2012 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Ataxia is defined as incoordination that results from either insufficient proprioceptive (sensory) input to gait centres in the CNS or failure of the central regulators of motor function, such as the cerebellum. Paresis (weakness) due to UMN or LMN lesions often accompanies ataxia and in many cases contributes to the observed gait deficits. Animals with ataxia may exhibit crossing of the limbs, falling, leaning and overreaching, as well as disorganized range and rates of movement, as single signs or in combinations.
