Difficulty Walking (Ataxia) in Dogs

Dogs with ataxia present with poor coordination while walking, loss of balance, and often appear dizzy
Ataxia normally results from dysfunction of the nervous system, and can be triggered by numerous underlying diseases
The underlying conditions are categorized according to the location within the nervous system including cerebellar (hindbrain), vestibular (sensory organs of the head and brain stem), and proprioceptive (sensory nerves of the spine and brain stem) ataxia
Investigation of ataxia aims to identify the underlying condition and involves physical examination, laboratory testing such as blood work and spinal tap, and diagnostic imaging including MRI scans
Treatment varies significantly depending on the underlying disease and prognosis varies similarly

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A closer look: Difficulty Walking (Ataxia) in Dogs

The severity and duration of ataxia vary depending on the underlying disease process.

Developmental conditions, such as cerebellar hypoplasia, are present from birth and ataxia is often lifelong. Infectious conditions, such as distemper or rabies, present with ataxia alongside other symptoms. These conditions are often severe, progressive, and normally fatal. Degenerative conditions like intervertebral disc disease are usually sudden in onset but improve slowly with appropriate treatment. Some conditions, such as middle ear infections or minor toxicities, may cause severe symptoms, but are readily treatable when identified early.

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Possible causes

Ataxia is a feature of many underlying conditions, including degenerative, developmental, metabolic, nutritional, inflammatory, and infectious diseases, injuries, vascular causes, and certain toxins and cancers.

Common examples include

Developmental Disorders of the Spine in Dogs

Intervertebral disc disease

Degenerative myelopathy

Vertebral Disc Inflammation (Discospondylitis) in Dogs

Spinal cysts

Chronic liver disease

Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis) in Dogs Hypothyroidism in Dogs Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency in Dogs

Cerebellar hypoplasia

Brain tumors

Spinal cord tumors

Middle and Inner Ear Inflammation (Otitis Media and Interna) in Dogs Distemper in Dogs Rabies in Dogs Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

Granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME)

Vestibular disease

Ethanol Poisoning in Dogs Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs

Head injury

Spinal cord injury

Bleeding on the brain or spinal cord

Saddle Thrombus (Aortic Thrombosis) in Dogs

Risk factors

Ataxia is a serious symptom which significantly affects quality of life and is sometimes associated with severe underlying disease. Dogs presenting with ataxia require urgent veterinary assessment to identify the underlying condition.