What are the common causes of ataxia in dogs and cats?

Ataxia can have many causes, including brain or cerebellar disease, spinal cord or ear problems, metabolic disorders, or toxic exposure. The exact cause needs to be confirmed through veterinary examination and tests such as imaging, blood work, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis — consult your vet for guidance.

What tests will the vet use to find the cause?

Common tests include a thorough neurological evaluation, X-rays, and blood work. CT or MRI imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis may also be arranged when needed to help confirm the diagnosis — follow your vet's recommendations for further testing.

Whether recovery is possible depends on the underlying cause. Some conditions improve with treatment and rehabilitation, while others require long-term management. Discuss the prognosis and follow-up plan with your vet and follow their advice regarding rehabilitation.

What information should I bring to the appointment?

It is helpful to prepare the onset time, a video of symptoms (front and side views), recent weight records, a list of current medications, and any previous examination reports. These will help the vet quickly assess the condition and plan appropriate tests.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Ataxia in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care Guide [2025]

Ataxia is a symptom of neurological dysfunction that may arise from vestibular, cerebellar, or sensory nerve problems — identifying the underlying cause is essential.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Sudden inability to stand or continuous frequent falling
•Markedly decreased responsiveness or unresponsive to being called
•Difficulty breathing or change in gum color

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent unsteady gait but still able to walk short distances
•Difficulty chewing or swallowing when eating or drinking
•Decreased activity level with noticeable loss of balance during movement

01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?

Ataxia primarily presents as an unsteady gait and impaired coordination, commonly accompanied by head tremors, abnormal eye movements, or difficulty swallowing.

Unsteady gait, prone to stumbling or falling
Difficulty coordinating the head or body while walking
Rapid involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) or noticeable head tremors
Abnormal chewing or swallowing when eating or drinking
Reduced activity level; balance worsens during movement

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Sudden hind limb weakness or inability to stand or walk
⚠️ Loss of consciousness or significantly reduced responsiveness to surroundings
⚠️ Difficulty breathing, or pale or bluish gums and lips

02How Should I Assess the Situation at Home? Key Observations and When to Go to Emergency

Before visiting the clinic, observing and documenting details at home gives the veterinarian a more complete history and visual reference for diagnosis.

Note when symptoms first appeared and how they have changed over time
Record video of your pet walking from the front and side for reference
Monitor and log appetite, water intake, and bowel and bladder habits daily
Measure and track changes in body weight and activity level
List all current medications and supplements being given
Bring the video and daily log to the specialist appointment

03How Will the Vet Diagnose This? Common Diagnostic Tests

The veterinarian will perform a range of assessments — from physical examination to advanced imaging and laboratory tests — to evaluate neurological function and identify the possible cause.

Full physical examination and neurological assessment (gait evaluation and reflex testing)

X-rays to rule out skeletal or spinal structural abnormalities

CT or MRI to further evaluate brain or spinal cord lesions

Blood tests to assess metabolic, infectious, or inflammatory markers

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis or bacterial culture if indicated

Neurology specialist referral recommended if advanced evaluation is needed

04How Is It Treated and Managed After Diagnosis? Medications, Diet & Care Guide

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and typically involves a combination of medication, supportive care, and rehabilitation, with regular clinical and imaging follow-up required.

Symptomatic or disease-specific treatment based on the underlying cause, with therapy adjusted accordingly
Dietary management and weight control to support overall recovery
Modify the home environment to reduce the risk of falls and injury
Schedule follow-up visits as directed and monitor clinical and imaging changes
Rehabilitation therapy may be recommended to improve coordination and muscle strength
Follow-up at a facility equipped with neurology capabilities is advised

05What Should I Prepare Before the Vet Visit? Key Information to Help the Vet Identify the Cause

Note the onset time and how symptoms have progressed

Prepare video files of your pet walking from the front and side

List all medications and supplements with their names and frequency of use

Bring recent weight records and a bowel and bladder diary for comparison

Bring any previous examination reports or imaging files if available

When booking, mention that a neurological assessment or advanced imaging may be needed

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Ataxia

Incoordination

Head Tilt

Tilted head position

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement