Ataxia in dogs

Ataxia in dogs is a common problem, especially in older dogs. You may have noticed your dog suddenly becomes clumsy or starts falling over. This article looks into what is ataxia in dogs, what are the symptoms of ataxia in dogs, and how canine ataxia is treated. 

What is ataxia in dogs?

The definition of ataxia in dogs is the loss of coordination in your dog's body, most commonly seen in the head, legs, or back end of your dog. This loss of coordination can be sudden, and concerning to pet parents. The ataxia signs shown will be related to the area of the brain or nervous system that is affected. 

Types of ataxia in dogs

There are three types of ataxia in dogs - cerebellar, vestibular, and sensory. 

What causes ataxia in dogs?

Canine ataxia causes can vary, depending on the type of ataxia you are dealing with:

• Vestibular ataxia is caused by damage or trauma to the middle portion of the ear or brainstem. There are lots of causes including trauma, idiopathic vestibular disease, and infection. 
• Cerebellar ataxia is caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain. Cerebellar ataxia in puppies can be from viruses such as the highly contagious canine distemper virus.  
• Sensory ataxia is seen when there is compression to the spinal cord, most commonly by a cancerous growth or from a damaged intervertebral disk. 

Ataxia symptoms in dogs

Dogs with ataxia can show a wide range of signs. Common dog ataxia symptoms include: 

• Falling over or leaning to the side when walking 
• Clumsy or uncoordinated gait 
• Exaggerated stepping gait 
• Head tremors 
• Head tilt 
• Rapid eye movements 
• Vomiting 
• Excessive salivation or drooling 

Taking a short recording of your dog showing any of the signs above can be very helpful for your vet to work out where the cause of the ataxia is coming from.

Diagnosis of ataxia in dogs

To diagnose ataxia in dogs, you will need to see a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will do a full health check, looking closely at the eyes, ears, and nervous system. The veterinarian will test blood and urine samples and may recommend a CT scan to find out the reason for your dog's ataxia.

Treatment of ataxia in dogs

The treatment of ataxia will depend on the cause. Middle ear infections are treated with a combination of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications. Vestibular ataxia is most commonly treated with anti-nausea drugs and intravenous fluids in the hospital. 

Some causes of ataxia in dogs cannot be cured - your vet will give you guidance on how to support your dog so they are comfortable and have a good quality of life. This can include natural treatments for ataxia in dogs, such as acupuncture or hydrotherapy.  

Recovery and management

Recovery from ataxia is possible, depending on the type of ataxia, such as vestibular ataxia. You may need to provide extra support to your dog by helping to empty their bladder regularly or supporting their body with a sling when moving during the initial recovery phase. Your vet will give you lots of tips on how to care for your ataxic dog at home. 

Prevention of ataxia in dogs

Ataxia in dogs caused by medications can be prevented by keeping your medication locked securely in a high-up location that your dog cannot reach. 

Pay close attention to your dog on walks and if they accidentally eat something they shouldn't such as a plant or food material, bring them to the vet for treatment straight away. 

Sadly most forms of ataxia cannot be prevented, so early diagnosis is key. Take your pet to the vet for health checks often so they can pick up early signs of disease. 

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Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been written by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.