Neurological Disorders in Dogs: Dogs have the same nervous systems as humans and experience trauma and degeneration of the brain, spinal cord, vertebrae and peripheral nerves just like humans.
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The result is a neurological disorder that is often cured or managed.
When a dog has a neurological problem, the symptoms are very obvious, sudden and frightening.
Paralysis, tremors or seizures are some of the symptoms of something wrong with a dog’s nervous system – a network of cells that carry signals to the brain and body.
To give your dog the best chance of recovering from a neurological disorder, it is important that you recognize the signs.
To help keep you informed, ask experts to share important information about the most common types of neurological disorders found in dogs, their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and possible treatments.
What is Canine Neurological Disorder?
Canine neurological disorders are diseases that come from the central or peripheral nervous system of your pet. The 3 main areas affected by canine neurological disorders are
- Brain,
- Spinal cord
- Nerves.
A change in the animal’s ability to perceive the environment can be caused by disease in the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system.
Early signs of nervous system disorders include behavioral changes, seizures, tremors, pain, numbness, coordination disorder, and weakness or paralysis of one or more legs.
The effects of injury on sensory and motor function depend on its location and severity.
Also Read: Tips on How to Introduce Baby to a Hyper Dog
Spinal cord injury can cause numbness and paralysis below the level of the injury. Mild spinal cord injuries can cause clumsy movement and mild weakness of the limbs.
Moderate spinal cord injuries can lead to greater weakness of the limbs. In severe spinal cord injuries, complete loss of mobility (paralysis) and sensation may occur. However, not all spinal cord injuries cause paralysis.
For example, an injury to the spinal cord in the lower back is not an organ paralysis, the bladder loses control.
- Injuries to the brain can cause different effects, again affecting any part of the brain.
- Dog Injuries to the brain stem can cause loss of balance, limb weakness, hyperactive reflex, stupor or coma.
- Injuries to the cerebellum cause head and leg dysfunction, tremors and loss of balance.
- Dog Injuries to the brain include complete or partial blindness, loss of sense of smell, seizures, coma, stupor, movement or circulatory behavior and inability to recognize the owner.
- Some injuries to the nervous system can cause obvious damage within 24 to 48 hours of injury.
Chronic damage is usually caused by inflammation of the vessels in the brain or internal bleeding. Strokes caused by clogged arteries or high blood pressure are very rare in pets.
What are the common symptoms of neurological disorders?
With brain disorders, the symptoms include:
- Convulsions
- Head tilt
- Vibrations
- Blindness
- With spinal cord, symptoms:
- Inconsistent gait or complete paralysis of anterior or posterior limbs
- Problems with urination
- Loss of feeling of pain in the affected limbs
Symptoms affecting the nerves of the face:
- Facial paralysis
- Inability to blink
- Loss of tongue function
How neurological disorders in dogs are typically diagnosed?
What next after observing the symptoms of a neurological disorder in dogs that is determined by the type and cause of the disorder. For example:
- The slipped disc is fixed with spinal surgery.
- Autoimmune disorders can be managed with medication.
- Brain tumors can be treated with brain surgery or radiation therapy.
Unfortunately, there are some neurological disorders that are untreated or cost-preventive to prevent.
In these cases, you can trust our compassionate staff to help you understand and deal with the loss of your pet.
The veterinarian begins their assessment with a comprehensive history, which includes questions:
- When did the signals start?
- Does the dog have pain?
- Are there travel or injuries?
Do they eat what they should not have, or do they take any medications?
You can expect your dog to have a physical exam and a more specific neurologic test, testing for nerve function and reactions.
Often, tests are recommended to assess systemic health, such as blood function or urination, to look at blood cells and organ function, Frequent imaging of the area is the next step, and may include advanced analyzes such as radiographs or MRI or CT scans to prevent the loss.
Neurological disorders in dogs treatment
Neurological disorders in dogs can affect their brain, spinal cord, or nerves, and they can cause problems like seizures, weakness, or coordination issues. Treating these disorders often involves a few steps:
Diagnosis
When a dog shows signs of a neurological problem, a thorough diagnosis is necessary. The process often begins with a physical exam by a veterinarian who assesses your dog’s symptoms, reactions, and overall condition. To get a more detailed picture, additional tests may be necessary.
Blood work can help rule out infections or metabolic problems. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans can provide detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord, helping to detect structural abnormalities or tumors.
In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be necessary to evaluate infections or inflammatory conditions.
Medicines
Medications play a key role in managing neurological disorders in dogs. Antiseizure medications such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide can help control seizures and improve the dog’s quality of life.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone can reduce inflammation in the nervous system, which is beneficial for conditions such as encephalitis. Additionally, pain medications can provide relief for dogs experiencing pain due to neurological issues.
Medication and dosage selection often depends on the specific diagnosis and individual dog’s response, requiring close collaboration between veterinarian and dog owner to achieve optimal results.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can significantly benefit dogs with neurological disorders by improving their strength, balance and mobility. Therapists can design exercises and techniques that target specific muscles or improve coordination.
For example, underwater treadmill therapy can help dogs regain strength without putting too much stress on their joints. Balance exercises can help dogs with coordination problems.
Tailored physical therapy plans administered by trained professionals can greatly improve a dog’s ability to perform daily activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Surgery
Surgical intervention may be necessary to treat neurological conditions caused by structural abnormalities or traumatic injuries.
For example, dogs with intervertebral disc disease may need surgery to remove or repair damaged discs that compress the spinal cord. Brain tumors can be surgically removed, followed by radiation or chemotherapy.
Although surgery is beneficial, it is often reserved for cases where less invasive treatments are ineffective, and it carries its own risks and recovery considerations.
Diet and Supplements
A balanced diet and appropriate supplements contribute to the overall well-being of dogs with neurological disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil supplements, have anti-inflammatory properties that support nerve health.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E or C help fight oxidative stress and protect nerve cells. Veterinarians may recommend special diets designed to support neurological health that contain ingredients such as B vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants.
It is essential to follow your vet’s guidance on dietary adjustments and supplement choices tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Management of Underlying Causes
Effective treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes of neurological disorders. Infections, for example, can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Immune-mediated conditions may require immunosuppressants to manage inflammation. Tumors may require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to slow their growth or achieve remission.
Managing underlying causes is critical to long-term success in treating neurological problems, and this often involves collaboration between veterinarians from different specialties.
Regular Vet Checkups
Dogs with neurological disorders usually require ongoing care to monitor their condition and make necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
Regular vet checkups, which include neurological tests, help track progress and ensure medications are effective.
These visits allow veterinarians to detect any changes in the dog’s condition early and intervene in time.
Owners should communicate openly with their veterinarian about their dog’s response to treatment, any new symptoms or concerns.
Support and care
Providing a supportive and nurturing environment is essential for dogs with neurological disorders.
Dogs may experience fear or anxiety due to their condition, so it is important to create a calm and safe environment.
Make sure your home is suitable for any mobility challenges your dog may face. Your furry friend is their para
