Loss of Balance

Loss of balance (ataxia) can indicate ear infections, inner ear infections, trauma, brain injury and a variety of other things (brain tumor, cerebrovascular accidents, etc). 

Old animals often are afflicted with acute idiopathic (cause not known) vestibular syndrome, often associated with head tilt and the rapid twitching of the eyes.  This condition, often misconstrued as a "stroke" is usually benign and temporary but can look the same as more serious problems. 

Treatment can keep these patients comfortable until the worst part of their problem is over. 

In some animals, migrating parasites (cuterebra, other) are suspected for acute and severe neurologic signs.  Old animals can have sudden onset signs related to true stroke, brain tumors and bleeding.

Pet Poisonings: Algae | Antifreeze | Chocolate | Easter Lily, Other Lily plants, and Cats | Garbage Intoxication | Grapes and Raisins | Household and Prescription Medications | Lawn and Garden Chemicals | Mushrooms | Poinsettias | Potpourri Oils | Rodent Poisons | Varmint Poisons, Other | Xylitol toxicity