47 Ataxia
Spinal ataxia
INTRODUCTION
Causes of ataxia
Presenting signs of abnormal proprioception
• Excessive abduction of a limb, or both limbs causing a wide-based stance, or more extreme, a splaying of the limbs (‘Bambi on ice’)
• Circumduction (swinging out to the side; abduction in an arc-shaped trajectory) of the limbs, particularly when turning
• Stumbles, tripping over steps, own adducted limb, on uneven ground or surfaces with little traction, e.g. wood flooring
• Delayed initiation of a step (delayed protraction) resulting in a longer stride than normal. This gives the hindquarters a crouched appearance. This may result in collapse when turning.
Owners commonly describe their pet as ‘drunk, wobbly, clumsy or unsteady’.
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