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When a dog is unsteady and has difficulty walking and maintaining body balance, it is technically termed ataxia. It is an alarming condition, as it is suspected that ataxia is a neurological problem. Poor coordination and unstable gait are funny to observe for the first time; however, it is a serious and debilitating problem affecting the entire body of your furry companion. There are numerous reasons for ataxia in dogs. In addition to understanding these, it can be beneficial to learn about potential supplements that might help. Consider our Hip and Joint Chews for dogs which may alleviate some symptoms. In this article, we are heading to explore the causes, types, complications, and treatment of ataxia. So, keep reading till the end.

Types of ataxia and its signs and symptoms: 

Ataxia may be due to a variety of reasons affecting different parts of the nervous system, controlling balance and posture in the body, and can be grouped into three categories, namely. 

• Vestibular ataxia.
• Cerebellar ataxia.
• Proprioceptive ataxia.

Vestibular ataxia in canines: 

Vestibular ataxia is due to vestibular problems causing one to wobble and stumble, losing body balance. It can be recognized easily by looking at the signs and symptoms, which are listed below.

• Circling movement.
• Rapid and uncontrolled eye movement.
• Stumbling while walking.
• Drooling.
• Head swaying.
• Loss of balance, etc.

Cerebellar ataxia in dogs: 

Cerebellar ataxia is caused by a lesion on the cerebellum, the part of the brain that has the responsibility to control and maintain body balance. Balance.   When the cerebellum is affected, it causes wobbles and ataxia in dogs. Dogs.  Signs may include 

• Inappropriate separation of hind legs.
• Body tremors.
• Unstable gaits, etc.

Proprioceptive ataxia in puppies:

Proprioceptive ataxia stems from spinal cord problems, so it usually influences the body and limbs rather than the head. The head.  Proprioceptive ataxia causes a dog to become unstable on its feet, and its limbs become dangerously weak. Symptoms include 

• Affected limbs become jammed.
• Difficulty in standing.
• Wobbling and stumbling.
• Off balance, balance, etc.

Reasons for ataxia and wobbling in dogs: 

Ataxia in dogs may be due to various reasons; here some reasons are discussed thoroughly.

Disorientation: 

Disorientation is a state during which dogs become forgetful and lose directions. It is due to a nervous system problem or inner ear problem. Weak and aged dogs are prone to disorientation, which causes them to wobble and stumble during walking. 

Wobbler syndrome: 

It is a serious problem affecting the neck region of the spinal cord; it causes a dog to wobble, lose balance, have walking difficulty, and unstable gaits. This must be addressed immediately; otherwise, it will lead to a major neurological problem.

Spinal cord issues: 

Many spinal cord problems, for example, disk issues, infection, inflammation, injury to the spinal cord, spine cancer, and spinal cord degeneration, can cause incoordination and wobble in dogs. If ataxia is due to spinal cord problems, these issues are to be fixed first, and consequently, the wobbling condition becomes subsided.

Weak muscle and other muscular problems: 

Conditions affecting muscles such as myositis (inflammation of muscles), the faulty nerve supply to muscles, and irregular blood circulation to muscles can cause ataxia and wobbly gait in dogs. Muscle weakness can also cause incoordination and off-balance in dogs.

Renal and hepatic problems: 

Problems affecting the liver and kidneys may also cause incoordination and wobbling in dogs. Organ failure due to toxin buildup within the body is a major cause of balance problems in the body.

Vestibular disease: 

Idiopathic vestibular disease is a condition causing problems to the vestibular system, which is one of the reasons for incoordination and ataxia in dogs. Dogs experience difficulty walking, balance issues, unstable body posture, nausea, etc. 

Ingestion of toxic substances: 

If the dogs ingest toxins, for example, alcohol, antifreeze, and rat-killing products, gait and body balance may be affected. Take to a veterinarian without delay so that toxic substances may be removed or purged from the body.

 

Dehydration: 

Dehydration causes electrolyte imbalance in the body, which causes muscular problems; ultimately, balance and coordination are affected. Low water levels might cause other problems too, so proper hydration along with electrolyte introduction is necessary for dealing with balance issues in dogs.

 

Anemia: 

Anemia is a condition of reduced hemoglobin or red blood cell count in the blood. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, especially muscles, which need a high level of oxygen. If red blood cells are low in number, proper oxygen supply to the muscles becomes hindered, which causes muscle function disruption and, as a result, coordination and balance issues pop out.

 

Problems in the middle and inner ears: 

The inner ear is an important part of balance and coordination in the body; problems like infection, inflammation, injury to the inner ear, and nervous problems may cause gait problems in dogs.

Brain problems, especially in the cerebellum: 

Brain conditions like infection z the cerebellum, inflammation, brain cancer, and trauma can cause balance problems and incoordination in dogs. Brain problems disrupt nerve supply, which causes walking issues, gait problems, etc.

Canine distemper: 

It is a serious viral disease that is contagious and spread by contact. It causes nervous system problems like incoordination, seizures, and paralysis in dogs. 

 

When to consult a veterinarian for wobbling: 

If you notice your dog wobbling and having trouble walking and maintaining body balance, persisting for longer periods of time, then a visit to the veterinarian is a must. The vet will take a complete history from you; you have to monitor the dog throughout the entire episode of wobbling and gait problems. Tell all the things regarding wobbling to the vet. 

 

Diagnostic options for wobbling and ataxia: 

Physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations should be performed to rule out possible causes of wobbling in dogs. Blood tests, urine tests, and tests to detect the presence of infectious microorganisms may also be conducted. MRIs and CT scans are also diagnostic techniques.

 

Muscle and nerve biopsies and cerebrospinal fluid may also be taken for analysis.

Veterinarians, after examination and assessment, prescribe; accordingly, for dehydration, fluid therapy is recommended. Infections can be treated by antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines; ear infections can be treated by antibiotics specific to ear infections. Tumors can be corrected by surgical removal or radiation and chemotherapy. Muscle and nerve defects can be treated by supportive therapy.

 

How to prevent wobbling in dogs: 

Wobbling in dogs can be prevented by strict monitoring of the conditions that might lead to balance problems and by treating minor infections of the ears and brain.

• Regular checkups of dogs are a must to avoid wobbling.
• Vaccination against canine distemper.
• Keep dogs hydrated.
• Keep away from toxins.
• Regular body examination and assessment.

 

Conclusion: 

It is necessary for pet owners and the team at Everfur to have knowledge about neurological problems in dogs causing incoordination, wobbly gaits, and posture problems. Evaluating conditions to figure out the cause of ataxia and treating them is good for improving conditions. In this comprehensive guide, types of ataxia, causes and preventative measures of ataxia in dogs have been explained. For pet parents, it is valuable to read it carefully.