The majority of pet owners are not familiar with neurology. It is a terrifying experience for dog owners to see their pets in pain or suffering when the symptoms of various neurological conditions start to show. Every pet owner dreads the possibility that one day their beloved pet may experience the effects of a neurological illness. Dogs’ nerves and nervous systems are prone to several major health issues, just like those afflict people.
Knowing the signs is the best method to ensure your pet can heal from a neurological disorder if they show signs of a serious disease. It is possible to respond quickly if you can identify your dog’s health conditions in the early stages and consult an animal neurology specialist.
Neurological Disorders in Dogs
The diseases that affect and are present within the pet’s peripheral nervous system are referred to as neurologic disorders. The nerves, as well as the spinal cord and your brain, constitute the three primary areas of concern for this condition. This is what you need to be aware of about canine neurological disorders:
Common Neurological Conditions in Dogs
Seizures
There are three major reasons for seizures to occur in dogs. The first is that they can result from a deficiency of calcium or blood sugar. A blood test is performed by a canine neurologist to confirm this. A second possibility is that neurotoxins or brain infections might cause seizures. Epilepsy could be a third reason. Epilepsy medication can treat animals the same way it does in humans to lessen the symptoms. Learn more about veterinary neurology right here.
Spinal Disease
Myelopathy of the spinal cord may cause minor discomfort to total paralysis. Since information is transmitted throughout the spine, the neurologist will most likely employ imaging methods such as the MRI or CT scan to identify the cause of the problem.
Vestibular Disease
If your dog is having trouble getting its balance or coordination right, this could be an indication that there is an issue in the vestibular system. It could be due to a problem that affects their peripheral system (their internal ear) or the central system (the brainstem). Anti-nausea medications are usually prescribed for dog to maintain their health. You can check out the internal medicine vet in Lexington to learn more.
Wobbler Syndrome
It is a frequent issue for large canines and is caused by vertebral injuries. The dog’s gait may get worse gradually. Steroids or animal surgery could be necessary for specific instances.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
The hardening of the material between the discs of a dog’s spine can cause back pain and loss of coordination.
Symptoms of Neurological Disorders
Pets are susceptible to suffering from many neurological issues. The early detection of neurological illnesses is essential for ensuring the proper treatment for your pet. Conditions that cause damage to the nerves can cause the tongue to lose function and facial paralysis. Your dog might lose the ability to blink.
Dogs with spinal cord problems might not be able to feel pain in certain parts of their bodies. They might have issues with urine and movements, like the inability to walk or to cripple the back or front legs. Eyestrain, seizures, blindness, or head tilting in your dog may be signs of an issue with the brain.
Conclusion
It is important to bring your pet to the vet whenever you spot any indications of neurological illness within your pet. The symptoms typically show up quickly, which could be very distressing for the dog and the pet’s owner. During the exam, the vet will ask questions about your pet’s health background and current health. This will allow the vet to provide an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for determining the type of treatment your pet requires.
