Disorder - Ataxia

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Spina bifida, Sacrococcygeal dysgenesis, Atlantoaxial subluxation

Alternative Names
Spastic, Spasticity, Incoordination, Knuckling of foot

Presenting Signs

Ataxia is a word that is used to describe a lack of coordination of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Ataxia occurs if certain areas of the nervous system that are responsible for the control of the limbs are damaged or diseased in some way. Disease in areas of the brain such as the cerebellum or vestibular region, or disease of the spinal cord pathways will cause ataxia. Inherited diseases that may cause ataxia include hereditary neuroaxonal dystrophy, hereditary cerebellar degeneration, hypomyelination or lysosomal storage diseases like mannosidosis. Diseases are usually progressive, that is initial incoordination and weakness may progress to paralysis. Typically, cats with ataxia over-reach with their paws and have a poor or absent placing reflex. Other clinical signs include a wide based stance and possible trembling limbs.

Cats at Risk

Kittens

Treatment

Medical. Treatment will depend on the type of disease that is causing the ataxia. In general though, most congenital diseases causing ataxia will usually lead to a poor outcome for the cat.

PubMed References
Ataxia

Contributor
Audrey Hoh