Sometimes it happens that we are unable to help our sick pets. One of the incurable diseases in dogs is ataxia, translated from Greek as “disorder.” This is a motor disorder, which is manifested by a violation of the coordination and consistency of the animal’s movements. Symptoms of the disease first become noticeable when the dog is 3 to 5 years old.
The essence of the disease
Rarely, the disorder appears between one and a half to three years of age or after the age of five. Initially, owners notice an episodic loss of balance in their pet when changing body position. As the disease progresses, the symptoms increase: the dog’s gait becomes unsteady, “drunk,” it does not seem to notice obstacles, and may fall when turning or making sudden movements.
How it arises and is transmitted
Ataxia in dogs can be inherited, and only if both parents of the puppy are either carriers of the damaged gene or are already sick. The disorder can also occur due to a number of diseases that damage:
- cerebellum;
- vestibular apparatus;
- system of nerve fibers that conduct impulses from the brain or spinal cord to the motor organ.
The following dog breeds are more susceptible to ataxia than others:
- bobtail;
- Scottish Terrier;
- amstaff;
- Scottish Setter;
- Cocker Spaniel;
- Mountain Dog;
- Australian Kelpie;
- Border Collie.
Breeders who breed these breeds perform a genetic test on their pets to identify carriers of the gene even before the appearance of clinical signs diseases. Such dogs are excluded from breeding, which avoids the spread of the defect.
Types of disease
Regardless of the type of disorder, the symptoms of ataxia are manifested by an awkward gait, the inability to overcome obstacles or climb stairs, trembling, increased tone paw The gait becomes similar to a rooster's step - with the forelimbs raised high. There is a constant tilt to one side, dizziness due to sudden and frequent shaking of the head. Nystagmus is periodically observed - a short pendulum movement of the eyes from side to side.
As the disease progresses, the animal loses weight due to difficulty feeding.
IN clinical practice There are three types of ataxia:
- cerebellar;
- sensitive;
- vestibular.
The cerebellum is a part of the brain that is responsible for the position of the body in space, coordination of movements and balance in various external conditions. For cerebellar ataxia in dogs structural changes does not occur in this organ. Its biochemical composition changes due to the loss of some Purkinje cells. These cells are a kind of dispatchers, transmitters of information into the cerebellum, to or from the white matter, to the outer layer.
Cerebellar ataxia in dogs has two types – static and dynamic. In the first case, it is difficult for the animal to stay in a motionless position. The dog has difficulty standing on widely spaced paws. Trying to maintain balance, he may fall on his side or forward. With dynamic cerebellar ataxia, discoordination manifests itself during movement, especially when turning.
Sensitive ataxia is less common. It can be differentiated from other types by increased symptoms when closing the eyes. In this case, the dog’s perception of its body in space – proprioception – is disrupted.
Depending on the area of damage to the nerve impulse pathways, only the pelvic limbs or all four legs may be affected.
Vestibular ataxia occurs when the labyrinth, which perceives changes in the head and body in space, as well as the direction of movement, is damaged. The dog seems to be on an inclined surface. The animal tries in vain to maintain balance. With this type of disorder, the dog's body is tilted to one side, movements are slow and cautious. Deterioration and loss of hearing, drowsiness, and numbness are observed. The pet moves in circles, which causes dizziness and vomiting.
Diagnosis and treatment
There are no specific tests or diagnostic methods to detect ataxia. The diagnosis is made after a series of examinations and exclusion of others, less serious illnesses with similar symptoms. The most informative would be to conduct a magnetic resonance or computed tomography. In the absence of the necessary equipment, they are limited to radiography.
In the case of hereditary ataxia, a DNA test is performed for diagnostic purposes. A complete genetic treatment for a disease of this nature has not been developed. Over time, a sick dog becomes practically incapacitated. The veterinarian prescribes supportive care to alleviate the condition and maintain normal conditions pet's life. Most often this is symptomatic therapy in the form of sedatives, sedatives and vitamins.
It is important to create the most comfortable living conditions for a sick dog, because it will no longer be able to cope without the participation and care of its owner. It is better to provide your pet with a separate room without traumatic objects, sharp corners and interior items.
If the disease arose for another reason, then treatment of ataxia in dogs is aimed primarily at eliminating it.
The animal body is able to partially compensate for existing disorders. When one part of the brain is damaged, another area of the brain takes over a share of its functions. In addition, dogs are taught to control the strength, speed and range of movements using their visual abilities. In this regard, manifestations of the disorder are noticeable only when the animal is tired or excited.
These body abilities can not only prolong the dog’s life, but also make it close to normal, despite the disorder.
Causes
Except hereditary factor, the disease may have other underlying causes.
For cerebellar ataxia:
- neoplasms or cysts in the cerebellum;
- intoxication;
- autoimmune diseases.
For vestibular ataxia:
- otitis media of an infectious or fungal nature;
- neoplasms of the middle ear;
- injuries in the temporal region;
- hypokalemia;
- stroke. For sensitive ataxia:
For sensitive ataxia:
- tumors;
- injuries;
- pathologies of spinal development;
- acute vascular and compression disorders;
- infections.
If a tumor is detected further treatment includes, first of all, surgical intervention.
For an infectious disease, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Intoxication occurs not only due to poisoning by certain poisons, but also due to infection of the dog with worms that release toxins into the animal’s blood. In this case, treatment is carried out with anthelmintic drugs. Folk remedies in such serious cases they will no longer help.
For cerebral lesions to improve cerebral circulation nootropics, vasodilators, B vitamins, and nicotinic acid are prescribed.
Ataxia may be a consequence autoimmune disease. healthy the immune system identifies and destroys pathogenic substances. But if there is a malfunction in its mechanism of action, the target immune cells tissues of the body's own become, including nerve tissues. Then a lack of coordination of movements develops.
If ataxia occurs as a result of trauma, the brain or spinal cord, spine, or nerve impulse pathways may be affected. One of the types of disorder occurs - cerebellar, vestibular or sensitive type. Appropriate treatment is carried out after examination, establishing the cause and making an accurate diagnosis.
Ataxia in puppies
Although in most cases congenital ataxia develops in dogs in mature age, sometimes there are anomalies noticeable from birth. Problems with the musculoskeletal system and coordination problems are clearly expressed.
The puppies try to move their paws, but cannot walk. There is a shaking of the head and twitching of the eyes. Otherwise, babies develop normally - they are active, inquisitive, and have a good appetite. But such dogs will never be able to move.
To avoid purchasing a carrier or sick puppy, you must first consider genetic predisposition breeds to ataxia. Secondly, it is better to purchase a small pet from a trusted nursery with a good reputation. A responsible breeder will not allow a sick dog to breed, and if there is concern, he will conduct a DNA test on individuals intended for mating.
Ataxia in dogs is a disease that practically does not give the animal a chance if the owner does not notice in time alarming symptoms and did not seek help from a veterinarian. The disease is associated with dysfunction of the cerebellum, the main part of the brain. With ataxia in severe form the dog loses the ability to coordinate its movements and maintain 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 disturbances or does not perform its function at all, lose the ability to move in space. You need to understand that the muscle strength and performance of the limbs do not disappear, but the animal simply cannot use its paws.
Disturbances in the functioning of the cerebellum are characterized by the following: unpleasant consequences, as a violation of coordination and balance, therefore, the dog seems to be “dangling” in space, unable to control own body. Accordingly, pets with ataxia continue to exist, can eat and drink and even move around, but only with the help of the owner.
Types of ataxia in dogs
In addition to the cerebellar, there are other types of ataxic lesions of the dog’s brain:
- frontal lobes;
- channels responsible for vision;
- crown areas;
- posterior nerve canals;
- mental;
Table. Variations of ataxia in dogs
Types of ataxia differ only in the location of the lesion nervous system, they do not differ in symptoms or treatment methods.
Why does cerebellar ataxia occur in dogs?
One of the reasons - 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:
- Cocker Spaniels (English).
- Old English Sheepdogs.
- Staffordshire Terriers.
- Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Hairless Chinese Crested.
- Scottish Terriers.
Responsible owners and breeders of these dogs perform special veterinary tests to determine the animal's ability to pass on the disease by inheritance. If the test is positive, the dogs are not allowed to be bred. But, unfortunately, heredity is not the only reason for the development of ataxia in dogs.
The disease can be provoked in a dog by head injuries that damage the brain (fall from height, collision with a car), neuritis and otitis, severe infectious diseases, brain tumors.
Ataxia in dogs: symptoms
In Greek, the word ataxia means “without order.” This description speaks volumes about the symptoms of the disease. With progressive ataxia, the dog looks “drunk”: falls, stumbles, turns its head, crouches when turning. At the same time, moving in a straight line is quite easy for sick dogs, but the pet is not able to climb the stairs, walk along a winding corridor, or change the trajectory of movement.
Dogs with ataxia may even bump into objects big size, 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”, and at the same time they can walk too wide, placing their paw much further than necessary.
Some owners confuse the manifestations of ataxia with epilepsy, as animals often shudder, suffer from dizziness, their head shakes, their eyelids and chin tremble. Convulsive jerks and movements usually occur in a situation where the animal is concentrated, for example, eating or trying to plot a route.
Video - Ataxia in dogs
Examination and diagnosis
Despite characteristic features diseases, put accurate diagnosis possible only in veterinary clinic. As a rule, there is only one examination method - the animal undergoes magnetic resonance imaging. This procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and allows the doctor to make a conclusion about the functioning of all parts of the brain, including the cerebellum.
During diagnostics veterinarian must also exclude or detect other or accompanying illnesses, which can give similar symptoms or be the root cause of ataxia in an animal.
Treatment of ataxia in dogs
The treatment regimen for ataxia in dogs depends on the cause that caused it. If the cause of ataxia is a tumor compressing the cerebellum or nerve canals, when it surgical removal Significant improvement may occur, up to complete recovery.
If ataxia is caused by genetics, then it is impossible to cure the brain damage. If the stage of damage 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, medications that relieve nervous tension, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes(in particular, B vitamins).
The owner of a dog who has been diagnosed with ataxia must provide the pet with the most comfortable conditions possible: select equipment 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 are also “ 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 combined under the term “ataxia.” In dogs, similar signs develop (as a rule) with damage to the nervous system.
What is ataxia anyway? This is not a separate disease. This is a spectrum of symptoms: sudden loss coordination, balance, trembling, the animal may fall for no reason. There are three types of ataxia - vestibular, sensitive (proprioceptive), cerebellar ataxia (in dogs it is the most severe). Each type has its own special clinical manifestations and reasons.
Sensitive ataxia develops in cases where the Gaulle and Burdach bundles are affected, and also, as is believed, the spinal cord. Typical sign– a sharp deterioration in walking, and the dog constantly looks at his feet while moving. If the lesions of the cords are serious, the dog is completely unable to sit and stand.
The vestibular apparatus helps the animal maintain balance and position in space. If it is affected, ataxia of the same name develops. The dog cannot hold its head up normally, it constantly tilts when walking, is very unstable, and sometimes spins in one place. “Uncoordinated” eye movements are very characteristic, 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, with no signs of “mental” abnormalities. This helps differentiate these pathologies from dangerous ones infectious diseases.
For now, we will discuss cerebellar ataxia, since this pathology is the most severe and is less responsive to treatment attempts than others.
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; the 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 is usually caused by birth defects that cause normal neurons to die (hereditary cerebellar ataxia). Such diseases are inherited through a recessive gene. This means that for pathology to manifest itself, it must be present in both parents. Therefore, hereditary cerebellar ataxia is still quite rare, since conscientious breeders struggle with inherited 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. Most common following symptoms ataxia in dogs:
- Trembling, nervousness, the pet may be inadequate.
- When walking, she behaves extremely strangely and unusually. 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, excited, trying to hide somewhere.
- From time to time the dog falls while walking.
- Progressive weakness.
- Sometimes the dog begins to quickly rotate its head, erratic, circular movements eyeballs.
The clinical picture also includes:
- Constant head tilt.
- Hearing impairment.
- Lethargy.
- Sharp.
- Other changes in behavior.
Diagnostics and therapeutic techniques
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. The diagnosis is made based on the totality clinical picture, a full 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 limit themselves to simple radiography. Other tests may be ordered depending on what your veterinarian finds during initial testing.
Read also: Cryptosporidiosis in dogs: symptoms and table of medications for treating the disease
Treatment for ataxia in dogs will depend on the cause. If an infection or tumor is found, powerful antibiotics are given wide range action or surgery is used accordingly. 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 preserving normal level animal life.
As a rule, with such therapy sedatives are prescribed, sedatives. They relieve the animal's panic state. For treatment movement disorders More specific medications are used, which should only be prescribed by a veterinarian. Under no circumstances “stuff” the animal with them yourself, as you can only make things worse.
Animals suffering cerebellar ataxia, must be kept at home. In the room where the dog will be most of the time, there should be no sharp corners, foreign objects or furniture, as the pet’s condition will inevitably (alas) worsen. In this case, the dog will inevitably start to bump into furniture and corners, which can lead to an even worsening of the process, and you shouldn’t forget about the likelihood of “simple” injuries.
Some pets with congenital or hereditary ataxia live with this pathology all their lives, and it does not particularly bother them (the body adapts to this condition to some extent). Alas, in other cases the constant progression of the disease can cause euthanasia, since it is difficult for a dog to live in a vegetable state. If the dog cannot even stand up, or falls every step, there is nothing immoral in euthanasia.
Causes of other types of ataxia
They may be different. As you remember, vestibular and sensory 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 vital organs, many unpleasant symptoms, which we have already discussed above.
It is characterized by impaired functionality of a special part of the brain, the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination of movements and balance. Therefore, any deviations from the norm lead to dire consequences.
The cerebellum, due to its structure, is a unique nerve center between the desire to move and the ability to move. Actually, nerve cells This part of the brain transmits information about the need to make any movement.
Possible reasons for the development of the disease are as follows:
Hereditary problems.
Existing tumors.
Brain damage.
Complications of infectious diseases.
Ataxia has a long history; doctors have even been able to determine which breeds are most susceptible to the disease: Scotch terriers, Staffies, cocker spaniels, some breeds of shepherd dogs, Chinese Cresteds.
Depending on the location of ataxia, the following types of disease are distinguished:
Cerebellar.
Sensitive: damage to the posterior nerve canals, visual, parietal areas.
Vestibular.
Frontal ataxia.
Mental: atypical damage to the nervous system.
Regardless of location, the symptoms of ataxia are not very diverse.
Coordination is the first to suffer. It is difficult for the dog to move, especially to make complex movements: turning, bending, jumping. Movements strictly in a straight line are usually easy, sharp turns cause loss of coordination, the animal crouches, unable to move further.
The second common symptom is eye tremor, twitching of the eyelids. This happens due to dizziness, the dog loses contact with the surrounding space and falls. Nervous, convulsive twitching resembles epileptic seizures.
Trembling becomes a specific sign, especially in moments of strong tension, when the dog is trying to focus on a certain point or eat something. Diagnosis is usually made using magnetic resonance imaging. The image will show abnormal development of the cerebellum, abnormal functioning.
Types of ataxia
Cerebellar ataxia occurs more often as an independent disease transmitted through generations. An unpleasant feature is the late triggering of the disease mechanism: mature, five- to six-year-old animals suddenly begin to show signs. Often such animals have already been allowed for breeding, therefore, ataxia will inevitably manifest itself in future generations. Latest Research genetic engineering made it possible to isolate the gene responsible for the development of ataxia. Therefore it became possible to carry out specialized DNA test to determine 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 seeking help earlier can prevent a rapid deterioration of the condition. First, there is a condition defined by the dog owner as awkwardness. A gradual swaying of the body begins, the animal’s inability to maintain balance. The dog begins to starve because it has difficulty eating and loses weight. Muscle tone weakens and atrophy occurs.
There are two types of this type of ataxia: static and dynamic. The first is characterized by weakening specifically the muscles of the animal’s body. It is difficult for the dog to maintain a certain position. The second most often manifests itself during movements.
Early diagnosis of a dog’s condition will help to overcome tumor and traumatic factors in time. If it is installed genetic cause, then all that remains is to maintain the dog’s condition, protect the pet as much as possible, and try to keep it from causing damage. Severe damage to the cerebellum cannot be cured. It is more humane to euthanize the animal.
Sensitive ataxia occurs with lesions of the spinal cord. Then the dog cannot bend and straighten its joints correctly. The ability to determine the correct movement is lost. Severe lesions lead to the inability to move. Occasionally, such a condition can be cured, especially if partial brain damage occurs and the disease is caught at the very beginning.
Vestibular ataxia manifested by a pronounced tilt of the animal’s body in a certain direction. All movements of the injured animal are careful and slow. Constant dizziness causes vomiting, movement in a circle.
Other types of canine ataxia occur due to exposure to infectious diseases, various injuries. Therefore any inflammatory processes in the head area it is so important to heal on time. The close location of the brain with the organs of vision, hearing, oral cavity promotes the rapid crawling of pathogenic microorganisms.
Treatment of ataxia
If the owner’s desire to save the dog by any means overpowers the humane solution, then veterinary specialists will recommend using painkillers that relieve nervous tension. Of course, treatment is especially effective if a non-genetic cause of the disease is established. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic drugs, and B vitamins are prescribed. It is important to try to provide the dog with comfortable conditions that take into account lifelong characteristics. Brain damage is rarely completely cured. From the moment the diagnosis is made and the first symptoms appear, a disabled dog becomes completely dependent on people.
Sensitive Attentive attitude will extend the life of your beloved pet for many years.
Series of messages "
Ataxia in dogs is complex, fatal disease. It is characterized by impaired functionality of a special part of the brain, the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination of movements and balance. Therefore, any deviations from the norm lead to dire consequences.
The cerebellum, due to its structure, is a kind of nerve center between the desire to move and the ability to carry out movement. In fact, the nerve cells of this part of the brain transmit information about the need to make any movement.
Possible reasons for the development of the disease are as follows:
- Hereditary problems.
- Existing tumors.
- Brain damage.
- Complications of infectious diseases.
Ataxia has a long history; doctors have even been able to determine which breeds are most susceptible to the disease: Scotch terriers, Staffies, cocker spaniels, some breeds of shepherd dogs, Chinese Cresteds. Depending on the location of ataxia, the following types of disease are distinguished:
- Cerebellar.
- Sensitive: damage to the posterior nerve canals, visual, parietal areas.
- Vestibular.
- Frontal ataxia.
- Mental: atypical damage to the nervous system.
Regardless of location, the symptoms of ataxia are not very diverse. Coordination is the first to suffer. It is difficult for the dog to move, especially to make complex movements: turning, bending, jumping. Movements strictly in a straight line are usually easy, sharp turns cause loss of coordination, the animal crouches, unable to move further.
The second common symptom is eye tremor, twitching of the eyelids. This happens due to dizziness, the dog loses contact with the surrounding space and falls. Nervous, convulsive twitching resembles epileptic seizures.
Trembling becomes a specific sign, especially in moments of strong tension, when the dog is trying to focus on a certain point or eat something. Diagnosis is usually made using magnetic resonance imaging. The image 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 is the late triggering of the disease mechanism: mature, five- to six-year-old animals suddenly 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 made it possible to isolate the gene responsible for the development of ataxia. Therefore, it has become possible to conduct a specialized DNA test to determine 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 seeking help earlier can prevent a rapid deterioration of the condition. First, there is a condition defined by the dog owner as awkwardness. A gradual swaying of the body begins, the animal’s inability to maintain balance. The dog begins to starve because it has difficulty eating and loses weight. Muscle tone weakens and atrophy occurs.
There are two types of this type of ataxia: static and dynamic. The first is characterized by weakening specifically the muscles of the animal’s body. It is difficult for the dog to maintain a certain position. The second most often manifests itself during movements.
Early diagnosis of a dog’s condition will help to overcome tumor and traumatic factors in time. If a genetic cause is established, then all that remains is to maintain the dog’s condition, protect the pet as much as possible, and 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 bend and straighten its joints correctly. The ability to determine the correct movement is lost. Severe lesions lead to the inability to move. Occasionally, such a condition can be cured, especially if partial brain damage occurs and the disease is 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 injured animal are careful and slow. Constant dizziness causes vomiting and movement in a circle.
Other types of canine ataxia occur due to exposure to infectious diseases and various injuries. Therefore, it is so important to cure any inflammatory processes in the head area in a timely manner. The close location of the brain to the organs of vision, hearing, and oral cavity contributes to the rapid crawling of pathogenic microorganisms.
Treatment of ataxia
If the owner’s desire to save the dog by any means overpowers the humane solution, then veterinary specialists will recommend using painkillers that relieve nervous tension. Of course, treatment is especially effective if a non-genetic cause of the disease is established. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic drugs, and B vitamins are prescribed. It is important to try to provide the dog with comfortable conditions that take into account lifelong characteristics. Brain damage is rarely completely cured. From the moment the diagnosis is made and the first symptoms appear, a disabled dog becomes completely dependent on people. Sensitive, attentive attitude will extend the life of your beloved pet for many years.
