What is ataxia in dogs

Ataxia is always a symptom of an underlying illness or injury. There are many conditions that can cause ataxia, including:. Without immediate treatment, many of these conditions can cause permanent damage. Ataxia can come on gradually or appear suddenly , depending on the underlying cause.

The symptoms might be more visible in some dogs and milder in others. In some cases, the condition can be progressive and get worse over time. If you notice any of the clinical signs of ataxia in dogs, be sure to see your veterinarian immediately. Then, the vet will perform a physical exam that includes palpitation of the animal's limbs and spine while listening to their lungs and heart.

To determine the underlying cause of the dog's ataxia, they may decide to perform a neurologic exam and evaluate their gait, posture, and reflexes. Diagnostic testing is essential for determining whether the ataxia affects the brain, the spinal cord, or the peripheral vestibular system that maintains balance. Standard tests include blood work, urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel.

Depending on the symptoms, your veterinarian might also recommend:. The ataxia treatment recommended for dogs varies depending on the cause and location of the nervous system disorder. Sebaceous Adenitis. Sterile Pyogranuloma. Ulcerative Vasculitis. Quality-Of-Life Scale. Diagnostic imaging.

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Nested PCR. Canine Distemper. Occurrence of Trypanossoma Sp. Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies. Canine Babesiosis. Prevalency Study. Pulmonary Nocardiosis. Chlamydophila felis. Lipodependent Malassezia. Distribution of Brucellosis.

Saint Germain Flower Essences. Feline Otodectic Mange. Infectious Diseases. Control of Leishmania Vectors. Visceral Leishmaniosis. Canine Visceral Leishmaniosis. Internal Medicine. The inability to properly place a foot on the ground when walking is another sign of ataxia.

This may result in a dog knuckling its feet and dragging its toes on the ground. Since a dog with ataxia is having difficulty knowing exactly where its feet are, it is unable to flip them over and walk on them normally so it can cause damage to the feet as they scrape on the ground. Finally, some dogs with ataxia don't knuckle their toes but their foot placement is exaggerated.

This is similar to a person who has depth perception issues or doesn't realize there is a step down and takes a large, exaggerated step to reach the ground. Since ataxia is just a symptom of an underlying disease, you should have your dog examined by your veterinarian to rule out any potential issues that could be causing it. The causes of ataxia vary depending on the type. The treatment plan for ataxia depends on what the underlying cause is.

Providing supplemental nutrition with calcium, potassium, glucose, or B vitamins may be warranted for deficiencies of these nutrients, medications may be administered for toxicities, inflammation, and infections, and other specific symptoms may need to be addressed depending on the reason for the difficult movements. Sometimes, surgery to remove tumors or to correct abnormalities may even be necessary. Aside from treating the underlying reason for the ataxia, physical rehabilitation may also be warranted for your dog.

There is, unfortunately, no way to ensure ataxia never occurs in a dog but you can decrease the likelihood of it occurring as a result of some diseases and toxicities. Diagnostic Imaging. The treatment for ataxia focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the neurologic dysfunction. Some conditions that cause ataxia in dogs may be treated or even cured with medication alone, while others may require surgery to correct the problem. In some cases, such as severe infections or ingestion of a toxin, your dog may need to be hospitalized for more intensive care.

Because so many conditions can lead to ataxia, it is difficult to estimate how much it will cost to treat your dog. Some cases may require advanced diagnostics and referral to a specialist, which can quickly become expensive. Pet owners should expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to diagnose and treat ataxia in a dog.

Ataxia is caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, but some of them can be prevented through good wellness care. Ensuring that your dog eats a nutritious diet, maintains a healthy weight, and stays up-to-date on vaccinations and routine veterinary care can help prevent some common causes of ataxia.