10 week old puppy ataxic and depressed

Re: 10 week old puppy ataxic and depressed

Ruth Bennett — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:47:35 GMT

Thank you for all your advice. The puppy is much brighter in himself today (despite no treatment so far) and his gait seems marginally improved. Only other thought I had was possibly Neospora although I have never seen a case. Looks like he'll be referred just feel bad as it's a Bank Holiday weekend - typical!

Re: 10 week old puppy ataxic and depressed

Mark Lowrie — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:45:57 GMT

Hi Ruth,

It is difficult to know what could be going on with the description as hind limb ataxia can occur with all central nervous system diseases. A video of the gait would always be helpful to ascertain more to try and work out the neurological localisation. However, the two main signs you mention (hindlimb ataxia with abnormal mentation) would make me consider a brain lesion most likely. In a young dog I would do exactly as you have and perform H+B and bile acid stim (as metabolic disease would be high on list of possibilities) but if this is all normal it would seem that an MRI would be the sensible next step to rule-out structural lesions.

Hope this helps but I would think referral is a good idea and probably better sooner rather than later.

Re: 10 week old puppy ataxic and depressed

David Mills — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:42:27 GMT

In the absence of systemic signs of disease, it suggests some element of generalised neuro involvement, with brain involved if depression. SRM would be a consideration. Referral for imaging +/- CSF tap would be beneficial I think if BAs come back normal. Shunts etc would expect more GI signs. Tough case.

Re: 10 week old puppy ataxic and depressed

Ruth Bennett — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:46:59 GMT

Just depressed mentation, generally sleepy. Forelimbs are ok no UMN signs.

Re: 10 week old puppy ataxic and depressed

Anthony Dennison — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:03:51 GMT

Apart from ataxia, was there anything abnormal on neurological exam?