TL;DR: Ataxia is an unsteady or "drunk" gait caused by neurological or inner ear issues; while usually requiring a vet visit within 24 hours, seek emergency care immediately if your dog has seizures, is vomiting, or cannot stand.
What does it mean if my dog is walking wobbly or acting "drunk"?
When a dog has a wobbly head or an unsteady gait, it is clinically known as ataxia. This is a sensory dysfunction that results in a loss of coordination in the limbs, head, or trunk. It often looks like your dog is "drunk" or dizzy. This can be caused by issues within the inner ear (vestibular system), the spinal cord, or the brain.
Is a wobbly gait in dogs considered a medical emergency?
The urgency level for a wobbly gait is typically Medium. While it may not always be a critical emergency, you should follow these guidelines:
- Contact your veterinarian for an appointment within the next 24 hours for general unsteady behavior.
- Seek immediate emergency care if your dog is also experiencing a seizure, persistent vomiting, or is unable to stand at all.
Why should I record a video of my dog's wobbly movement for the vet?
It is very helpful to take a short video of your dog’s behavior before heading to the vet for the following reasons:
- Neurological symptoms can be intermittent; your dog might act normally by the time they reach the clinic.
- A video allows the vet to see the exact nature of the gait or tilt.
- Visual evidence is vital for distinguishing between a middle-ear infection, toxin exposure, or a spinal issue.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
A head tilt in dogs indicates vestibular system disease involving cranial nerve VIII, the rostral medulla oblongata, or the cerebellum, while abnormal head coordination, bobbing, and tremors result from cerebellar dysfunction. Cerebellar disorders typically manifest as intention tremors, a wide-based stance, and incoordination (dysmetria) of the head, trunk, and limbs. Brain stem disorders can lead to cranial nerve dysfunction, postural disturbances, or vestibular dysfunction; weakness and proprioceptive gait disturbances may also occur, potentially progressing to impaired consciousness. Furthermore, certain glycoproteinoses, such as fucosidosis in English Springer Spaniels, can present with ataxia, personality changes, dysphonia, dysphagia, hearing/visual deficits, and seizures, with signs progressively developing from 6 to >24 months of age.
Chapter: Neurology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1214)