Loss of coordination in the dog. Vestibular syndrome in dogs - symptoms, causes and treatment

There is no doubt that a dog having a seizure is a terrible event that is very upsetting for the owner. But if you can recognize the symptoms of the onset of an attack, you will have time to take him to the vet. Of course, seizures in dogs are not always smooth sailing and can have serious health consequences. It is important to understand what a seizure is and what its causes are in order to avoid serious consequences.

Steps

What is a seizure

1. First you need to understand that a seizure occurs in several stages. Before a seizure, there is a disturbance in the brain electrical activity, and it takes time to normalize this activity. The length of each phase depends on its severity. On average, the first stage lasts about 30 minutes, the seizure itself lasts approximately 3 minutes. It takes from 5 minutes to 5 hours to restore activity. There are three main stages:

   • The aura is the stage before the attack when changes in the animal's behavior can be noticed.
   • Seizure – the stage of a seizure.
   • During the post-seizure stage, the animal regains consciousness and activity in the brain is restored. During this stage, the animal may bump into objects and have difficulty seeing.

2. Learn to recognize the signs of an aura. Many animals that are often stressed after a seizure will often show certain signs that are a signal that the seizure may recur. Sometimes you realize that an animal is behaving in some strange way, but you need to be able to recognize exactly the signs that indicate the onset of a seizure.

   • Signs of the onset of the first stage - aura: restlessness, aimless walking, the dog cannot sit in one place.
   • It seems that the dog understands that something is wrong, but does not know how to correct the situation.
   • Some dogs start barking, howling and whining for no reason.
   • Dogs that are strongly attached to their owners may become especially affectionate during this period of time, as if they are trying to find shelter with their owners. Some animals try to hide.

3. You need to know the symptoms of the onset of the “aura” stage in order to be able to help your dog in time. If you see symptoms of an aura, you should immediately give your dog preventive medications, such as rectal diazepam. This helps minimize erratic brain activity, which can help reduce the likelihood of a seizure. In addition, it helps buy time to place the pet in safe place, where he will not harm himself during an attack.

   • Take the following precautions: turn off electrical heaters and cover heavy objects and sharp corners with cushions.

4. It is important to know when an attack may occur. During a seizure, the dog will fall on its side, stretch out its legs, arch its back, and widen its eyes. After a few seconds, she will begin to make “swimming” movements with her paws. During a seizure, you may find all or only some of the following:

   • Chomping sounds from the mouth. The dog loses conscious control of its body and random electrical impulses in the brain stimulate the chewing muscles.
   • The tongue falls out of the mouth.
   • Excessive salivation: The dog is unable to swallow, so saliva begins to come out of the mouth.
   • Swimming movements with paws: Disturbances in the activity of electrical impulses affect the muscles of the limbs, which begin to contract uncoordinatedly.
   • Loss of urinary and bowel control: This is facilitated by the loss muscle tone And high blood pressure in the abdominal cavity.
   • Shaking: Muscle twitching is caused by unstable nerve impulses in the brain.

5. Understand that during an attack the dog will be very confused and scared, he will not understand what is happening to his body. During an attack they overlap higher centers

   • consciousness, because the brain is full of “random” electrical impulses.

6. It is unlikely that the dog will respond to its name or to any other urges. The dog will not be able to see and hear normally, because the centers of hearing and vision will be blocked for some time. Keep track of how long the attack lasts. If the attack lasts longer than 20 minutes, contact your veterinarian immediately to avoid brain damage. This condition is called " epileptic seizure

   • Keep in mind that the average duration of an attack is about 2-3 minutes. Seizures usually don't last very long, but your anxiety may make it feel like your seizure has been going on for quite some time.
   • Seizures lasting 5-10 minutes occur much less frequently.

7. You need to understand whether the dog has entered the next phase, which occurs immediately after the attack itself. After some time, the attack will end, the pet will seem confused and will stagger. He will wander aimlessly back and forth, crashing into walls and passages.

   • This phase lasts about 5 minutes, although sometimes it lasts even several hours.
   • Seizures usually do not cause any permanent damage; disorientation and blindness are temporary.
   • Sometimes after an attack the dog looks very hungry and begins to actively search for food.

   Events that mimic a seizure

   1. Not all similar conditions are seizures. What appears to be a seizure at first glance may not actually be one. Some conditions that are often mistaken for seizures are:

      • Due to weak of cardio-vascular system the heart cannot maintain blood circulation in the brain, so as a result of lack of oxygen, the pet loses consciousness.
      • Because of neurological disorders nervus vagus becomes overstimulated, blood pressure drops, resulting in fainting.
      • Pain reactions: an exaggerated behavioral response that mimics an attack.

   2. You need to know that the dog has a weak cardiovascular system. After all, its consequences can be confused with a seizure. The consequences of a weak cardiovascular system are manifested in a lack of oxygen in the brain, which leads to loss of consciousness. The most common cause of such fainting is an irregular heartbeat.

      • Some dogs show no obvious symptoms, while others may cough, pant, or be reluctant to move.
      • Key differences between fainting and a seizure:
        • Before fainting, the animal shows no signs of the "aura" phase. Loss of oxygen and fall blood pressure happens almost instantly.
        • During fainting, the animal's muscles are relaxed.
        • Absent involuntary urination and defecation. The dog is in a relaxed state and not in a state of increased muscle activity.
        • There is no slurping sound or salivation. Fainting usually does not last long enough for salivation to begin.
        • On average, fainting lasts about 30-40 seconds, and a seizure lasts about 2-3 minutes.
        • After fainting, the animal behaves as usual, as if nothing had happened. Once circulation is restored, the dog feels normal again.

   3. The cause of fainting is neurological problems. The longest nerve in the body (the vagus nerve) runs along the neck. When pressure is applied to this nerve, the heart rate slows down. If the heart beats irregularly, blood flow to the brain is reduced and the dog may faint.

      • The same thing can happen if your dog coughs a lot and tenses his chest or stomach. The differences between fainting and seizure are listed above.

Ataxia in dogs is not always automatically a death sentence. For superficial lesions, the animal only needs emergency measures, and thinking about euthanasia is too hasty. This is confirmed by the long-term life of a considerable percentage of dogs surrounded by the necessary care.

Ataxia is a neurological disorder of a congenital or acquired nature, which is manifested by lack of coordination in the movements of an animal. At the same time, muscle strength is often preserved in the limbs, and any involuntary movements, paresis or excessive spasticity may be absent. The animal's consciousness often does not change.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Ataxia is not considered as separate disease, because it is a symptom complex of one or another lesion of the central nervous system or vestibular apparatus of the dog. Often performs genetic defect or occurs as a result of specific underlying causes.

Types of ataxia

Depending on the location of the lesion, ataxia exists in three forms: general proprioceptive (sensitive), vestibular and cerebellar ataxia in dogs - the cerebellar form.

Cerebellar

Cerebellar ataxia in dogs may differ in both sudden onset and chronic course, be congenital or occur for a number of reasons, progress or remain in a stable manifestation.

As the main coordinator of movements and balance regulator, the cerebellum also controls the animal’s muscle strength and ensures the rhythm and balance of these movements. Because of this, the affected cerebellar hemispheres lead to dynamic ataxia of the limbs, and dysfunction of the cerebellar vermis results in the dog’s inability to maintain body balance and maintain a certain posture (static subtype).

Congenital pathology is caused by autosomal recessive inheritance. The dog receives from each parent 2 defective copies of the mutated gene, affected by ataxia. In this case, the pathology is considered as an isolated disease. The congenital form may not progress throughout the dog’s life.

Acquired cerebellar ataxia in some cases develops as a result of the following pathologies:

• tumors in the brain;
• falling from height;
• autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus);
• brain infections and severe inflammation;
• collision with a car;
• anomalies in the development of cerebellar structures and the structure of the skull;
• degenerative processes in cerebellar cells;
• metronidazole intoxication;
• acute thiamine deficiency;
• ischemic infarction in older dogs;
• helminthic intoxication.

In most cases, characteristic signs of the disease begin to appear after 3 or even 5 years.

Ataxia is manifested by the dog's awkwardness, which is unusual for the owner, and a gait with widely spaced paws, which is initially most noticeable after the animal has woken up and is trying to get up. After a certain time, strange swaying of the body and a clear inability to maintain balance become more and more obvious.

Male dogs begin to lose balance when urinating. The dog moves either too fast with goose steps, or, on the contrary, slow, taking too wide a step. Freezes unpredictably from time to time. When driving in a straight line it goes almost exactly, but gets very lost when turning.

Muscle tremors are present both when the dog tries to maintain a specific position (postural) and when moving (dynamic). There is no threat reflex: the animal does not reflexively close its eyelids when hands or objects approach the eyes, and over time, nystagmus develops - frequent involuntary rotations of the eyes. Pupils in the left and right eyes different sizes- anisocoria. Hypertonicity of the forelimbs and occipital muscles manifests itself in paroxysms. The dog often throws its head back.

The progressive form leads to stable weight loss, because it becomes increasingly difficult for the dog to eat. She often hits her face on the food in her bowl. In especially severe cases, the animal ceases to recognize the owner and long-familiar, familiar places. Quite often, owners mistake the clinical manifestations of the disease for a stroke or epilepsy.

Hereditary cerebellar ataxia particularly affects Staffordshire terriers, American and English cocker spaniels, Kerry blue terriers, hairless Chinese crested dogs, Scottish terriers and shepherd dogs.

Sensitive

Sensitive (proprioceptive) ataxia develops in animals in the case of a number of spinal cord pathologies. Often these are damages in the systems of ascending SC fibers that lead to the cerebral cortex, which are responsible for awareness of the position of the body in space. In medicine, these systems are called Gaulle and Burdach bundles. And the second root cause is compression (squeezing) of the spinal cord due to narrowing of the spinal canal, all kinds of injuries, arterial blockages, cysts, tumors, intervertebral hernias, infections and degenerative processes in spinal tissues.

The dog's gait suddenly becomes "strange." While walking, the animal often looks down carefully and takes very careful steps, as if it is afraid to step on something. The most basic typical sign This form of the disease is volar flexion - when moving, the dog does not fully raise its paws, but seems to “drag” its toes along the floor or on the ground.

The animal looks confused and cannot determine the correct direction of movement for a long time. At the same time, the rest of the dog’s behavior is completely adequate. Defeats in severe form lead to complete impossibility of movement.

Vestibular

A sluggish, unsteady gait, staggering and periodic “throwing” to the side, which are accompanied by a tilt of the dog’s head to the left or right, are signs of vestibular ataxia. Along with this, spontaneous strabismus and nystagmus are often observed, regardless of head movements. One-sided or bilateral deafness cannot be ruled out. During an examination at the clinic by specialists, paralysis may be detected. facial nerve and Horner's syndrome - pathological constriction of the pupil and drooping of the upper eyelid.

The vestibular system controls muscles that are directly involved in maintaining head position, eye movements, and overall balance. And all incoming information from the outside is used to appropriately coordinate and regulate the movements performed.

The central structures of the vestibular apparatus are located in the brain, and the peripheral structures are located in the inner and middle ear. Damage to these structures in one area or another causes vestibular ataxia. In particular, these are the following pathologies:

• congenital vestibular syndrome;
• hypothyroidism;
• polyneuropathy;
• internal and otitis media;
• fungal infections;
• tumors in the ear or brain;
• ototoxic antibiotics;
• nerve degeneration.

Symptoms

Regardless of the location of the initial lesion, some manifestations of ataxia are common to all three forms:

• incoordination of movements, which is manifested by staggering, uncertain, careful walking, stumbling, squatting when turning, or rolling onto one side;
• it is extremely difficult or even impossible for a dog to climb stairs or jump even onto a low surface (for example, onto a sofa);
• during walks the animal does not show activity towards other dogs;
• muscle tremors are noticeable at rest or during movement;
• appetite is significantly reduced;
• nystagmus appears periodically: rapid movements eyeballs sideways or up and down.

Each dog has its own quantitative and qualitative symptoms. The intensity of manifestations is always individual. And if one animal has all the symptoms “on the list,” another dog may have only one sign (balance problems), and the diagnosis for both dogs will be the same. In addition, in some cases there is a mixture of symptoms of cerebellar and sensory ataxia, as well as cerebellar and vestibular. This suggests that the animal has a mixed form of the disease.

Signs of ataxia in puppies

Mostly, the pathology affects already mature dogs. But in a situation of congenital pathogenesis, ataxia in a puppy manifests itself quite clearly already at the 4th or 5th week. As a rule, the root cause is hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the cerebellum.

The puppies shake their heads, rise to their paws with great difficulty, and fall onto their sides after only 2-3 steps. Nystagmus is possible. In all other respects, the behavior of babies is no different from healthy puppies: they are very active, curious and have a good appetite.

Similar symptoms of cerebellar ataxia can be observed in a puppy against the background of infestation with large helminths.

Diagnostics

Based on a number of visual manifestations, detailed complaints from the owner and specific tests, a specialist can easily determine ataxia and its form. But in order to find out the root cause of the pathology, it is necessary to donate blood and undergo an MRI - an extremely informative diagnostic option for suspected ataxia. If the clinic does not have such equipment, use an x-ray.

The symptoms of vestibular ataxia are quite striking. In this case, an additional otoscopy (detailed examination of the ear) is performed, and a CT scan or ultrasound is required if there is no way to undergo an MRI.

There are known cases of hereditary cerebellar ataxia, when by all indicators the results are normal, but the animal dies, and the diagnosis is clearly confirmed after an autopsy.

Treatment of ataxia in dogs

The treatment regimen is determined by the root cause of ataxia. The most favorable prognosis is for the vestibular and sensitive forms. In this case, it is enough to eliminate the tumor, inflammation or symptoms of intoxication for the recovery process to begin. Whether recovery is complete or only partial depends on the severity of the original lesion. Some irreversible processes often leave residual neurological signs, which still allow the dog to live more or less fully for several more years.

The cerebellar form is the most severe case. Genetic etiology, unfortunately, cannot be treated. But if the disease does not progress, the dog lives a fairly tolerable life, adapting to its “shortcomings.” At the same time, acute cerebellar ataxia, provoked by an ischemic infarction, often allows the animal to fully recover after timely treatment.

To one degree or another, the dog’s life is made easier sedatives, multi vitamin complexes, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and painkillers. Each drug and its dosage must be prescribed exclusively veterinarian. Any experiments on the part of the owner can result in irreversible consequences.

Has your dog started to lose balance when turning and falling? , but not at all 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 appearance of signs of cerebellar ataxia is influenced by the following factors:

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 the disease.

Symptoms of ataxia

Before making a turn, a dog with ataxia may crouch for balance.

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

• Cerebellar damage caused by injury or disease leads to problems with coordination and the ability to move and balance . Sometimes the disease causes the dog to lose spatial orientation. She ceases to navigate the area and does not even recognize her native places.
• With ataxia, changes in the dog's movement become immediately noticeable. . A “drunk” gait appears. The animal moves quite normally along a straight path, but when trying to turn, problems arise. When turning, the dog crouches, trying to maintain balance. If you turn quickly, you may not calculate the opportunity and fall.
• The disease tends to progress . Coordination problems get worse over time. A sick animal begins to bump into objects. The gait becomes like that of a goose.
• With ataxia, the pet suffers from attacks of dizziness . He may fall, and his eyelids will tremble. Many owners perceive the manifestation of nystagmus as. Even veterinarians sometimes misdiagnose the disease after seeing the animal's convulsive shudders.
• The dog trembles when trying to turn sharply or keep attention on a certain object . Very often this problem occurs during feeding. The pet cannot eat normally, as it begins to tremble and hit its face on the plate.
• The animal may panic, try to hide in the far corner and not go anywhere . Constant malnutrition, dizziness and panic attacks worsen the dog’s condition, progressive weakness appears. The animal is fading away before our eyes.

What should a dog owner be wary of? All of the above symptoms are difficult to miss; in addition, the pet has a constant tilt of the head, hearing may deteriorate, behavior and gait change. Difficulties arise when 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. No special diagnostics, confirming cerebellar (or another type) ataxia.

A blood test will be required for diagnosis.

The veterinarian's task is exclude other diseases that may cause ataxia-like symptoms . Only after identifying the cause of the disease do we begin to treat it.

Treatment methods

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

• At tumor detection Surgery may be prescribed.
• For treatment of infections use antibiotic therapy.

Surgery is prescribed if a tumor is detected.

If it has been established that ataxia is a congenital defect, then special treatment of such pathology this moment does not exist . The doctor will prescribe maintenance therapy to maintain normal living conditions for the pet.

Therapy will consist of the following medications:

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

Loving your pet will help you learn to cope with illness!

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 pet's condition can be satisfactory, even if the disease is hereditary. Therefore, you should 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: it places its legs incorrectly or raises its paws too high and lingers on every step. But this is not a reason to get rid of your pet. Good care good nutrition and love for a pet can work wonders.

Video about ataxia 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:

1. Cocker Spaniels ( American, English).
2. Old English Sheepdogs.
3. Staffordshire Terriers.
4. Kerry Blue Terriers.
5. Hairless Chinese Crested.
6. 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, even if they are World Champions. 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.

Causes of the disease

Why your dog may lose balance, have problems with coordination, and experience discomfort. Let's take a closer look at the main reasons.

Disorientation is an altered state in which your dog loses direction. This can occur as a result of many factors that affect the central nervous system or inner ear. Age-related dementia can also affect a dog's disorientation, causing him to become confused even in familiar places.

Many processes that occur in the spinal cord can affect your dog's balance and coordination. These can be tumors, infections, inflammation, injuries, as well as a disease such as degenerative myelopathy which can lead to paralysis. The so-called Wobbler's Syndrome affects the spine in the neck area and causes unsteady gait, which is especially noticeable when the affected the dog is walking slowly or as if on a slippery floor.

Muscle weakness and atrophy can be caused by multiple factors and is manifested by instability and imbalance in dogs. A muscle disorder causes disruption of electrical signals from nerves to muscles. This disease is called myositis - it is an inflammation muscle tissue which can lead to inability to walk.

There are several reasons that can affect your dog's ability to move normally. Many injuries and disruptions to the nerves and muscles of the leg extremities can lead to loss of balance and lack of coordination. This condition is called ataxia. Cruciate ligament rupture, dysplasia hip joint, dislocation of the patella or osteochondrosis - all this causes pain when walking and prevents your pet from moving without problems.

• Inner ear problems

The inner ear is where the sense of balance occurs, and when it is damaged, this balance can be lost. Infection, inflammation, swelling, and trauma in this sensitive area can cause your dog to walk unsteadily and uncoordinated. When the inner ear does not function normally, the condition is often called vestibular syndrome.

• Brain condition

Brain tumors, infections and inflammation can affect your dog's ability to balance and walk normally, as well as affect nerve function. Abnormalities in the cerebellum and degenerative changes that can occur due to disease and old age can also affect nerve function.

Canine fever is a highly contagious viral infection that your dog can contract from contact with infected animals. The virus attacks the nervous system, leading to seizures and ultimately paralysis.

Dehydration (dehydration) is an imbalance of water in your dog's body. This condition can cause your body's water levels to become dangerously low. As the body compensates by drawing water from individual cells, essential electrolytes are lost. This can seriously affect muscle function.

Anemia or anemia is a condition in which the number of circulating red blood cells is significantly reduced. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all cells of the body, including muscles. If there are not enough red blood cells to take oxygen to the muscles, then these cells become hungry and weakened. Anemia can also affect the brain and cause confusion and dizziness.

• Disorientation.
• Spinal cord problems.
• Muscle weakness.
• Problems with gait.
• Problems with the inner ear.
• State of the brain.
• Dog fever.
• Dehydration.
• Anemia.

Conventionally, vestibular syndrome is usually divided into peripheral and central - depending on which part is affected.

Also, this neurological phenomenon can be:

• metabolic;
• neoplastic;
• inflammatory;
• traumatic;
• toxic;
• idiopathic.

Accordingly, treatment will depend on the causes of vestibular syndrome.

The peripheral form is diagnosed quite rarely and occurs due to damage to the nervous system affecting the inner ear. The more common form is the central one, which is much more difficult. This is explained by the fact that not only is it affected vestibular apparatus, but also other systems of the body, so many pathologies are fraught with death.

The causes of vestibular syndrome include:

• inflammation in the inner and middle ear;
• abuse of ear cleaners;
• consequences of brain injuries;
• polyps, tumors;
• hormonal imbalances;
• meningoencephalitis;
• chaotic reception of some medicines, in particular antibiotics.

Sometimes vestibular syndrome can be congenital or age-related - it is in such cases that we can talk about the idiopathic nature of the pathology, that is, when it occurs for no apparent reason.

What types of disease is divided into?

There is a peripheral form of the disease, which occurs when the peripheral nervous system is damaged, which, however, can affect the inner ear. But this variety is relatively rare.

The central form of the disease is much more common, but it is also much more severe. The reason is simple - the central nervous system is affected, which is fraught not only with damage to the vestibular apparatus, but also with other pathologies, many of which are deadly.

Peripheral vestibular syndrome in dogs occurs when the nerves connecting the inner ear and the brain are affected. As a result, the dog may experience constant dizziness, which negatively affects the ability to maintain body stability in space. Many novice dog breeders, encountering this pathology for the first time, believe that something very bad has happened to their dog.

Fortunately, peripheral vestibular syndrome is a fairly “harmless” disease, since in many cases its manifestations can be dealt with quickly and without much expense.

Why does it develop?

First, let's look at the causes of the peripheral variety. This includes chronic and recurrent inflammatory processes in the inner and middle ear, including those caused by fanatical cleaning of the ears, the consequences of traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumors, polyps, meningoencephalitis, hypothyroidism, as well as thoughtless intake of certain drugs (antibiotics from the aminoglycoside group). The following are especially dangerous for dogs in this regard: amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin.

They are cheap, and therefore “caring” owners who decide to “treat” their dog themselves often buy them. Sometimes their use ends well for the dog, but sometimes serious consequences arise.

It is also very dangerous if owners excessively use various means to clean the dog’s ears. If you drip glasses of them into your ears, nothing good can happen. The compounds included in these drugs, if the dose is exceeded, cause serious irritation and inflammation of the middle, as well as inner ear.

Sometimes it is a birth defect. In older dogs, the disease often has to be considered idiopathic. It is possible that in some cases an autoimmune process is to blame, due to which the body itself begins to attack the nervous tissues and vestibular apparatus. In puppies and middle-aged dogs, the most common cause are middle ear infections. The older the dog, the more likely it is that the pathology was caused by some kind of tumor.

What are the predisposing factors in the case of central vestibular syndrome? Meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, other infections or injuries affecting the brain, disrupting its integrity and functionality. The possibility should not be ruled out cerebral hemorrhage, hematoma, cancer.

Identifying the Symptoms and Treatments for Dog Ataxia

The clinical picture of vestibular syndrome, often mistaken for a stroke, is quite extensive. The main sign to suspect pathology is loss of coordination in space. The dog begins to experience difficulty moving, walking with its head tilted, stumbling out of the blue, falling and spinning on the floor.

One more characteristic symptom is the occurrence of vertical nystagmus (eye twitching). In addition, the animal experiences salivation, uncontrollable vomiting, and dizziness.

In severe cases of the disease, the dog stops eating and begins to walk on its own. In such cases, the question of euthanasia is raised as the most humane option.

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, and 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

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

Dogs affected by this disease often begin to fall, and they also lose their balance.

Yes, such dogs can still eat and continue to live, but only with constant human care and attention.

Who is more at risk for ataxia in dogs?

This disease has spread throughout the world, and in some countries specialists even take measures to ensure that patients with ataxia do not mate under any circumstances.

But it is worth noting that not all dogs suffer from this disease equally often.

Pets of the following breeds are most often affected by the disease:

• Scotch Terriers;
• Staffordshire Terriers;
• Gordon setter;
• Old English Sheepdogs;
• cocker spaniels.

Agree that in the CIS countries you can rarely find a dog of one of these breeds, so many people are not even aware of such a disease as cerebellar ataxia.

In some breeds, there are also more terrible varieties of the disease that develop incredibly rapidly, as a result of which the dog can suddenly die, since in such cases most of the motor systems are often affected. Thus, the dog is completely lost in space.

Symptoms of vestibular disease include: a constant and strong tilt of the head, loss of coordination, the animal begins to stumble literally out of the blue, the dog often falls, and begins to spin while already on the floor. Very often, with vestibular syndrome, nystagmus occurs, and it is vertical.

All this is accompanied by profuse salivation and sometimes vomiting (remember how you felt on the carousel). In cases where vestibular syndrome develops on only one side, the animal's head will deviate in the direction of the lesion. If the pathology is bilateral, the disease is indicated by extremely inappropriate behavior of the animal, as well as vertical nystagmus in both eyes.

Congenital vestibular disease in dogs is detected from birth to three months of age. Both varieties of German Shepherd, Doberman Pinschers, Akitu Inu, English Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Fox Terriers, and Tibetan Terriers are especially susceptible.

Vestibular disease in older dogs is often mistaken for a stroke. Dizziness caused by the disease can be especially intense in very old dogs, who in this case cannot stand up at all, or do it with extreme difficulty, their neck bends, and nystagmus is observed.

In severe cases, the animal's condition is so severe that it cannot eat, have bowel movements, and bladder right under you. Note that in such a situation the issue of the appropriateness of treatment should be resolved. Perhaps euthanasia is a more humane option.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor, in addition to studying the medical history of the disease, needs to conduct the necessary diagnostic tests. These include:

• general and biochemical analysis blood;
• Analysis of urine;
• X-ray (to examine the middle and inner ear and assess their condition);
• MRI, CT (to determine possible structural changes in the area of ​​the brain);
• examination of scrapings from an animal's ear;
• a series of tests that determine the reaction of the nervous system to stimuli;
• fence cerebrospinal fluid(to identify the virus in the body);
• Ultrasound of internal organs.

Cost of treatment

It’s 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 pet owners; it is considered an incurable disease. We are talking about the ataxia that appeared due to hereditary factor or any defect. The fact is that no special drugs have been invented that would have a qualitative effect on the animal’s cerebellum.

But if a tumor or, for example, some kind of infectious disease was discovered in the dog (in cases where this became the cause of the development of the disease), then you can try to cure it. Fortunately, modern antibiotics, developed specifically for dogs, help combat many terrible diseases, which in the recent past caused the death of pets.

May also help surgical intervention(for tumors), but it will not be possible to influence the cerebellum in any way. You ask: “What can be done if ataxia was caused precisely by a hereditary factor?” In fact, all you have to do is come to terms with the problem and purchase medications that will help make the dog’s future life calmer and more enjoyable.

Most often, special sedatives which help relieve panic. There are, of course, special medications for movement disorders, but often they can only make things worse for the dog. Consult a veterinarian, because if the wrong medications are chosen, the animal may die.

Further life of dogs: basic rules

Your task is to improve the dog's future life. Under no circumstances should she live on the street, even if she has an excellent kennel. The fact is that a dog whose coordination is impaired can harm itself without proper supervision. In the room you allocate for your dog, there should be no objects that have sharp corners, because, despite all the prescribed medications, the pet’s condition will suffer changes, and for the worse.

It is also worth noting that some animals may, over time, begin to adapt to life with a congenital pathology, but this process is not typical for all breeds. In some cases, the dog will even move more or less independently, avoiding small obstacles. But there are also not so good situations; sometimes you have to put the dog to sleep so that it simply stops suffering.

If, however, your dog begins to lose coordination, it needs treatment. The cost of such treatment depends on the causes of the disease. For example, treatment for disorientation can cost up to 1800 UAH, while the cost of Wobbler syndrome (spinal cord problem) can be approximately 4000 UAH. As a rule, most procedures can vary from 100 to 3000 UAH.

Treatment of vestibular syndrome is not possible in all cases. So, if we are talking about the idiopathic nature of the pathology (congenital or acquired with age), medications, alleviating the condition of the animal.

Pathology caused by inflammatory infectious process, treated with antibiotics ( wide range actions). When treating otitis, it is prohibited to use ototoxic drugs belonging to the group of aminoglycosides (antibiotics, chlorhexidine).

Vestibular syndrome caused by oncology can only be eliminated by surgery and chemotherapy. For hypothyroidism and other hormonal disorders, it is advisable to use replacement therapy.

With timely treatment, the dog’s condition stabilizes within three days. After 1-2 weeks, a decrease in ataxia and head tilt can be observed; after 3-4 weeks, recovery occurs. At this stage, physical therapy is prescribed. However, it would be incorrect to talk about a final cure.

As for prognosis, a positive one is only possible if the syndrome was diagnosed in a small puppy - there is hope that its vestibular apparatus will adapt to environment, and the baby will be able to live full life. In other cases, this is especially true for cancer patients, residual effects make the animal suffer for the rest of its life.

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, its surgical removal can result in significant improvement, 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 regimen for maintaining an animal with ataxia includes painkillers, medications that relieve nervous tension, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes (in particular, B-group 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.

Therapy

Let us immediately warn you that treatment of vestibular syndrome in dogs is impossible if we are talking about a congenital case, or when the disease begins to develop in an old dog. In this case, only drugs are prescribed that alleviate the animal’s condition. Of course, in cases where the dog becomes helpless, the owner will have to constantly care for it, remove secretions, and massage it in order to avoid the development of bedsores.

There is good news: if vestibular syndrome appears in a very young puppy, there is a good chance that its vestibular apparatus will fully adapt to unusual conditions, after which the animal will be able to live a full life. In principle, even in old dogs it is most often possible to induce remission, but the dog may still have the “habit” of walking with his head bowed.

Since in most cases the disease is caused by inflammation of an infectious etiology, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, cancer is treated surgically (if possible), or through chemotherapy. In situations where hypothyroidism has led to the development of the disease, replacement therapy is resorted to.

As a rule, if the root cause is completely eliminated, it is possible to completely get rid of vestibular syndrome. Unfortunately, this applies to cases of oncology to a lesser extent: even with removal malignant tumor the animal may suffer from residual effects.

What to do at home

Many owners have a question: “How to help a dog at home?” The answer is clear: strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and do not self-medicate, it can lead to irreversible consequences. The maximum that can be done is to create a comfortable environment for the dog, provide it with good care and quality feeding.

Prevention measures

Treatment of vestibular syndrome is a long process that will require considerable patience and endurance from both the owner and the pet. To avoid relapses, you should carefully monitor symptoms and under no circumstances interrupt treatment, even if the condition has improved significantly.

To prevent the development of vestibular syndrome in your pet, you need to:

• feed the animal correctly;
• systematically walk;
• avoid situations where the pet may injure its head;
• immediately respond to any changes in the dog’s behavior;
• it is imperative to continue to treat diseases, especially for otitis media, which can subsequently cause serious problems with health.

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;
• a 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 involved in breeding 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. With cerebellar ataxia in dogs, there are no structural changes 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 pathways conducting nerve impulses, only the pelvic limbs or all four legs may be affected.

Vestibular ataxia occurs when the labyrinth is damaged, which perceives changes in the head and body in space, as well as the direction of movement. 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

Specific tests or diagnostic methods there is no test for detecting 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

In addition to the 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.

At 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 due to trauma, the head or spinal cord, spine, or pathways that conduct nerve impulses. 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.