Ataxia is a frightening condition that can cause your dog or cat to lose balance and coordination, shake, and suddenly collapse. There are three types of ataxia -- vestibular, sensory (proprioceptive), and cerebellar -- each with different causes and symptoms. Here we will look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the cerebellar type, which is often the most difficult to manage.
Causes of Cerebellar Ataxia in Dogs and Cats
In both humans and animals, the cerebellum is the area of the brain that controls coordination and movement. When this area is damaged, it can result in a loss of coordination, balance, and motor function control. It can also sometimes cause cognitive impairment.
Damage to the cerebellum can be caused by a brain tumor or brain infection, however it is most commonly the result of a congenital or hereditary defect that destroys cells in the cerebellum.
When this condition is inherited, it is through a recessive gene. This means that both of the animal’s parents must carry the defective gene in order to pass on the disease. However, an animal can inherit one copy of the defective gene and one copy of the normal gene and not show symptoms, but can pass on a copy of the defective gene to future offspring.
Symptoms of Cerebellar Ataxia in Dogs and Cats
The symptoms of cerebellar ataxia appear progressively over the course of years or months. In general, animals do not begin showing symptoms until around two years of age.
The most common symptoms of cerebellar ataxia include:
- Swaying
- Abnormal walking (e.g., taking large steps)
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors in head and body
- Falling
- Weakness
- Rapid eye and head movement
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Treatment for Cerebellar Ataxia in Dogs and Cats
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from cerebellar ataxia, contact your veterinarian. While there is no test that can definitely diagnose the condition, your veterinarian will perform a number of tests to try to identify the cause of your pet’s symptoms. These tests may include blood work, urinalysis, an electrolyte panel, and imaging -- such as x-rays or a CT scan -- to determine the location of the disease. Other tests may be ordered depending on what your veterinarian discovers during initial testing.
Treatment for cerebellar ataxia will depend on the cause. If a brain infection or tumor is to blame, treatment options may include medications or surgery. However, there is no cure for ataxia caused by a congenital or hereditary defect. In these cases, supportive treatment is the only option, and it serves simply to make your pet more comfortable.
Supportive treatment options may include therapies and/or certain medications. However, never give your pet any medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Some medications -- such as anti-seizure medications -- can actually make the condition worse.
Pets with cerebellar ataxia should also be monitored closely, as the weakness and unsteadiness that are hallmarks of the disease put your pet at greater risk for injury.
Some pets with congenital or hereditary ataxia may be able to live a relatively normal, albeit off-balance, life. Other pets may be more seriously affected, resulting in a very bad quality of life that warrants a discussion with your veterinarian about euthanasia.
What are the three types of cerebellar ataxia?
Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological condition that affects coordination and movement control in cats and dogs. There are three types of cerebellar ataxia that can affect these animals: congenital, acquired, and idiopathic. Congenital cerebellar ataxia is an inheritable defect brought on either by genetic mutations or abnormal developmental processes. It is common in certain breeds and can range in intensity from mild to severe. Some examples of congenital ataxias include cerebellar hypoplasia and lysosomal storage diseases. On the other hand, acquired cerebellar ataxia is brought on by factors like toxins, trauma, or infection. It can occur at any age and can result in a wide range of symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Examples of acquired ataxias include trauma-induced ataxia and infectious ataxia. Finally, idiopathic cerebellar ataxia is a condition that has no known cause and can affect cats and dogs of any age. It is often referred to as sporadic or non-hereditary ataxia. Its symptoms are similar to those of congenital and acquired ataxias, but its cause is unknown.
Is there a cure for cerebellar ataxia?
No, there is no known cure for cerebellar ataxia in dogs and cats. The precise cause and severity of the symptoms will determine how this ailment is treated. Supportive treatment and therapy can help control the symptoms of congenital cerebellar ataxia and enhance the quality of life for the pet. In certain circumstances, medicines such as antioxidants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be administered to ease symptoms. In cases of acquired ataxia, treatment will focus on addressing the underlying cause, such as infection or toxin exposure. In some other cases, surgery may be required to get rid of a tumor or repair a spinal injury that is causing the ataxia. For idiopathic ataxia, treatment will focus on managing the symptoms and improving the animal's quality of life. This may involve medications to manage symptoms such as tremors, physical therapy to improve balance and coordination, and lifestyle modifications such as providing ramps or non-slip surfaces to prevent falls.
Is cerebellar ataxia progressive?
Yes, Cerebellar ataxia can be a progressive condition in dogs and cats. This means that the symptoms may worsen over time. Ataxia may develop gradually over a number of years in some situations, whereas it may develop more rapidly in others. As the underlying disease continues to have an impact on the nervous system, ataxia is frequently progressive in degenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy or cerebellar degeneration. Similar to this, some genetic ataxias, such as spinocerebellar ataxia, can develop and cause symptoms to get worse with time. However, other elements, including age, general health, and available treatments, can also have an impact on the course of ataxia. In some instances, medication might decrease the ataxia's progression and enhance the animal's quality of life.
How long can cats live with ataxia?
The lifespan of a cat with ataxia can vary based on the specific reason for the condition and the severity of the symptoms. Generally, cats with congenital or idiopathic ataxia may have a normal lifespan, although their quality of life may be affected by their symptoms. On the other hand, if the ataxia is caused by a degenerative disease, the lifespan of the cat may be reduced, and the progression of the disease may shorten the cat's life expectancy. The cat's lifetime may also be further shortened if the ataxia is severe and interferes with its ability to carry out essential tasks like feeding, drinking, and using the litter box. However, many cats with ataxia can live contented lives with the right care and treatment.
What is the best treatment for ataxia?
There is no “best treatment for ataxia in dogs and cats” without looking into the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms, supportive care to improve the pet's quality of life, and addressing any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to the ataxia. In cases of acquired ataxia, treatment will focus on addressing the specific cause. For example, if the ataxia is caused by a toxin, the pet may need to be treated with medications to remove the toxin from the body. If an infection causes ataxia, antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed to manage the infection. In some other instances, surgery may be required to remove a tumor or repair a spinal injury that is causing the ataxia. While for congenital or idiopathic ataxia, treatment will focus on managing the symptoms and improving the pet's quality of life. This may involve medications to manage symptoms such as tremors, physical therapy to improve balance and coordination, and lifestyle modifications such as providing ramps or non-slip surfaces to prevent falls. In more severe cases, a combination of treatments may be needed to manage the ataxia.
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This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
