Types and causes of ataxia in adult dogs and puppies. Center for Veterinary Care "Elitvet" Factors affecting the occurrence of ataxia in dogs

Ataxia in dogs is a disease that practically does not give the animal a chance if the owner did not notice alarming symptoms in time and did not seek help from a veterinarian. The disease is associated with dysfunction of the cerebellum, the main branch of the brain. With severe ataxia, the dog loses the ability to coordinate its movements and keep balance. This disease can be congenital, genetic, or acquired. Today we will talk about the causes of ataxia in dogs, its symptoms and treatment.

Ataxia in dogs: symptoms and treatment

Dogs that, for some reason, have developed ataxia, that is, the cerebellum functions with impairments or does not perform its function at all, lose the ability to move in space. You need to understand that in this case, the muscle strength and performance of the limbs do not disappear, but the animal simply cannot use its paws.

Disturbances in the work of the cerebellum are characterized by such unpleasant consequences as a violation of coordination and balance, therefore, the dog, as it were, “hangs” in space, unable to control its own body. Accordingly, pets with ataxia continue to exist, can eat and drink, and even move at the very least, but only with the help of the owner.

Types of ataxia in dogs

In addition to the cerebellar, other types of ataxic lesions of the dog's brain are distinguished:

• frontal lobes;
• channels responsible for vision;
• crown zone;
• posterior nerve canals;
• mental;

Table. Variations of Ataxia in Dogs

Types of ataxia differ only in the location of the lesion of the nervous system; they do not differ in symptoms or methods of treatment.

Why does cerebellar ataxia occur in dogs?

One of the reasons is a gene mutation or heredity, due to which the puppy receives the disease from its parents. The following representatives of the canine world are most susceptible to gene ataxia:

1. Cocker Spaniels (, English).
2. Old English Sheepdogs.
3. Staffordshire Terriers.
4. Kerry blue terriers.
5. Naked Chinese crested.
6. Scottish Terriers.

Responsible owners and breeders of these dogs make special veterinary tests to determine the ability of the animal to inherit the disease. If the test is positive, the dogs are not allowed to breed. But, unfortunately, heredity is not the only reason for the development of ataxia in dogs.

To provoke an illness in a dog can be head injuries, during which the brain was damaged (falling from a height, collision with a car), neuritis and otitis media, infectious diseases in severe course, brain tumors.

Ataxia in dogs: symptoms

In Greek, the word "ataxia" means "without order". This description speaks eloquently about the symptoms of the disease. With progressive ataxia, the dog looks "drunk": falls, stumbles, turns his head, crouches when turning. At the same time, movement in a straight line is given to sick dogs quite simply, but the pet is not able to climb stairs, walk along a winding corridor or change the trajectory of movement.

Dogs suffering from ataxia can even stumble upon large objects, are unable to jump, make a turn, are unable to chase a person or other animal, or play with relatives. Animals with a damaged cerebellum move with small "goose" steps, while they can also walk too wide, putting their paw much further than necessary.

Some owners confuse the manifestations of ataxia with epilepsy, as the animals often startle, suffer from dizziness, their head shakes, their eyelids and chin tremble. Convulsive jerks and movements usually occur when the animal is focused, such as eating or trying to chart a route.

Video - Ataxia in dogs

Examination and diagnosis

Despite the characteristic signs of the disease, an accurate diagnosis can only be made in a veterinary clinic. As a rule, there is only one examination method - the animal is given magnetic resonance imaging. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and allows the doctor to make a conclusion about the work of all parts of the brain, including the cerebellum.

During the diagnosis, the veterinarian should also rule out or detect other or concomitant diseases that may give similar symptoms or be the root cause of ataxia in the animal.

Treatment of ataxia in dogs

The treatment regimen for ataxia in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If ataxia is caused by a tumor that compresses the cerebellum or nerve canals, a significant improvement can occur with its surgical removal, up to a complete recovery.

If ataxia is caused by genetics, then brain damage cannot be cured. If the stage of the lesion is severe, veterinarians consider it humane to euthanize the dog so as not to condemn it to years of unpleasant and painful existence. In cases where ataxia is relatively mild, the animal's quality of life can be improved.

The therapeutic scheme for maintaining an animal with ataxia includes painkillers, drugs that relieve nervous tension, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes (in particular, B-group vitamins).

The owner of a dog that has been diagnosed with ataxia must provide the pet with the most comfortable conditions: pick up ammunition for walking in which the animal can be well controlled (for example, a harness), secure the room where the dog is. It will never be possible to cure genetic ataxia, and the owner must be prepared for the fact that his pet will be dependent on his attention and patience all his life.

Neurological disorders in pets - that's another "headache". In all cases, such phenomena indicate serious functional disorders in their body, but the problem is that the cat or dog cannot tell the owner about the reasons for what is happening. Many of these pathologies are grouped under the term "ataxia". In dogs, similar signs develop (as a rule) with lesions of the nervous system.

What is ataxia anyway? It is not a separate disease. This is a spectrum of symptoms: sudden loss of coordination, balance, trembling, the animal may fall for no reason. There are three types of ataxia - vestibular, sensitive (proprioceptive), cerebellar ataxia (most severe in dogs). Each type has its own specific clinical manifestations and causes.

Sensitive ataxia develops when Gaulle's and Burdach's bundles are affected, as well as, as it is believed, the spinal cord. A typical sign is a sharp deterioration in walking, and the dog constantly looks at his feet while moving. If the cord lesions are severe, the dog is completely unable to sit and stand.

The vestibular apparatus helps the animal to maintain balance and position in space. If it is affected, the ataxia of the same name develops. The dog cannot hold its head normally, it constantly rolls when walking, is very unstable, sometimes spinning in one place. Very characteristic "uncoordinated" eye movements, constant drowsiness, numbness.

Important! Sensitive and vestibular ataxia do not affect behavioral aspects in any way. Simply put, the dog's behavior (up to certain limits) remains normal, there are no signs of "mental" deviations. This helps to differentiate these pathologies from dangerous infectious diseases.

While we will discuss cerebellar ataxia, since this pathology is the most severe, it is worse than others amenable to treatment attempts.

The cerebellum is the area of ​​the brain that controls coordination and movement. When this area is damaged, it leads to loss of coordination, balance and loss of motor control. In some cases, this also leads to a violation of spatial orientation, a sick animal does not recognize the place and owners.

Read also: Tracheitis - symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the trachea in dogs

Damage to the cerebellum can be caused by a brain tumor or infection, but it usually occurs as a result of birth defects that cause normal neurons to die (hereditary cerebellar ataxia). Such diseases are inherited through a recessive gene. This means that for the manifestation of pathology in both parent individuals, it must be present. Therefore, hereditary cerebellar ataxia is still quite rare, since conscientious breeders are struggling with hereditary diseases, and such dogs are not allowed to breed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebellar ataxia progress over several years or months (which is less common). As a rule, up to two years the clinical picture does not develop at all. The most common symptoms of ataxia in dogs are:

• Trembling, nervousness, the pet is inadequate.

• When walking, she behaves extremely strange and unusual. For example, he takes incredibly long steps, freezing after each of them for a second and a half.

• Loss of coordination (first symptoms).

• Panic attacks. The animal is confused, agitated, trying to hide somewhere and hide.

• From time to time the dog falls while walking.

• Progressive weakness.

• Sometimes the dog begins to rapidly rotate its head, and erratic, circular movements of the eyeballs are also observed.

The clinical picture also includes:

• Constant tilt of the head.

• Hearing loss.

• Lethargy.

• Sharp.

• Other changes in behavior.

Diagnostics and therapeutic methods

If you suspect your pet is suffering from cerebellar ataxia, contact your veterinarian immediately. The fact is that today there is not a single specific analysis or diagnostic method that would make it possible to unambiguously identify cerebellar ataxia (or another type) in a dog. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the totality of the clinical picture, a complete examination and a whole range of tests.

Be sure to take a urine test. MRI is very useful, but not every city has the opportunity to do it. So sometimes they are limited to simple radiography. Other tests may be ordered depending on what your veterinarian identifies during the initial testing.

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Treatment for ataxia in dogs will depend on the cause. If an infection or tumor is found, powerful broad-spectrum antibiotics are given or surgery is used, respectively. However, there is no cure for ataxia caused by a congenital or hereditary defect. In these cases, supportive treatment is the only way out, and it is aimed at maintaining the normal standard of living of the animal.

As a rule, with such therapy, sedatives and sedatives are prescribed. They relieve the panic state of the animal. For the treatment of movement disorders, more specific drugs are used, which should only be prescribed by a veterinarian. In no case do not “stuff” the animal with them yourself, as you can only make it worse.

Animals suffering from cerebellar ataxia must be kept at home. In the room where the dog will be most of the time, there should not be any sharp corners, foreign objects and furniture, as the condition of the pet will inevitably (alas) worsen. At the same time, the dog will inevitably begin to stumble on furniture and corners, which can lead to an even greater deterioration in the process, and you should not forget about the likelihood of “simple” injuries.

Some pets with congenital or hereditary ataxia live with such a pathology all their lives, and especially it does not interfere with them (the body adapts to this condition to some extent). Alas, in other cases, the constant progression of the disease can cause euthanasia, since a dog in a vegetable state does not live well. If the dog cannot even stand up, or falls over every step, there is nothing immoral about euthanasia.

Causes of other types of ataxia

They may be different. As you remember, vestibular and sensitive ataxia develop against the background of damage to the vestibular apparatus, or nerve cords. The first reason that comes to mind in these cases is oncology. If the tumor damages these most important organs, many unpleasant symptoms will develop, which we have already discussed above.

Ataxia in dogs is considered one of the most terrible diseases based on the genetic principle of distribution. It always appears as a result of damage associated with the cerebellum, and this disease is characterized by problems that make the dog's movements unusual, or rather, sharp and disproportionate.

Dogs affected by this disease often begin to fall, and they also lose their balance. It is worth noting that the strength in the limbs of a dog with such a disease does not go away, but the effect of this cannot be achieved, because it completely loses the skill associated with movement in space. Yes, such dogs can still eat and continue to live, but only with the constant care and attention of a person.

Who is more at risk of ataxia?

This disease has spread throughout the world, and in some countries experts are even taking measures to ensure that patients with ataxia in no case enter into mating. But it is worth noting that not all dogs are equally often affected by this disease. Most often, pets of the following breeds are affected by the disease:

• scotch terriers;
• staffordshire terriers;
• gordon setter;
• old english sheepdogs;
• cocker spaniel.

Agree that in the CIS countries it is rare to find a dog of one of these breeds, so many people are not even aware of such an ailment as cerebellar ataxia. In some breeds, there are also more terrible varieties of the disease, which develop incredibly rapidly, as a result of which the dog may suddenly die, since in such cases most of the motor systems often suffer. Thus, the dog is completely lost in space.

What Causes Vestibular Ataxia in Dogs?

As mentioned earlier, the main cause of the development of the disease is heredity, that is, the disease develops when a dog suffering from this disease participated in their mating. When we figured out what it is, it is worth discussing other reasons that can provoke the appearance of an ailment in a dog. Here are the main ones:

• tumors;
• serious infectious diseases;
• otitis;
• neuritis;
• serious injuries as a result of which the brain of the animal was damaged.

Symptoms of the disease

When the symptoms of a disease in dogs are mentioned, this is exactly what should be discussed first of all, because they can identify the disease in the early stages. Let's look at the symptoms that occur most often, here is a list of them:

• constant trembling, as well as noticeable nervousness;
• lack of coordination of movements, which may give the impression that the dog is drunk;
• strange walking, the essence of which is steps of different lengths and constant stops;
• constant falls that occurred, it would seem, on a straight road;
• severe panic in a dog, which is most often expressed precisely in panic attacks;
• the desire of the animal to quickly hide somewhere and not move;
• weakness, which becomes more pronounced over time;
• random rotation of the head or, for example, eyeballs;
• lethargy;
• loss of appetite (the amount of food eaten decreases);
• hearing loss;
• changes in behavior, decreased activity;
• constant tilt of the head, which was not previously characteristic of a particular dog.

It is not necessary that all the symptoms of this list appear immediately, since the disease manifests itself in different ways. But if there are at least a few signs, it is worth showing the animal to a specialist, because even if your fears are not confirmed, the dog will still have some violations. You can ask your veterinarian about them.

Treatment of ataxia in an animal

It is worth mentioning right away that most people, having heard that their pet has suffered such a terrible diagnosis, are interested in the possibility of treatment. The fact is that the treatment of the disease is of great interest to the owners of pets, it is considered an incurable disease. We are talking about the ataxia that appeared due to a hereditary factor or some kind of defect. The fact is that no special preparations have been invented that would have a qualitative effect on the cerebellum of an animal.

But if a tumor or, for example, any infectious disease was found in a dog (in cases where this caused the development of an ailment), then you can try to cure it. Fortunately, modern antibiotics, designed specifically for dogs, help fight many of the terrible diseases that in the recent past caused the death of pets. Surgery (for tumors) can also help, but the cerebellum cannot be affected in any way. You ask: “What can be done if ataxia was caused precisely by a hereditary factor?” In fact, it remains to come to terms with the problem and purchase drugs that will help make the dog's future life more calm and enjoyable.

Most often, special sedatives are prescribed for this, which help relieve panic. There are, of course, special medicines for movement disorders, but often they can only make the dog worse. Check with your veterinarian, because if you choose the wrong medication, the animal may die.

Further life of dogs: basic rules

Your task is to improve the future life of the dog. In no case should she live on the street, even if there is a beautiful kennel. The fact is that a dog whose coordination is impaired, without proper supervision, can harm itself. In the room for the dog there should not be objects that have sharp corners, because, despite all the prescribed drugs, the pet's condition will endure changes, and for the worse. If the dog just sometimes stopped or stumbled when contacting the veterinarian, then in a few years he is likely to constantly bump into pieces of furniture or even crash into walls. The dog will get injured, and you should at least reduce their number to a minimum.

It is worth noting that some animals may eventually begin to adapt to life with congenital pathology, but this process is far from typical for all breeds. In some cases, the dog will even move more or less independently, bypassing small obstacles. But there are not so good situations, sometimes you have to euthanize the dog so that it simply stops suffering. This happens only at the initiative of the owner (when the dog loses interest in life and the ability to move independently, when she just sleeps and eats). No need to think that euthanasia is an immoral process and that people who do not like a pet resort to it.

About the author: Anna Aleksandrovna Maksimenkova