Ataxia: Vestibular ataxia

49 Ataxia


Vestibular ataxia




INITIAL PRESENTATION (VESTIBULAR DYSFUNCTION)



• Ataxia

• Falling, leaning, rolling or circling

• Head tilt, nystagmus or positional strabismus.


INTRODUCTION


Balance in a general sense is the ability to remain upright and so anything interfering with the mechanisms keeping an animal upright (strength, muscle tone, proprioception and coordination) could be said to affect balance.


In neurological terms, balance describes the control of posture exerted by the vestibular system. The receptors of the vestibular system are referred to as balance receptors and detect the position and movement of the head. This is termed ‘special’ proprioception. (see Chapter 57, p 234)



SIGNALMENT


An 8.5-year-old neutered female crossbred dog.



CASE PRESENTING SIGNS


Loss of balance and left head tilt.



CASE HISTORY


Signs commenced gradually 3 weeks prior to referral and had been slowly worsening since.


The dog veered to the left when walking. The left hind gave way a little.

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Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Ataxia: Vestibular ataxia

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