If your canine frequently tilts their head, experiences tremors, circles while walking, becomes paralyzed, or suffers from seizures, they might be grappling with a neurological ailment. Epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, Wobbler syndrome, stroke, meningitis, and encephalitis are the most prevalent neurological issues in dogs. Clinical manifestations vary across different neurological conditions.
This article delves into the most common neurological ailments in dogs and their typical symptoms.
The 10 Neurological Issues in Dogs
1. Epilepsy
Among dogs worldwide, epilepsy stands out as the most prevalent neurological disorder. The causes of epilepsy include:
- Unknown causes (idiopathic epilepsy)
- Genetic predisposition from parents
- Toxins
- Parasites
- Head injuries
Epilepsy can manifest through various seizure types:
- Focal seizures — Clinical signs include muscle spasms, blinking, head movements, and muscle contractions in extremities.
- Generalized seizures — Dogs experience loss of consciousness and convulsions.
- Focal seizures evolving into generalized seizures — The most common seizure type in dogs.
Seizure manifestations can vary between dogs, occurring suddenly and ceasing on their own.
2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD, a degenerative disc condition affecting the spinal cord, is also known as a herniated disc. Chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis are more susceptible to this ailment.
Signs of IVDD include:
- Back pain
- Limb paralysis
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Stiffness in neck and back
- Reluctance to move or change position
- Unsteady gait
- Sensitivity in abdomen
- Arched back
- Limping
- Lethargy
- Abnormal posture
- Tremors
- Whimpering
3. Stroke
Stroke in dogs occurs due to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. Stroke types include:
- Ischemic — Caused by blood vessel blockage
- Hemorrhagic — Resulting from brain blood vessel rupture
Stroke symptoms manifest suddenly, with variations based on the affected brain region.
Anterior brain location:
- Circling while walking
- Seizures
- Behavioral changes like irritability or apathy
- Blindness
Brainstem and cerebellum area:
- Circling while walking
- Fever
- Head tremors
- Partial motor function loss
- Balance issues
Spinal cord location:
Hemorrhagic stroke symptoms manifest more gradually.
4. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Canine degenerative myelopathy or chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease affecting older dogs. Onset typically occurs between 7–14 years of age.
While any dog breed can be affected, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and German Shepherds are more predisposed. Symptoms include:
- Knuckling while walking
- Easily falling over when nudged
- Dragging back feet while walking
- Struggling to stand up
- Hind limb paralysis
5. Encephalitis
Encephalitis, characterized by brain tissue inflammation, is common in toy, terrier, and Poodle breeds. Encephalitis causes include bacterial, viral, parasitic infections, or unknown factors.
Encephalitis typically affects dogs around 5 years old, with viral infectious encephalitis suspected in dogs under 1 year. Symptoms comprise:
- Behavioral changes like aggression or disorientation
- Apathy
- Loss of appetite
- Hyperexcitability
- Head pressing against objects
- Tremors
- Head tilt
- Facial paralysis
- Walking in circles
- Tendency to get stuck in corners
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Death
6. Meningitis
Meningitis, inflammation of the protective spinal cord and brain membrane, shares causes with encephalitis. This rare condition presents severe symptoms in affected dogs:
- Severe pain
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Muscle spasms
- Stiff neck
- Balance loss
- Paralysis
- Unconsciousness
- Circling while walking
- Pacing
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Death
7. Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler syndrome, a neurological disease stemming from vertebrae malformation supporting the neck, affects Great Danes and Doberman Pinchers. Symptoms typically surface around 4 years of age and include:
- Neck movement difficulty
- Unsteady gait, primarily in hind limbs
- Loss of limb control
- Hind limb paralysis
8. Spinal or Brain Trauma
Spinal cord and brain injuries in dogs necessitate immediate attention as they can lead to severe outcomes like spinal contusions, dislocations, and fractures. Causes of such injuries include