Lack of Coordination (Ataxia) in Horses
Key takeaways
Ataxia results from damage to the brain or spinal cord causing erratic and unstable movements.
- Ataxia presents as an instability in the gait which can appear to switch affected limbs
- Uncommon in horses, but a cause for serious concern and requires immediate vet attention
- Ataxic horses are uncoordinated, fall-risks, and can react unpredictably
- Ataxia is often a sign of neurologic disorders or infections
- Physical exam as well as specific blood and urine testing allows for diagnosis of the underlying condition
- Ataxic horses often require supportive care during diagnosis and treatment
- Treatments depend on the underlying condition
- The sooner intervention begins, the better the prognosis for the affected horse
Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.
A closer look: Lack of Coordination (Ataxia) in Horses
The severity of ataxia can increase with the progression of the underlying condition. Vets use a grading system 0-5 to determine the severity of ataxia progression. Horses with mild ataxia may only show symptoms under certain situations, such as turning in tight circles. The most severe form of ataxia results in a complete inability to stand or sit up.
Possible causes
Ataxia ultimately results from dysfunction or damage to the brain or spinal cord.
Risk factors
Ataxia is uncommon in horses but is always an emergency. Ataxic horses are prone to falling down unexpectedly and require caution when handled by their owners. Although rare, rabies is a potential cause of ataxia so it is advisable to keep away from the horse’s mouth and minimize the number of people interacting with the horse until an assessment can be completed.
Testing and diagnosis
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosis. As part of the physical examination, the vet conducts specific tests designed to distinguish between ataxia and lameness. These tests examine:
- Limb control
- Function of the cranial nerves
- Gait while walking on sloped surfaces
- Ability to recover from unusual situations, such as having their tail pulled to the side while walking or backing up with their head raised
- Ability to identify the placement of the hooves
Once ataxia is confirmed, the specific condition is diagnosed through:
- Urinalysis
- Blood work
- Imaging (MRI, CT, X ray)
- Physical challenges that identify the function of certain areas of the spinal cord or brain
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (spinal tap)
Treatment of ataxia depends on the underlying condition diagnosed. Many horses require supportive care during diagnostics and treatment, which may include:
- Maintaining dietary requirements
- Manual removal of feces from the rectum
- Urinary catheterization
- Moving recumbent horses every 3-4 hours or keeping them in a sling to prevent pressure sores
Similar symptoms
Lameness: A lame horse has an unusual but consistent change in gait, while ataxia is an inconsistent change in gait which can also change affected limb in some cases. Horses with ataxia also appear uncoordinated or unbalanced, which is not true of lame horses.
