Coordination issues can have a dramatic impact on your dog’s gait, yet they do not always indicate one type of health problem. A sudden development of unsteady gait, stumbling or difficulty controlling limb positions (wobbly) could be indicative of a variety of potential causes. Likewise, a gradual development of this issue over days or weeks could lead to questions regarding whether this is due to a neurologic issue or an issue elsewhere in the body.
What Loss of Coordination Looks Like?
Ataxia or coordination issues are defined as the abnormal control of movement. This is not the same as weakness. A dog with weakness would likely struggle to stand; whereas, a dog with ataxia will typically have the ability to stand with strength, however movement will be inaccurate or uncoordinated. There are many common examples of coordination issues.
· Swaying or wobbling while walking
· Crossing or misplacement of limbs
· Falling to one side
· Stumbling
· Trouble judging steps or stairs
· Head tilt or unstable posture
Additionally, some Dogs may display rapid involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) and dizziness in conjunction with their coordination issues.
Neurological Causes
Generally speaking, coordination issues result from dysfunction of the nervous system, inflammation, infection, etc., in either the brain itself, the spinal cord, or the inner ear. When looking at coordination issues from a neurologic standpoint, you will see a particular trend in how the dog moves. For example, the dog may consistently fall towards a certain side of the body. In many neurological cases, strength is relatively preserved, but coordination and balance are impaired. Examples of neurologic issues causing coordination issues:
· Vestibular disease that is affecting the inner ear
· Brain tissue inflammation or infection
· Potential injuries or compression of the spinal cord
· Exposure to toxins, which can disrupt normal nervous system function
· Degenerating conditions affecting the brain
Because these conditions can look similar on the surface, a proper neurological exam at a veterinary clinic is often the only way to pinpoint the exact cause.
Non Neurological Causes
Not all coordination issues result from the nervous system. Various systemic issues may occur as well which could cause coordination issues through the reduction of energy, reduced circulation, or decreased muscular function.
For instance, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can reduce energy availability to the brain, weakness, collapse, or altered mentation that may mimic incoordination. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can also negatively affect muscular control. Additional systemic causes of coordination issues:
• Low blood pressure
• Significant weakness secondary to an illness
• Medication side effects
• Muscular fatigue
Typically, in these scenarios, the animal will appear generally weak or lethargic rather than showing true directional incoordination.
Key Differences in Real Life Observation
As stated earlier, identifying whether or not a pet has lost coordination can be difficult based on appearance alone. However, observing the specific mannerisms exhibited during locomotion can provide clues. Typically, when a coordination issue is neurologically based, there is often asymmetry or directionality. The animal may consistently lean in one direction or move in circles. Additionally, abnormal eye movements may be observed in addition to loss of coordination. This type of incoordination tends to be patterned rather than generalized.
On the contrary, systemic causes of loss of coordination typically have a broader effect on the animal’s locomotion. The animal will often appear lethargic, weakened, and will have trouble moving due to energy deficiencies rather than a loss of coordination. Head position and eye movements are usually normal, and symptoms may improve with rest.
For example, vestibular disease may cause an animal to immediately tilt its head and consistently fall towards one side. Dehydration may cause an animal to be generally weak; however, they will still attempt to maintain an upright posture when attempting to walk.
Sudden vs Gradual
Timing is another useful indicator. Sudden loss of coordination often points to acute causes such as vestibular disease, toxin exposure, or traumatic injury. These types of situations develop rapidly and may appear extreme despite the fact that some conditions are reversible.
Slower developing loss of coordination is often associated with progressive degenerative diseases or chronic systemic disease. Early owners may observe slight slips prior to noticing a significant loss of coordination.
Why early warning Signs are important
Due to their adaptive nature, Dogs often initially hide small changes such as hesitant climbing up stairs, slipping on smooth surfaces, or irregularity in their stride. Due to this nature, these small changes are critical indicators and are often overlooked until it becomes apparent that there is more going wrong than loss of coordination.
The majority of animals experiencing loss of coordination experience additional symptoms, including weight loss, lethargy, behavioral changes, etc. As a result, loss of coordination is rarely isolated.
When does loss of coordination require veterinary attention?
Coordination loss in dogs becomes a bigger concern when it continues to get worse (worsening), persists for a longer period of time (persistent), and/or has other neurologic signs, such as seizures, extreme confusion/disorientation, or odd eye movements.
If the dog appears normal while resting, but repeatedly falls down, or cannot properly move from one area to another, then there is likely something wrong with the dog that is either continuing to worsen rather than resolving itself on its own.
Conclusion
Loss of coordination in dogs is due to a variety of neurological disorders including those that involve the brain, inner ear or spinal cord, as well as many systemic conditions that affect an animal’s ability to maintain their balance. In order to narrow down the potential cause(s) of loss of coordination in dogs it is best to carefully evaluate the dog’s movement pattern, rate of development (onset), and other symptoms. Understanding canine ataxia, vestibular disease, neurological disorders in dogs, and the systemic causes of imbalance will provide you with a better understanding of your dog’s condition. The signs may appear similar initially but there are significant differences among the various possible causes; therefore, careful observation is necessary.
