Ataxia in dogs symptoms. What is ataxia in dogs (cerebellar)

Has your dog started to lose balance on turns and fall? but not from the cold? Such symptoms are characteristic of ataxia.

Ataxia refers to genetic diseases in animals. For the disease to appear in a puppy, the recessive gene must be present in both parents.

Modern research methods make it possible to identify a hereditary mutation, therefore, such dogs are not allowed to breed. But ataxia can occur against the background of other pathologies in the body. Let's try to figure out what factors contribute to the development of the disease, how cerebellar ataxia manifests itself and how to treat it.

Currently, there are methods to detect ataxia in dogs.

Causes of the disease

An animal can get a disease from its parents, but more often the pathology is acquired in the process of life. The following factors influence the appearance of signs of cerebellar ataxia:

1. Previously transferred infectious diseases in which the cerebellum was damaged.
2. Trauma to the skull with the formation of hematomas.
3. Brain tumor.
4. Damage to the cranial nerve.

Otitis media can cause disease.

Symptoms of ataxia

Before turning, an ataxic dog may crouch for balance.

Cerebellar ataxia is the most severe of the other forms of the disease, and also intractable. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for the ability to move and coordinate in space.

• Cerebellar injury caused by injury or disease leads to problems with coordination and the ability to move and balance . Sometimes the disease leads to the fact that the dog loses spatial orientation. She ceases to navigate the terrain and does not even recognize her native places.
• With ataxia, they immediately become notable changes in the movement of the dog . A "drunk" gait appears. In a straight trajectory, the animal moves quite normally, but when trying to turn, problems arise. On turns, the dog crouches, trying to maintain balance. With a quick turn, it may not calculate the possibilities and fall.
• The disease tends to progress . Over time, coordination problems get worse. A sick animal begins to bump into objects. The gait becomes like a goose.
• With ataxia, the pet suffers from bouts of dizziness . He may fall, and his eyelids tremble as he does so. Many owners perceive the manifestation of nystagmus as. Even veterinarians sometimes misdiagnose a disease by seeing an animal's convulsive twitches.
• The dog trembles when trying to turn sharply or keep attention on a certain subject . Very often this problem occurs during feeding. The pet cannot eat normally, as it begins to tremble and beat its muzzle against the plate.
• The animal can panic, try to hide in the far corner and not go anywhere. . Constant malnutrition, dizziness and panic attacks worsen the condition of the dog, progressive weakness appears. The animal is fading before our eyes.

What should alert the dog owner? All of the above symptoms are hard to miss, in addition to this, the pet has a constant tilt of the head, hearing may deteriorate, behavior and gait change. Having difficulty climbing stairs.

The pet requires a thorough examination to exclude the presence of other diseases.

How is ataxia diagnosed?

Confirming the diagnosis of ataxia is not so easy. There are no special diagnostics confirming cerebellar (or other type) ataxia.

Diagnosis requires a blood test.

The task of the veterinarian exclude other diseases that can give ataxia-like symptoms . Only after identifying the cause of the disease proceed to its treatment.

Treatment Methods

The cause of the symptoms of ataxia may be a tumor or an infectious process. Therefore, the root cause will be treated.

• At tumor detection surgery may be indicated.
• For treatment of infections use antibiotic therapy.

Surgery is indicated if a tumor is found.

If it was established that ataxia is a birth defect, then a special there is currently no cure for this disease. . The doctor will prescribe maintenance therapy to maintain normal conditions for the life of the pet.

Therapy will consist in the appointment of the following drugs:

1. Sedatives and sedatives will be needed to eliminate panic in the animal, bring it nervous system back to normal.
2. Drugs for the treatment of movement disorders. They are selected and prescribed only by a veterinarian. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable and can lead to a deterioration in the condition.

Love for a pet will help you learn how to cope with the disease!

A sick animal must be protected from injury. To do this, he is given a separate room, in which there is practically no furniture and no sharp corners. The disease gradually progresses, so the risk of injury increases.

The condition of the pet can be satisfactory, even if the disease is hereditary. Therefore, do not panic ahead of time and try to euthanize the animal. Many pets cope well with the disease. The body simply adapts to the lack of coordination.

Of course, it will be noticeable that the dog walks strangely: he puts his legs wrong or raises his paws too high and lingers at every step. But this is not a reason to get rid of a pet. Good care, good nutrition and love for a pet can work wonders.

Video about ataxia in dogs

Ataxia in dogs is a complex, fatal disease. It is characterized by a violation of the functionality of a special part of the brain, the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. Therefore, any deviation from the norm leads to terrible consequences.

The cerebellum, due to its structure, is a kind of nerve center between the desire to move, the possibility of movement. Actually, nerve cells this part of the brain transmit information about the need to make any movement.

Possible causes of the development of the disease are as follows:

• hereditary problems.
• existing tumors.
• Brain damage.
• Complication of infectious diseases.

Ataxia has a long history, doctors even managed to determine which breeds are most susceptible to the disease: Scotch Terriers, Staffies, Cocker Spaniels, some breeds of shepherd dogs, Chinese Crested. Depending on the localization of ataxia, the following types of the disease are distinguished:

• Cerebellar.
• Sensitive: damage to the posterior nerve canals, visual, parietal zones.
• Vestibular.
• Frontal ataxia.
• Mental: an atypical lesion of the nervous system.

Regardless of the location, the symptoms of ataxia are not very diverse. Coordination suffers first. It is difficult for the dog to move around, especially to make complex movements: turn, tilt, jump. Movement in a straight line is usually easy, sharp turns cause loss of coordination, the animal crouches, unable to move on.

The second common symptom is eye tremor, eyelid twitching. This happens due to dizziness, the dog loses contact with the surrounding space, falls. Nervous, convulsive twitches resemble epileptic seizures.

Trembling becomes a specific sign, especially at moments of strong tension, when the dog tries to focus attention on a certain point, to eat something. Diagnosis is usually made using magnetic resonance imaging. The picture will show abnormal development of the cerebellum, abnormal functioning.

Types of ataxia

Cerebellar

Cerebellar ataxia occurs more often as an independent disease transmitted through generations. An unpleasant feature lies in the late triggering of the disease mechanism: mature, five to six year old animals abruptly begin to show signs. Often such animals have already been allowed for breeding, therefore, ataxia will inevitably manifest itself in future generations. Recent genetic engineering studies have identified the gene responsible for the development of ataxia. Therefore, it became possible to conduct a specialized DNA test to establish a predisposition. Competent, responsible breeders are required to do such tests.

It is important not to miss the symptoms at the beginning of the disease, because earlier seeking help can prevent a rapid deterioration in the condition. First, there is a state defined by the owner of the dog as awkwardness. A gradual swaying of the body begins, the inability of the animal to maintain balance. The dog begins to starve, because it has difficulty eating, loses weight. Muscle tone weakens, atrophy occurs.

There are two varieties of this type of ataxia: static, dynamic. The first is characterized by a weakening of the specific muscles of the animal's body. It is difficult for the dog to maintain a certain position. The second is more often manifested during movements

Early diagnosis of the dog's condition will help to overcome tumor, traumatic factors in time. If the genetic cause is established, then it remains only to maintain the condition of the dog, to protect the pet as much as possible, to try to keep it from causing damage. Severe damage to the cerebellum cannot be cured. It is more humane to euthanize the animal.

sensitive

Sensitive ataxia occurs with lesions of the spinal cord. Then the dog cannot properly bend, unbend the joints. The possibility of determining the correct movement is lost. Severe injuries lead to the impossibility of movement. Occasionally, such a condition can be cured, especially if partial brain damage has occurred, the disease was caught at the very beginning.

vestibular

Vestibular ataxia is manifested by a pronounced tilt of the animal's body in a certain direction. All movements of the affected animal are cautious, slow. Constant dizziness causes vomiting, movement in a circle.

Other varieties of canine ataxia are manifested due to exposure to infectious diseases, various injuries. Therefore, any inflammatory processes in the head area it is so important to heal in time. Close proximity of the brain to the organs of vision, hearing, oral cavity contributes to the rapid crawling of pathogens.

Treatment of ataxia

If the owner's desire to save the dog by any means overpowers the humane way out, then veterinarians will recommend using painkillers that relieve nervous tension. Of course, treatment is especially effective in the case of establishing a non-genetic cause of the development of the disease. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic drugs, vitamins of group B are prescribed. It is important to try to provide the dog with comfortable conditions that take into account lifelong features. Brain damage is rarely completely cured. A disabled dog from the moment of diagnosis, the manifestation of the first symptoms, becomes completely dependent on people. A sensitive attentive attitude will prolong the life of your beloved pet for many years.

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 movements of the dog 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 anywhere, 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 on 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 was found in a dog or, for example, any infection(in cases where this caused the development of the disease), then you can try to cure it. Luckily, modern antibiotics, designed specifically for dogs, help fight many terrible diseases that in the recent past caused the death of pets. May also help surgical intervention(with tumors), 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 with the wrong choice medicines 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 will most likely 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 not 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

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 clinical manifestations and reasons.

Sensitive ataxia develops in cases where Gaulle's and Burdach's bundles are affected, and also, as is believed, 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 sleepiness, daze.

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, as 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 his head, there are also erratic, circular motions eyeballs.

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, which would make it possible to unambiguously identify cerebellar ataxia (or another type) in a dog. Diagnosis is based on the totality clinical picture, a complete examination and a whole range of analyses.

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.

Read also: Cryptosporidiosis in dogs: symptoms and a table of medications for the treatment of the disease

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 care is the only option and is aimed at maintaining normal level animal life.

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.