Ataxia in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Ataxia
Organ System: Cardiovascular

Abnormal gait and inability to coordinate while standing or moving. Ataxia is a result of compression on the spinal chord in cases of malformed bones and ligaments of the spine. Dogs are displaying weakness of the legs; hind legs being more often affected. They are stumbling, falling and walking in a strange manner, lifting their legs high. They have unusual body positions while standing. The condition can worsen over time. In order to diagnose ataxia, vet will need the help of MRI, CT and X-ray imaging. In some cases surgical correction is possible, but keeping in mind additional costs of those diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Breeds exposed to Ataxia – Research Reference
Field Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Ibizan Hound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Italian Greyhound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Tibetan Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Saluki Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Afghan Hound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Field Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Greyhound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Ibizan Hound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Italian Greyhound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Saluki – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Tibetan Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
GREYHOUND RACING DOG – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Greyhound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Ataxia or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.