Neurological Conditions In Dogs

There are many neurological conditions in dogs and can affect any mix or breed of dog. These disorders attack the canine’s central nervous system consisting of the different nerves, spinal cord and the brain. Most of these neurological conditions in dogs are inherent or hereditary while some may develop with the passing of age and the reason for a few of these neurological conditions in dogs is still not known.

One of the neurological conditions in dogs occurs when the neck of the dog may be affected with a cervical disorder. Such an adverse condition is mostly due to an injury from an accident or an injury to the spinal cord. The dogs are used to rough play and frequently jump while they play and it is during such activities that these injuries occur. The predominant symptom is a pain in the neck or the dog may not be able to even walk or stand. The injury to the spine may make him insensitive to pain which he may not even feel.

Loss of mobility

Another of the neurological conditions in dogs is the degeneration of mobility and is called Degenerative Myelopathy. Generally, these neurological conditions in dogs happen when the nerves in the spine are affected and they malfunction or totally stop functioning. This causes mobility problems to the dog and mostly it is the hind legs which are affected. It is the older dogs which are affected due to these neurological conditions in dogs.

Dysfunctional behavior

Another one of the typical neurological conditions in dogs which affects older ones is what is called as Canine Dementia. This disorder leads to forgetfulness and the dog becomes confused most of the times. There is aimless wandering in the house or the garden and the dog may appear disoriented. The dog may forget his toilet training and urinate in the house itself.

Epileptic disorder

Just like humans, there is epilepsy which forms one of the neurological conditions in dogs. This is the result of seizures in the dog’s brain and which may due to causes which are inherent or congenital, or may be the result of another disease. The epilepsy may be due to a trauma or its causes may not be known being idiopathic. The seizures may be quite frequent and prolonged and during these seizures the dog will have no conscious awareness of his surroundings. Hence, utmost care should be taken to prevent the dog from hurting himself and you should also not go very close to him because in his present condition he will not recognize you as his master. 

GME

Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis or GME is another of the neurological conditions in dogs and in this disorder, there is inflammation of the central nervous system. GME generally affects the spine and the brain but its cause being unknown GME is considered to be idiopathic neurological conditions in dogs. The GME disorder affects dogs from the age of six months though it is more common in dogs of middle age. The symptoms of GME are tremors, fever, a stumbling and awkward walk, blindness, weakness and moving in circles.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

One of the neurological conditions in dogs is Hepatic encephalopathy and is mostly found along with diseases of the liver. Due to an abnormal functioning of the liver, the brain of the dog gets affected and this leads to aggressive behavior, seizures, hysteria and tremors. The remnants of the toxins normally filtered out by the brain leads to the degeneration of the tissues and the brain. Treatment calls for antibiotics for healing of the liver along with a diet change. Once there is normal functioning of the liver, this neurological condition in dogs is cured.