Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (+Cost)

Unfortunately, there are a few dog diseases that can have a negative impact on health and possibly also on life expectancy.

The so-called ataxia in dogs belong.

But what is hidden behind this harmless-sounding term? The following guide will tell you – along with everything you need to know about ataxia in dogs.

In a nutshell: what is ataxia in dogs?

Simply put, ataxia in dogs means: a disturbance in the movement coordination of the animal.

This is expressed, among other things, by swaying and strange movements and postures of the body and legs.

These are triggered, for example, by so-called neurological deficits in the hind legs.

Ataxia in dogs: causes and triggers

First of all, important information that also plays into the causes: There are two types of ataxia in dogs:

1. hereditary ataxia
2. cerebral ataxia

Ultimately, both forms are genetic or hereditary diseases.

While hereditary ataxia affects the spine – also known as Wobbler syndrome – cerebral ataxia affects the cerebellum of the dog.

In this last form, the genes are the cause.

If it is hereditary ataxia, these causes may have set the trigger:

• herniated discs
• Changes in the spine (congenital)
• The dog has had growth spurts that were too rapid
• Tissue changes & abscesses on the spine

When a dog suffers from ataxia, it can look like an epileptic seizure to the untrained eye – but it isn’t.

Symptoms and signs of ataxia in dogs

Ataxia in the dog often manifests itself in its symptoms as sudden canine ataxia. That means that the Signs can appear instantly.

You’ve noticed this sudden ataxia in the dog? Then these things are among the most common symptoms:

• the dog is limping
• uncoordinated movements
• the dog looks petrified
• the dog has difficulty standing
• the legs seem hardly mobile
• perceived persistence in a position
• the dog staggers as if dazed/stunned
• the head hangs down because this is to keep the balance

Can ataxia in dogs be cured?

Unfortunately, cerebral ataxia in dogs cannot be cured. It occurs mainly in very young dogs in the first few months of life.

The symptoms get worse over time and affect, among other things, the quality of life of the little furry friend.

If it is hereditary ataxia in dogs, there are appropriate treatment methods, which we will go into detail later.

Which Breeds Are Most Prone to Ataxia?

There are some breeds that particularly prone to ataxia are, including the following:

The terrier breeds mainly suffer from cerebral ataxia or are born with it.

The life expectancy of the puppies is very low, they usually only have a few months.

Dog breeds with long necks, such as the Doberman pinscher, suffer from hereditary ataxia.

What is the treatment and therapy for ataxia in dogs?

A treatment and therapy with a prospect of relief is given only in hereditary ataxia.

There are different ways to help the sick dog.

As a rule, the dog is operated on the spine in order to ensure that the spinal cord is no longer constricted as much.

The dog may have metal plates inserted into its spine to take the pressure off the spinal cord over the long term.

If it is only a mild form of ataxia, appropriate medication can also be used as therapy.

The drugs are mostly anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.

In addition to the two forms of ataxia mentioned, there is also what is known as episodic ataxia. Here, among other things, acetazolamide can be administered.

In all cases, the dog should always take it easy and not romp around too much.

How long can a dog live with ataxia?

The life expectancy of a dog suffering from ataxia depends on the type of ataxia and the success of the treatment (if possible)..

Here, the period of time can be a few months, but also several years (up to 3).

Has cerebral ataxia been diagnosed in a puppy? Then this ataxia in the dog usually means putting it to sleep. ☹

What are the costs of a diagnosed ataxia in my dog?

The costs that come with a diagnosed ataxia in the dog, are between €438.50 and €788.50 in a 1-fold set.

This does not include the costs that arise as a result of any surgery that may be necessary, follow-up examinations and medication.

In order to determine that a dog is suffering from ataxia, several tests and examinations must first be carried out, which lead to the costs mentioned.

The following table explains the examinations and the associated costs in a simple overview.

type of investigationCost 1-fold setCost 2-fold rateCost 3 times the rateNeurological examination€14.31€28.62€42.93X-ray image with contrast medium€50€100€150CT€350€700€1,050MRI€700€1,400€2,100short anesthesia€24.19€48.38€72.57

As you can see, the cost of diagnosing ataxia is quite expensive. So it makes sense to take out pet health insurance.

This covers the diagnostic costs as well as subsequent treatment costs.

So that you don’t have to search for offers for a long time, you can find suitable offers right here.

Conclusion

Does your dog suffer from ataxia? Then age and race determine the form of ataxia, so, whether it is cerebral or hereditary ataxia.

While the former is unfortunately not curable and usually means that this ataxia causes the dog to be put down, hereditary ataxia can be treated.

Ataxia is a disease that, in the worst case, affects the life expectancy, in any case, the quality of life of the dog.

For the ataxia diagnosis, you will incur costs of €449.84 to €799.84 in a 1-fold rate.

We hope your dog is not suffering from this terrible disease. We look forward to comments on ataxia in dogs in the comments.