The nervous system of a dog comprises of the dog’s brain, spinal cord, and the nerves traveling between the two and throughout your dog’s body. The nervous system controls a dog’s actions, from movement to play, to eating and to emotional behavior.
A neurological disorder in a dog can occur as a result of external factors like an injury, a reaction to medication, hereditary diseases, or general health problems. Find out some common neurological problems that can impact on a dogs life, as well as some breed-specific disorders to watch for.
Neurological Disorders (Ageing)? Due to leading advancements in diagnosing and treatments that are now available, there are now many options available to families with an ageing dog.
As your dog ages, it is more important than ever to be observant and note any changes in behavior, balance loss or incoordination that may be passed over as just ‘old age’.
For example, it could be the start of a disease that could easily be treated in it’s early stages. While these disorders can be devastating to owners and frustrating to deal with, the sooner you get help from a vet the better it will be for your dog.
As your dog ages, risks of developing neurological disorders such as strokes, brain tumours and neurodegenerative disorders increases which may compromise their quality of life.
SYMPTOMS OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (AGEING) IN DOGS
Changes in activity levels.
A reluctance to venture out or join in any high energy activity.
Changes in their sleep pattern.
Wandering around during the night.
Spinal pain.
Limb weakness.
Lack of coordination.
Unexplained changes to their normal temperament.
Balance problems such as wobbling and unsteady gait.
Urinary or faecal incontinence that may result in house soiling.
Vision loss or impairment.
Convulsive seizures.
Disorientation.
Lethargy Anxiety.
EPILEPSY IN DOGS
Perhaps one of the most well-known neurological disorders is epilepsy, which is characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy can be caused by trauma, like a head injury, or metabolic issues, but the causes can also commonly be idiopathic, meaning that vets are not quite sure why the dog has the disease.
Treatment of epilepsy is aimed at reducing how long the seizures last and how frequently they take place. While the seizures can be quite scary, the day-to-day quality of life for a dog with epilepsy often remains high.
HEREDITARY DISEASES IN DOG BREEDS
Some neurological problems are the result of inherited conditions; however with careful breeding, these kind of diseases can often be avoided.
Dancing Doberman Disease: This disease affects Dobermans only, and causes the gastrocnemius muscle, located in the dog’s legs, to flex and extend. Dogs will eventually avoid standing entirely to avoid this uncontrollable movement. Both males and females can get this disease.
Scottie Cramp: As with Dancing Doberman Disease, Scottie Cramp is a disease that impacts a dog’s legs. Only affecting Scottish Terriers, this disease is carried by a recessive gene, and can be eliminated through proper breeding. Scottish Terriers that have this disease will hyper-extend and hyper-flex their legs, and experience leg spasms.
NEUTRAL DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH DOG BREEDS
Some neural diseases, while not necessarily hereditary in nature, are closely associated with specific breeds of dogs.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome: While not exclusively experienced by dogs with white fur, a large number of dogs with this syndrome are white. The causes of the disease are unknown. Dogs with this condition shake and tremble. Corticosteroids can be used as a treatment method if the causes are neurological in nature.
Cauda Equina Syndrome: Also known as Lumbosacral stenosis, this arthetric condition occurs in a dog’s hind legs. It’s quite painful, especially when dogs lie down. Dogs can also have trouble urinating or defecating as a result. Cauda Equina syndrome occurs because of a narrowing in the dog’s spinal column, and can be easily confused with hip dysplasia. Large breeds, especially German Shepherds and Greyhounds are most commonly affected.
ACQUIRED NEUTRAL DISEASES
These diseases, which greatly impact a dog’s neurological system are caught from other dogs or animals, or caught through exposure.
Tick Paralysis: All ticks are problematic, but some females will transmit poison to dogs during the biting process, which will cause paralysis and breathing difficulties. These nervous system problems will occur within a few days of the bite, and with the removal of the tick. The symptoms will generally dissipate. In some cases, hospitalization will be required.
Distemper:
This virus is highly contagious, and attacks the brain and skin cells of dogs. It’s very common in younger dogs and symptoms usually begin with respiratory issues that progress to anorexia, lethargy, abnormal coloring in the eyes, and sometimes seizures. Vaccines can prevent distemper, however, recovery once the disease is contracted is rare.
Rabies is a virus, caught from infected animals who bite. Rabies attacks a dog’s nervous system and is a serious disease. Your pet will need to be quarantined, even if they have been vaccinated in the past. (However, a vaccine will decrease the duration of the quarantine.)
OTHER MAJOR NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES IN DOGS
In addition, to the diseases mentioned above, there are some other common neurological diseases and conditions that can occur in dogs:
Facial Nerve Paralysis: As is apparent from this condition’s name, muscles in the face will become paralyzed as the result of either the symptom of another disease or for reasons unknown. Although there isn’t a specific treatment, if given treatment for the underlying disease it can resolve the situation, that said, some dogs will recover on their own.
Wobbler Disease: This disease affects the cervical spine and is recognized by a dog’s wobbling walking movements. One treatment option is surgery.
Given the vital role that the nervous system plays in your dog’s behavior, many diseases can cause dogs to display neurological symptoms, such as tremors, seizures, or paralysis. If you notice any of these movement-related symptoms, or a major shift in your dog’s behavior, get your vet to check him/her.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a neurodegenerative disease/condition in older dogs which results in reduced cerebral blood flow to the brain and an accumulation of free radicals in that area.
Neurological diseases are mistakenly attributed to your dog becoming older and are ignored whereas many great advances in veterinary medication demonstrate that with early treatment your dog can live a full healthy life as he or she ages.
CAUSES OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (AGEING) IN DOGS
As your dog ages, he/she may suffer some changes in the way his/her brain works.
Brain atrophy
Changes in the weight and size of the brain area and a reduced number of brain cells causes a gradual loss of brain function, hence notable ‘old age’ symptoms.
Increased beta amyloid plaques
This is a protein that accumulates in the brain and damages the cells, inhibiting the normal functioning of the brain.
Several micro sized haemorrhages (bleeding) may occur, or blood flow can be disrupted which compromise both the blood flow and oxygen needed for a healthy brain.
Changes to the neurotransmitter levels
High levels of Monoamine Oxidase B (MAOB) results in a lowering of dopamine levels; (dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter in the brain).
Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders (Ageing) in Dogs
Neurologists in the field of veterinary medicine have made great advances in knowledge, with specialised training in the diagnosis and treatment areas.
Your dog may be referred to a specialist who will work with your local vet to diagnose and treat him or her.
It’s important to remember that any information you can provide your specialist with should help with diagnosis. For example, details, like noting any unusual behaviour when it started, or a video of your dog when it is acting differently will be of an immense help.
Please note: it is never normal for an older pet to show signs of neurological dysfunction; the more observant you are, the more relevant information you will be able to provide to the specialist.
CONSULTATION
After a discussion with the specialist he/she will perform a complete neurological exam which will include X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. In addition, a special blood test to assist with diagnosis.
Samples of your companion’s spinal fluid may also be taken. While it can be upsetting to see your old friend’s health deteriorate, the good news is that there is usually something that can be done to alleviate the condition, and the earlier you notice your dog changing, the easier and more effective it is to provide treatment.
Treatment of Neurological Disorders, (aging) in dogs, focus on nutrition and personal attention, as these are ways that you can manage your dog’s cognitive decline.
A diet rich in antioxidants and fatty acids can help fight the free radicals that are attacking your dog’s brain. It has been proven through several studies that older dogs respond and can improve in just a few weeks.
Your pet specialist will be able to advise of dietary changes needed or whether supplements may help.
A home that is rich in play, companionship and active learning is the best prevention.
Hiding your dog’s treats in special places or in a dog treat puzzle toy is a good start to exercising the brain.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the extent of your dog’s condition; some things can be controlled, others can be slowed in their progression, and others can be managed, which will make your companion feel better.
Training exercises will help strengthen an older dog’s limbs and body to avoid injury.
Extra activity also fires up the brain and will improve your dog’s appetite, mood and sleeping patterns.
Medication may be necessary when treating cognitive dysfunction to help prolong the dopamine activity in the brain.
Note: While surgery may be required for serious conditions, such as cancerous tumours in the brain, or intervertebral disk disease in the spine, most conditions can be managed with supportive care, medication, a change in diet and early intervention.
RECOVERY OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (AGING) IN DOGS
Ideally from the moment you get your dog right through to the aging of him/her, prevention through diet, exercise and a happy environment should be practiced.
An observant owner should notice the early onset of any health problem, even though dogs are clever at keeping their pain hidden.
No one wants to be going to the vets every time their dog sneezes, so common sense approach will dictate when it is necessary to do so.
Early intervention will prevent disease from settling in to your dog’s system and taking over. Remember, its far easier to treat a condition before it becomes rampant, cheaper, and it is kinder on your dog.
Home care for the older dog, including the correct diet combined with enjoyable activity and care management of medication and treatment, will see a spring in his or her step as he/she enjoys later years.