treatment?
In certain ataxia cases, the ataxia may be treatable with anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID’s) prescribed by a veterinarian.
What are the regular reassessments scheduled for monitoring the progress of recovery?
Regular reassessments will be scheduled in order to monitor the progress of recovery. The specific details and frequency of these reassessments are not mentioned.
What are the potential clinical signs of ataxia that may progress and result in euthanasia?
Some causes of ataxia cannot be cured, and these dogs typically experience clinical signs that progress and may eventually result in the need for euthanasia.
What are the cornerstones of ataxia treatment?
The cornerstones of ataxia treatment include pain management, supportive care, and making the environment safe (e.g., preventing access to stairs).
If you notice any abnormal gait, balance issues, or other signs of ataxia in your dog, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for a thorough examination and proper medical guidance.
Curtis has been passionate about the health and welfare of animals since his first dog rescue.
After studying Sports Medicine & Biology at the University of Oregon, Curtis went on to excel in a career of Clinical Nutrition, later owning a health care supplement company serving private-practice physicians.
Known for his expansive knowledge of natural health and alternative medicine, Curtis believes that natural plant-based therapies can be applied to veterinary animal care which led him to study the science of Cannabinoid Medicine. His expertise in Functional Medicine led him to formulate a unique hemp-based canine care product, Canine Support Formula, fulfilling a dream to combine natural pet-care strategies with the new therapeutic potential of medical cannabis.
In reverence for his own dog, Parker, Curtis has dedicated his company–K9 Medibles–to improving the health and longevity of all dogs.
To learn more about Curtis and how K9 Medibles can help your dog, click HERE.