Most pet owners have no idea what animal neurology is all about. It’s heartbreaking for dog owners to witness their pets in pain or discomfort when symptoms of various neurological illnesses appear. Every pet owner fears the day when their beloved pet may suffer from a neurological disorder. There are several serious health issues that affect dogs’ nerves and nervous systems, just like there are for humans.
Knowing and understanding the symptoms is the best way to give your pet a chance to recover from a neurological disorder if they ever display signs of a severe condition. You’ll be able to respond quickly if you can identify health issues with your dog early on and take them to an animal neurology specialist.
Neurological Disorders in Dogs
Diseases that impact and occur in your dog’s peripheral nervous system are known as neurologic diseases. The nerves, spinal cord, and the brain are the three main targets of this disease. Here is what you should know about canine neurological conditions:
Common Neurological Conditions in Dogs
Seizures
There are three main reasons why seizures happen in dogs. First, they could be caused by a lack of calcium or low blood sugar. A blood test would be done by a canine neurologist to verify this. Second, brain tumors or infections may be the cause of seizures. Epilepsy is a possible third reason. Medication can treat epilepsy in animals, just as it can in people, to reduce its symptoms. Learn more about internal medicine vet here.
Spinal Disease
Spinal cord myelopathy disorders can cause anything from mild discomfort to complete paralysis. As information travels through the spinal cord, the dog neurologist in Lexington will likely use imaging techniques like an MRI or CT scan to determine the source of the problem.
Vestibular Disease
If your dog is having difficulty balancing or coordinating its movements, it may be a sign of a problem with its vestibular system. This can be caused by either a problem with the peripheral system (their inner ear) or the central system (the brainstem). Anti-nausea medications are frequently given to the dog to ensure their well-being.
Wobbler Syndrome
This is a typical problem in larger breeds of dogs and is caused by vertebral issues. There’s a chance that your dog’s gait is gradually growing worse. Steroids or surgery may be necessary in some cases. Visit this small animal surgery in Lexington to find out more.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Because hardening of material between the discs in a dog’s spine; causes back pain and a loss of coordination.
Symptoms of Neurological Disorders
Dogs can suffer from a wide range of neurological problems. Early detection of neurological illness symptoms is vital to successfully treating your pet. Neurological conditions that damage the nerves might result in tongue loss of function or facial paralysis. Your dog may also lose the ability to blink.
Dogs with spinal cord disorders may not be able to feel pain in particular parts of their bodies. They may have difficulty with urine and movement, such as an uneven gait or paralysis of the front or back limbs. Seizures, tremors, blindness, or head tilting in your dog could be signs of a brain problem.
Final Thoughts
You should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you see any signs of neurological disease in your pet. The symptoms usually show very quickly, which can upset your dog and you as their owner. During the examination, your veterinarian will ask about your pet’s health history and current condition. This will enable them to make a thorough diagnosis, which is crucial for determining the course of treatment your pet needs.
