Neurological Disorders in Dogs

What Are Neurological Disorders in Dogs?

Your dog’s nervous system functions as its “control center,” controlling every aspect of automatic processes, from breathing and metabolic control to higher-order thought, giving it its unique character.

Nerve system issues could range from physical problems to ones that impact the dog’s ability to comprehend and obey commands.

Learn more about the nervous system and how to tell when something is off.

Anatomy of a Dog’s Nervous System

The nervous system comprises the spinal cord, the brain and nerves. The organs and systems that work in concert to control your dog’s general physical, mental and mental health.

The brain is considered to be the most essential organ of the body that is responsible for cognition. It’s split into three primary areas:

The brain stem controls vital life-sustaining processes such as breathing and digesting food without thinking about it.
Cerebrum- Cerebrum- Higher thinking takes place here, for example, learning to obey commands or even house-training
Cerebellum-Controls the entire motor activities, such as running or jumping

The spinal cord is connected to the brain’s base and then runs down the spine, returning towards the side. The spinal cord comprises several nerve fibres, which transmit signals to and out of the brain. It also receives sensory signals from the other body (e.g. Are you cold or hot? Am I being petted?), commands from the brain to control movement and various physical actions.

How Does a Dog’s Nervous System Work?

The nervous system comprises every nerve that shoots out through the spinal cord. They extend to the rest of the dog’s body. A few nerves relay messages directly from the body’s spinal cord. They could be forwarded to the brain for processing and acting upon. Some nerves relay messages from the brain, containing instructions for the body, such as barking at a frightened neighbour or taking a paw from the hot asphalt.

The nervous system of a dog can be divided into two distinct yet connected two different systems:

Central nervous system (CNS)–This includes the spinal cord, brain, and every nerve within these. These nerves may be further separated into parasympathetic and sympathetic roles. Sympathetic nervous systems are accountable for the entire system involved in “fight or flight,” such as the blood vessels, the heart, lungs, muscles, and blood vessels. When dogs see the animal they wish to pursue, their sympathetic nervous system might be activated.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)–The PNS includes the entire network of nerves outside the spinal cord and brain. The PNS is often referred to as “rest and digest.” The nerves are activated when an animal is calm, such as during digestion.

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Symptoms of Neurological Disorders in Dogs

Nerve system disorders may cause mild symptoms such as muscle twitches or pain. However, they can also cause severe manifestations such as seizures or even paralysis. A few of the signs that could be indicative of an illness of the nervous system that dogs suffer from include:

Inability to coordinate (ataxia)
Kneeling on the floor of your feet
Eye movements that are unusually fast and rapid (Nystagmus)
The head tilt or circle
It is difficult to walk
Unsuitable mental activity
Seizures
The muscles twitch, shake or shake
A weakness in the back
Disorientation

Causes of Neurological Disorders in Dogs

These conditions are usually due to inherited genetic issues, but certain breeds have a higher risk of developing them. They may also be triggered by trauma, cancer as well as toxic chemicals.

Brain tumours could be the cause behind an animal’s seizures or behavioural shifts. The appearance of spinal tumours is similar to intervertebral disc diseases that cause the back to feel pain and weakness in the hind part or difficulty walking. Consuming toxins, such as chocolate, as well as antifreeze, could cause seizures, stumbling, or inability to walk. The impact of a collision with a vehicle or any other type of trauma could cause spinal and brain difficulties.

Common Neurological Disorders in Dogs

These are some of the most frequently encountered canine neurologic diseases:

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) occurs when the disc material in a dog’s spine begins bulging or rupturing. The disc compresses the spinal nerve underneath it, disrupting the nerves that connect the spine.

Although IVDD is standard across all breeds, it’s most prevalent in dogs with long backs and less structural spinal stability, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, and Beagles.

The dogs with IVDD might appear to be suffering and may not want to climb on furniture or take the staircase. Additionally, they may be more severely affected by moving their paws over the top of their paws. They may also become unable to walk and even use their hind end.

Specific instances of IVDD are treated with medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as a strict regimen of rest. However, others may need surgery to allow the dog to walk and urinate independently. If the nerves controlling the bowel and urination branch off the spinal cord close to the region of the injured disc, the pet cannot go to the bathroom independently.

Seizures

Epilepsy is an increase in uncontrolled electrical activity within the brain. The most common signs are shaking, physical movements, or even convulsions. If dogs suffer from seizures, they’re cognitively naive and frequently become unable to control the bowels or bladder. The cause of seizures can be particular toxins or underlying conditions such as liver disease, trauma, brain tumours or even genetics.

The most often identified cause of seizures is an inheritable condition known as Idiopathic epilepsy. The treatment for epilepsy usually involves longer-term medication like levetiracetam, phenobarbital or potassium bromide.

When a pet takes seizure medication, it is usually prescribed the medication for the rest of its life. Recording all seizures can help observe patterns that might occur before seizures.

Suppose your dog experiences seizures that last longer than five minutes or has cluster seizures (more than three per the span of 24 hours). In that case, it is recommended that they be evaluated promptly by an emergency vet as they are at risk of strokes to the brain and even loss of life.

Vestibular illness

The vestibular disorder is an abrupt loss of coordination and balance. Animals suffering from this disorder typically cannot walk or spin in one direction, exhibit a tilted head, or have an uncontrolled, jerking movement of the eyes called Nystagmus. A lot of times, they don’t take food and could have a vomiting disorder because of the nausea caused by the spin and uneven feeling.

This condition is more prevalent among senior dogs. It could be caused by middle or an inner ear disease. In most cases, the cause is unknown. reason that could be identified. However, the vestibular disorder is usually cured over time. Most often, the most severe symptoms diminish after two to three days and will disappear in a couple of weeks.

The treatment for Vestibular Disease typically involves taking medications to fight nausea, such as Cerenia(r), and assisted care to benefit the affected dog by consuming food, drinking water, and even going to a toilet outdoors.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive impairment, often known as dementia, is an ageing-related alteration in a dog’s brain that can be seen in a few older dog breeds.

Dogs with cognitive issues are often lost in their homes. They may get trapped in corners or shout at objects that are not present. They can appear confused and confused at night before getting ready for bed.

It is impossible to treat cognitive impairment; however, it can be controlled or reduced through a mixture of medication, supplements, and diet therapy. Certain dogs are given selegiline and placed on diets such as Hills B/D or Purina Neurocare. The dogs with the condition can benefit from some light exercise as well as brain-energizing interactions such as strolls or puzzles with treats.

Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy, is a condition of the neck that results in a sluggish gait, walking with the feet dragging, and severe neck discomfort. It may affect any dog breed, but it is most prevalent among Doberman Pinschers and other large breed dogs such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Rottweilers.

The cause is pressure on the spinal cord within the neck. The problem can be addressed by surgery or medical treatment. Medical treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory pain medicines such as carprofen, and medications to treat nerve pain, such as gabapentin.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy (also known as DM) affects the spine, which causes weakness in the back and eventually paralysis. It’s most prevalent among elderly German Shepherds and is often a sign of arthritis or hip dysplasia. The affected dogs might be less intense on the back side. They may also drag their feet when walking or have problems standing up after lying down.

It’s believed that it’s due to a genetic change similar to amyotrophic lateral thermic sclerosis (ALS) in humans. Although there is no cure for this disease, keeping the affected pet active and at a healthy weight is believed to slow the progress of the illness. Many pets can get relief from pain medication because they often suffer from underlying arthritis, as well.

Meningitis, Encephalitis, and Encephalomyelitis

If there is inflammation within the spinal cord, brain or the membranes surrounding the spinal cord or brain, this is known as encephalitis meningitis or encephalomyelitis.

Dogs with the condition may show symptoms such as fever, head tilt, circles, head press, difficulties with balance and movement, muscle tremors, seizures, and blindness. It could result from a bacteria, parasite, virus, fungus, or autoimmune disease.

A vet neurologist who has performed an MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination usually diagnoses. Treatment involves medicines to eliminate the infection if one exists and lessen inflammation in the spinal cord, brain, and membranes.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Neurological Issues in Dogs

If your dog has neurological problems, your veterinarian should first take a complete background. Inform them about the possibility of exposure to toxic substances, such as behaviours like stepping into the garbage or other areas you aren’t familiar with, as well as the possibility of trauma.

If your dog has seizures, your veterinarian may inquire about the following:

What was the duration of the seizure episode(s) have lasted?
What was the date of the first seizures?
What number of seizures did they suffer?

What exactly was your dog’s behaviour throughout the event? Do they experience convulsions, be unconscious or lose control of their bladder?

Record a video of the dog’s unusual behaviour to demonstrate to the vet.

After an examination for physical health, your doctor may need to conduct specific tests, like blood tests and X-rays. The use of spinal fluid tests is suggested. In this process, cerebrospinal fluid is taken to determine the presence of tumours or infections.

A vet might suggest that your pet visit a neurologist. These experts possess a vast knowledge of neurologic diseases and treatments and can access advanced imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs, which can be highly beneficial when trying to locate areas like discs, the spinal cord, and the brain.

Treatment for Neurological Disorders in Dogs

Treatment is contingent on the type of neurological disorder and could consist of lifestyle adjustments, medications and surgical intervention.

Medication

Medicine is the most popular treatment for the majority of neurological problems in dogs. Anti-epileptic medications are used for the duration of a dog’s existence to treat seizures. Monitoring is typically required to determine the doses needed in time. Therefore, frequent blood tests and checks might be suggested.

The majority of dogs suffering from spinal compression can get relief from anti-inflammatory medicines like steroids. The steroids can cause some adverse effects that include more thirst, more frequent urine output, increased appetite and excessive panting.

If your dog is on steroids, make sure that you let it go out often enough to pee to avoid accidents inside the house. Be aware of their diet and limit the amount of food they consume since an increase in appetite could cause overeating and weight gain, which can aggravate the underlying neurological disease and cut down their lives.

Supplements and Prescription Diets

Several nutritional supplements and other therapies available in the marketplace could help with different neurological conditions. SAMe, a supplement that helps to lower inflammation, can be helpful to some pets. Commercial diets, such as Purina Neurocare and Hills B/D, have been proven to slow down the development of cognitive impairment and decrease the number of seizures.

Surgery

A neurology expert carries out the surgery and may require sophisticated diagnostic tests such as CT or MRI prior to the surgical procedures. The procedure for the neck, back, or even the brain could be costly. However, it might make your dog a desirable opportunity. Be sure to understand the associated costs and adhere to the instructions for post-operative care. Usually, follow-up visits will be scheduled with your pet’s veterinarian.

Recovery and Management of Neurological Disorders in Dogs

Certain neurological conditions are frequent and easily treated to maintain your dog’s standard of living. Certain situations might be uncommon and require a diagnosis and a neurology expert’s assistance for answers.

If your pet has been prescribed medication, you must comply with the prescription as it is written on the label. You should contact your vet immediately if you observe any unanticipated or unusual adverse side effects. Certain medicines, including the drug phenobarbital, could cause extreme side effects at first, such as wobbling or stumbling, but they will subside with time. Your doctor is an excellent person to discuss the medication’s effects and any adjustments.