Quick answer
Ataxia in dogs is a condition that causes poor balance, falling, or a change in the way a dog walks. There are three forms: vestibular ataxia (a problem with the brainstem or inner ear), proprioceptive or sensory ataxia (compression of the spinal cord) and cerebellar ataxia (changes or abnormalities in the cerebellum, among other causes). Any dog can develop ataxia, although some breeds are at higher risk.
Ataxia in dogs: key facts
- Main signs: poor balance, falling, changes in gait, shaking.
- Three types: vestibular, proprioceptive (sensory) and cerebellar.
- Diagnosis: blood work, urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans.
- Treatment: treating underlying issues, like infections or hypothyroidism, may help improve balance and stop the symptoms.
- Outlook: ataxia cannot always be cured; a veterinarian can prescribe medications or give suggestions to improve comfort and decrease the risk of injury.
What is ataxia in dogs?
Poor balance, falling, or a change in the way your dog walks could be caused by a condition called ataxia. Although any dog can develop ataxia, some breeds are at higher risk.
What are the symptoms of ataxia in dogs?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of ataxia. If your dog loses its balance easily, develops gait issues, or shakes, the symptoms could be caused by one of three forms of the condition.
The 3 types of ataxia in dogs
| Type | Where the problem is | Symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vestibular ataxia | Brainstem or inner ear | Falling, difficulty walking, walking in circles, head tilt, eyes fluttering side to side or up and down, dizziness, nausea, vomiting | Injuries, infections (including ear infections), nerve degeneration, inflammation, antibiotics, hypothyroidism, fungal infections, poisoning, cancer |
| Proprioceptive (sensory) ataxia | Compression of the spinal cord | Difficulty knowing where the limbs and body are, trouble working out where to move the feet, awkward gait, weakness, wobbling when walking or standing | Blood clot, spinal infection or inflammation, tumor, cyst, defects or abnormalities in the spine, an unstable spine, narrowing of the canal the spinal cord passes through |
| Cerebellar ataxia | Cerebellum (coordinates movement and balance) | Shaking, swaying, staggering, unusual walking style, falling or stumbling when turning, dizziness and falling when shaking or moving the head, unusual eye movements | Changes or abnormalities in the cerebellum, heart disease, brain infection or inflammation, brain tumor, toxic reaction to an antibiotic, respiratory disease, red blood cell count issues, low glucose, potassium or calcium |
What is vestibular ataxia in dogs?
Vestibular ataxia occurs due to a problem with your dog’s brainstem or inner ear. These structures control balance and your pet’s movements.
Causes: injuries or infections, including ear infections. Other causes can include nerve degeneration, inflammation, antibiotics, hypothyroidism, fungal infections, poisoning, or cancer.
Symptoms: dogs may fall, have difficulty walking, walk in circles, or tilt their heads. You may notice your dog’s eyes flutter side to side or up and down. Vestibular ataxia can make your dog feel dizzy and nauseated and may cause vomiting.
What is old dog (idiopathic) vestibular disease?
Idiopathic vestibular disease is a form of vestibular ataxia with no identifiable cause, seen mainly in older dogs. Signs start suddenly and include loss of balance, head tilt, falling or circling to one side, darting eye movements, nausea and vomiting. A veterinarian diagnoses it only after ruling out other causes.
Signs are usually worst in the first 24–48 hours. Many dogs start improving within 72 hours, and most recover completely within 2–3 weeks. Some dogs keep a slight head tilt afterwards, and a dog that has had one episode may have another.
What is proprioceptive (sensory) ataxia in dogs?
Proprioceptive ataxia occurs due to compression of your dog’s spinal cord.
Causes: a blood clot, spinal infection or inflammation, tumor, or cyst. It may also be related to defects or abnormalities in your dog’s spine, an unstable spine, or narrowing of the canal that the spinal cord passes through.
Symptoms: it is difficult for a dog with proprioceptive ataxia to determine the exact placement of its limbs and body, which makes it hard to figure out where to move its feet when walking. Besides an awkward gait, signs can include weakness and wobbling when walking or standing.
What is cerebellar ataxia in dogs?
Cerebellar ataxia can be caused by changes or abnormalities in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates your pet’s movements and helps your dog balance.
Other causes: heart disease, a brain infection or inflammation, a brain tumor, a toxic reaction to an antibiotic, respiratory disease, red blood cell count issues, or lower-than-normal amounts of glucose, potassium, or calcium.
Symptoms: dogs may shake and sway. Your dog might stagger, adopt an unusual walking style, or fall or stumble when turning. Shaking or moving its head might make your dog so dizzy that it falls. You may also notice unusual eye movements, either side to side or up and down.
Which dog breeds are more likely to develop cerebellar ataxia?
According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, these breeds may be more likely to develop cerebellar ataxia:
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Russell Terrier
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Tenterfield Terrier
Is there a DNA test for spinocerebellar ataxia?
Yes. A simple cheek-swab DNA test is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and is recommended for Jack Russell, Parson Russell, Russell, Toy Fox, Smooth Fox and Tenterfield terriers. Affected dogs may show a goose-stepping gait, poor balance and frequent falls.
When should you take your dog to the vet for ataxia?
Ataxia does not go away on its own, so it is important to see a veterinarian right away. Take your dog to the vet if it suddenly stumbles, loses coordination, seems dizzy or falls. Signs can range from mild wobbliness to being unable to stand or walk.
How is ataxia in dogs diagnosed?
Your pet’s veterinarian will need to perform a few tests to determine the cause of your dog’s condition. These tests may include:
- Blood work
- Urine tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
How is ataxia in dogs treated?
Treating underlying issues, like infections or hypothyroidism, may help improve your pet’s balance and stop the symptoms.
Can ataxia in dogs be cured?
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to cure ataxia. If that is the case, your veterinarian can prescribe medications or provide suggestions that will improve your pet’s comfort and decrease the risk of injury.
Can dogs recover from ataxia?
Recovery depends on the cause. Some dogs recover with rest and supportive care when the cause is treatable, such as an ear infection or exposure to a toxin. Ataxia caused by a medication should go away once the drug leaves the dog’s system. Ataxia present from birth may not be curable and is managed long term.
How to care for a dog with ataxia at home
- Give your dog a safe, comfortable resting area away from stairs and sharp furniture edges.
- Use a playpen with soft bedding to limit movement if needed.
- Help your dog with potty breaks, eating and drinking while it recovers.
- Use a lift harness to make walking and going outside easier.
- Give all medications exactly as your veterinarian prescribes.
FAQ
What is ataxia in dogs?
Ataxia is a condition that can cause poor balance, falling, or a change in the way a dog walks. Any dog can develop ataxia, but some breeds are at higher risk.
What are the symptoms of ataxia in dogs?
Symptoms vary by type, but a dog with ataxia may lose its balance easily, develop gait issues, or shake. Depending on the type, dogs may also fall, walk in circles, tilt their head, stagger, sway or show unusual eye movements.
What are the three types of ataxia in dogs?
The three types are vestibular ataxia (a problem with the brainstem or inner ear), proprioceptive or sensory ataxia (compression of the spinal cord) and cerebellar ataxia (changes or abnormalities in the cerebellum).
What causes vestibular ataxia in dogs?
Vestibular ataxia can be caused by injuries or infections, including ear infections. Other causes can include nerve degeneration, inflammation, antibiotics, hypothyroidism, fungal infections, poisoning, or cancer.
What causes proprioceptive ataxia in dogs?
Proprioceptive ataxia is caused by compression of the spinal cord, which may result from a blood clot, spinal infection or inflammation, tumor, or cyst. It may also be related to spinal defects or abnormalities, an unstable spine, or narrowing of the spinal canal.
What causes cerebellar ataxia in dogs?
Cerebellar ataxia can be caused by changes or abnormalities in the cerebellum. Other causes include heart disease, brain infection or inflammation, a brain tumor, a toxic reaction to an antibiotic, respiratory disease, red blood cell count issues, or low glucose, potassium, or calcium.
Which dog breeds are more likely to get cerebellar ataxia?
According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Russell, Toy Fox, Parson Russell, Smooth Fox, Tenterfield and Jack Russell terriers may be more likely to develop cerebellar ataxia.
How do vets diagnose ataxia in dogs?
A veterinarian performs tests to find the cause, which may include blood work, urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans.
How is ataxia in dogs treated?
Treating underlying issues, like infections or hypothyroidism, may help improve a dog’s balance and stop the symptoms.
Can ataxia in dogs be cured?
It is not always possible to cure ataxia. In that case, a veterinarian can prescribe medications or provide suggestions to improve the dog’s comfort and decrease the risk of injury.
When should I take my dog to the vet for ataxia?
Ataxia does not go away on its own, so a dog that suddenly stumbles, loses coordination or falls should see a veterinarian right away.
How long does vestibular disease last in older dogs?
In idiopathic vestibular disease, signs are usually worst in the first 24–48 hours, many dogs improve within 72 hours, and most recover within 2–3 weeks.
Can a dog fully recover from ataxia?
Many dogs recover when the cause is treatable, such as an ear infection, toxin or medication reaction. Ataxia present from birth may only be managed, not cured.
How can I help my dog with ataxia at home?
Keep your dog in a safe area away from stairs, help with eating and potty breaks, use a lift harness, and give medicines exactly as prescribed.
Is there a DNA test for ataxia in dogs?
Yes. A cheek-swab DNA test for spinocerebellar ataxia is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and is recommended for several terrier breeds.
Local veterinarian in Kitchener for ataxia in dogs
Have you noticed changes in your pet’s gait or balance? Contact our office to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.
If you’re in Kitchener and have concerns about your dog’s balance, walking, or other health changes, consider visiting Bruce Street Animal Hospital. Dr. Anshul Jindal is an experienced veterinarian in Kitchener, providing compassionate veterinary care for dogs and cats.
- Address: 37 Bruce Street, Kitchener, ON N2B 1Y4
- Phone: +1 (519) 954-4522
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–6:00 PM · Sat 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Sun closed
- Book: Book an appointment
- Related services: Diagnostics · Ultrasound
About the author
Dr. Anshul Jindal is an experienced veterinarian at Bruce Street Animal Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario, providing compassionate veterinary care for dogs and cats.
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