Treatment of ataxia in dogs

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Ataxia is a symptom that describes poor coordination and loss of balance due to a dysfunction of the nervous system. Many health issues can cause ataxia, so it’s important to get an assessment and accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian. Treatment for ataxia varies depending on the underlying cause. If you have a dog, read on to learn about:

• Signs of ataxia in dogs
• Medical issues that can cause ataxia in dogs
• How dogs with ataxia can be treated

Canine ataxia may be caused by ear infections, vestibular disease, hypothyroidism, developmental disorders, injuries to the brain or spinal cord, spinal or brain tumors, and many other health issues. Depending on the underlying cause of ataxia, it may resolve with time, but more often the underlying condition must be identified and treated. It’s important to seek veterinary attention if your dog is exhibiting signs of ataxia.

Ataxia is a symptom that describes uncoordinated movements, loss of balance, and appearing dizzy. Canine ataxia results from dysfunction of the nervous system and is different from lameness or weakness caused by illness or musculoskeletal problems. There are different types of ataxia in dogs that are caused by issues in different parts of the nervous system:

• Cerebellar ataxia (in the brain)
• Proprioceptive ataxia (in the brain or spine)
• Vestibular ataxia (in the inner ear)

Clinical signs of ataxia can vary depending on the type and its underlying cause.

Signs of ataxia in dogs

Signs of ataxia can vary between individuals and underlying causes, and include:

• Lack of coordination or uncoordinated gait
• Head tilt
• Appearing drunk or disoriented
• Inability to walk in a straight line or circling
• Falling over
• Exaggerated steps or wide stance when walking
• Knuckling or walking on the tops of the feet
• Head tremors

Depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms may accompany ataxia, such as:

• Abnormal eye movement (nystagmus)
• Uneven pupil size
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting

Clinical signs can vary in type and severity based on:

• The individual
• Underlying conditions
• Type of ataxia

Signs may occur suddenly or have a slow and gradual onset depending on what’s causing them.

Health conditions that can cause ataxia in dogs include:

• Ear infections
• Vestibular disease
• Developmental conditions of the brain or spine
• Metabolic diseases, such as hypothyroidism
• Degenerative conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease
• Infectious diseases, such as canine distemper or rabies
• Spinal or brain tumors
• Trauma to the head or spinal cord
• Stroke
• Toxin ingestion
• Medication side effects
• Hormone imbalances
• Nutritional deficiencies

With congenital defects or developmental conditions present from birth, ataxia may be lifelong. Ataxia due to infectious disease is usually accompanied by other signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Ataxia treatment depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, diagnostic tests are required to identify the underlying issue. These tests may include:

• Physical examination
• Neurologic exam
• Blood tests
• Diagnostic imaging, such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scans
• Urinalysis
• Spinal tap

In some other cases, a diagnosis may be suspected based on the patient’s history and presenting symptoms. Treatment is often a combination of symptomatic care and treating the underlying medical issue. An affected dog’s treatment plan may include:

• Antinausea medication
• Antibiotics or antifungals
• IV fluids
• Anti-anxiety medication or sedation
• Toxicity treatment
• Surgery
• Pain management
• Other treatment methods for underlying conditions

“Certain causes of ataxia may resolve with time alone but still require veterinary guidance on symptomatic and supportive care at home to keep the dog comfortable,” explains Dr. Jamie Lecky, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Even with self-limiting conditions, such as idiopathic vestibular disease, it can take days to weeks for symptoms to improve. In some cases, such as with certain developmental neurologic disorders, ataxia can be lifelong.”

It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian, as some causes of ataxia are more severe than others. Prognosis varies between causes. It’s important to seek veterinary care right away, as many treatments for ataxia are time sensitive. Prompt treatment may result in a better prognosis.

It’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible any time your dog is exhibiting neurologic symptoms such as ataxia. The underlying causes of neurologic dysfunction can be severe and may require emergency care. It’s impossible to know what’s causing your dog’s ataxia without a veterinarian’s help. When dogs with ataxia can be supported at home, online virtual care appointments are a great resource to receive advice and help on managing symptoms as your dog recovers.

What causes ataxia in dogs?

Ataxia in dogs can be caused by numerous health issues, such as vestibular disease, ear infections, exposure to toxins, brain or spinal cord injuries or tumors, degenerative conditions, neurologic conditions, and metabolic conditions. Because there are so many potential causes of ataxia, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian.

How do you treat loss of balance in dogs?

Loss of coordination and balance issues in dogs can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions. Treatment for these symptoms varies widely depending on the underlying cause, but it may include antinausea medication, antibiotics, toxicity treatment, surgery, or supportive care.

Can ataxia in dogs be cured?

Some causes of ataxia can be cured or managed with medications. Some developmental conditions may cause incurable, lifelong ataxia. There are many potential causes of ataxia in dogs, so it’s important to talk to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What does incoordination in dogs look like?

Incoordination in dogs may look like exaggerated movements, dizziness, walking or standing in a wide stance, or falling over when trying to stand or walk. Incoordination may also be accompanied by rapid eye movements, vomiting, and other signs of illness. Uncoordinated movement can be caused by a wide variety of health issues, and veterinary care is warranted if it’s observed at home.