Neurological Disease. Cerebellar Ataxia in an older poodle

A 6-year-old female spayed poodle started shivering continuously. The first vet prescribed glucosamine while the second vet advised CT scans as the head and body tremors got worse. The cost of scan is around $1,000. The dog stopped eating and the owner contacted Dr Sing Kong Yuen at Toa Payoh Vets as his other poodle was treated successfully for a bladder stone surgery in 2009 and is still alive.

Owing to financial constraints, I do not advise CT scans or CSF analysis. A blood test shows bacterial infection and elevated liver enzymes . No blood tests were done by the first 2 vets. Treatment with antibiotics, prednisolone, neurobion tablets and prescription diet (liver) for around 8 weeks. The dog recovered fully around 6 weeks after onset of symptoms and is normal as at Nov 9, 2013 in my follow up.

The actual cause of this ataxia is unknown. In my 40 years of small animal practice, I have not encountered another similar case and the video is useful in showing the symptoms. Dr Sing Kong Yuen of Toa Payoh Vets, Singapore.

Cerebellar ataxia in the older dog is a rare case in Singapore. It has many causes and diagnosis may not be possible except during necropsy. More laboratory tests including MRI is recommended but these tests cost a few thousand dollars. A CT scan in Singapore is said to cost $1,500 - $2,000.

Cerebellar Ataxia 1/2 shows the signs and symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, a rare case in dogs seen at Toa Payoh Vets. The dog is on medication as at Sep 30, 2013 and the tremors have decreased in intensity and frequency. The owner is happy that she has started to eat and is very hungry owing to medication.