NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN DOGS

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN DOGS

DR. ASHUTOSH MISHRA,TVO,JEHANABAD

Dogs have a complex and incredible neurological system that allows them to perceive and interact with the world. It represents a fundamental part of their body because it is responsible for several functions, such as processing and transmitting information to help them move, respond to stimuli, regulate their vital functions, and learn from experiences.

It is very important for a dog’s health and behavior to have a properly functionating neurological system because it allows them to walk, play, jump, and interact with their beloved ones.

Any issues or damage to the neurological system can lead to various neurological disorders in dogs, affecting their quality of life and potentially even leading to life-threat A dog’s nervous system can be divided into two different categories that are related to each other, the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Let’s explore these further:

Central Nervous System:

To understand this better, we can imagine the Central Nervous System as the control center of a dog’s brain, which includes several parts, such as the spinal cords and the nerves. Some of their essential functions are coordinating responses, processing and transmitting information throughout their whole body and regulating bodily functions.

Peripheral Nervous System:

The Peripheral Nervous System refers to the nerves that connect the Central Nervous System to the rest of the dog’s body, allowing it to send information to the muscles and organs. Basically, this system works as a bridge between the brain and the rest of the body.

Furthermore, it is the combination of these two systems that help our beloved friends to enjoy the world, interact with their environment, and answer to new experiences with their loved ones. This is why it is important to be aware in case you notice any neurological symptoms in your dog.

Understanding Your Dog’s Neurological System

If you are wondering how your dog’s nervous system work, here’s a little guide that can help you understand how the different parts of their system work:

Brain:

It is the principal organ of the nervous system that receives and processes sensory information to coordinate the dog’s responses. The brain controls several functions in the body, such as voluntary movements, memory, perception, and cognition.

Spinal Cord:

It refers to the structure that connects the brain to the peripheral nerves. The spinal cord is a long and tubular pathway that allows the signal of the brain to reach the different parts of the dog’s body. It is responsible for the reflex actions that produce the responses to external stimuli.

Nerves:

The nerves are an important part of the neurological system of a dog, which allows the signals of the brain to travel back and forth throughout the whole body, reaching several tissues, sensory receptors, and organs.

In other words, the brain produces information and transmits it through the spinal cord and peripheral nerves to produce appropriate responses according to the activity of neurons and neurotransmitters.

If your pet is not answering properly to external stimuli, it might be caused by neurological problems in your dog that need to be addressed immediately.

 The main centres of the nervous system are the brain and spinal cord. Any condition that affects the connection between these points and the rest of the body is called a neurological disorder.

Animal neurology is not well known among pet owners. Many neurological disorders can affect dogs, and when symptoms start to appear, it can be heart-breaking and very distressing for owners to see their dogs in such pain or discomfort.

Nobody ever wants to think about their beloved pet developing a neurological condition. Sadly, dogs, just like humans, are susceptible to severe health problems that affect their nerves and nervous system.

Neurological disorders are illnesses that affect and start your dog’s peripheral nervous system. The three main areas affected by this type of disorder are the nerves, spinal cord, and the brain.

Canine neurological disorders are illnesses that stem from your pet’s central or peripheral nervous system. The three main areas affected by canine neurological disorders are the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Several different neurological conditions may affect dogs. Spotting the early symptoms of a neurological condition is going to be vital for the treatment of your pet. Neurological disorders that affect the nerves may cause facial paralysis or a loss of function in the tongue. Your dog may also possibly lose the ability to blink.

Disorders that are associated with the spinal cord may cause your dog not to feel pain in certain limbs. They may have a problem with urination, and they may have issues walking, such as an unsteady gait, or paralysis of front or back limbs. If your dog is suffering from any form of seizures, tremors, blindness, or tilting of the head, then this could be symptomatic of a brain disorder.

Symptoms of Neurological Disorders (Aging) in Dogs

• Changes in the activity level
• 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 fecal incontinence that may result in house soiling
• Vision loss or impairment
• Convulsive seizures
• Disorientation
• Lethargy
• Anxiety

Types

• As your dog ages, dementia and other symptoms as listed above are surprisingly common but most owners put it down as the aging process whereas these conditions signal the signs of developing neurological disease
• 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 it ages

Seizures: There are three major causes of seizures in dogs. Firstly, they could be caused by a problem such as low blood sugar, or a lack of calcium. The canine neurologist would take blood tests to identify this. Secondly, the seizures could be caused by tumors or infections in the brain. A third cause could be epilepsy. As with humans, it is possible to control the symptoms of epilepsy through the use of medication.

Spinal Disease: Problems with the spinal cord, called myelopathy, can range from pain to paralysis. As the spinal cord carries information around the body, the neurologist will very likely use imaging techniques such as an MRI or CT scan to find the cause.

Vestibular Disease: If your dog is having problems balancing or coordinating their movements, then this may be symptomatic of a problem with their vestibular system. This can either be caused by problems with the peripheral system (their inner ear) or the central system (the brainstem). Often, the dog will be treated with anti-nausea drugs to keep them comfortable.

Wobbler Syndrome: A condition that is more commonly found in bigger breeds of dogs, this is brought about by problems in the vertebrae. Your dog may have a gait that is slowly getting worse. Treatment may require steroids or surgery.

Intervertebral Disc Disease: Leading to back pain and a lack of coordination in dogs, this is caused by a hardening of the material between the discs in a dog’s spine.

 Causes of Neurological Disorders (Aging) in Dogs

As your dog ages, he may suffer some changes in the way his brain works.

• Brain atrophy – Changes in the weight and size of the brain area and reduced number of brain cells causes a gradual loss of brain function causing 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 hemorrhages (bleeding) may occur, or blood flow can be disrupted both which compromise 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 (Aging) 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 veterinarian to diagnose and treat your pet. Any information you can provide your specialist with will help with diagnosis. Details, like noting any unusual behavior and when it began, or even a video of your dog when it is acting differently will be of an immense help. Remember 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 your pet specialist.

After a discussion with them your specialist will perform a complete neurological exam which will include X-rays, MRI, and CT scan as well special blood tests to assist with diagnosis. Samples of your companion,s spinal fluid may also be taken. While it can be upsetting to see your old friends 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.

Signs of Canine Seniority

• Staring at objects: Your canine may start staring hard at objects listlessly for no apparent reason, as if in a daze. Your dog may suffer from a loss of orientation and be trying to make sense of its world. This should not be interpreted as your dog losing its mind. It does, though, need a little help!!
• It wanders around aimlessly: Like all animals, canines have the wandering instinct within. Dogs love to wander about and play—but there is the difference between playful, curious wandering and wandering because it does not know where to go.Your older canine may not know where to go in the house and walk around unfocused. This is when it needs a little retraining, help and reorientation to the premises it calls home.
• It starts soiling in the wrong places: Your dog may soil in the wrong places as it grows older, very much like a senior citizen suffering from Alzhimer’s Disease. Again, it needs retraining to know the proper places in which in can defecate.
• Activity repetitive – it does the same things over again: Your dog may become activity repetitive, doing the same things somewhat mindlessly. Constant licking is an excellent example of repetitive behavior, which again arises because of the dog needing to make sense of the things around him.
• Excessive vocalization—it begins to say too much: If you remember grandma being a little naggy, the same happens to your canine! He starts telling his own version of the Grandmother Story. It may be quite trite and cute, as though your dog is arguing with you for little reasons – but really, it is just your dog growing older.
• It becomes more clingy, or independent: Your canine may suddenly become attached to you for no apparent reason, stalking your every movement. Conversely, it may become less interested in social behavior, or dislike being petted.A cantankerous canine behaves very much like a human as he grows old!
• It responds less to its surroundings: Instead of wandering around aimlessly, your dog may do the opposite. It may lose total interest in its surroundings and just stay in a particular place all the time. This behavior is reminiscent of an elderly person needing to remain in familiar surroundings because it gives them a sense of security.
• Its sight and hearing deteriorate: Your dog may not hear as well as it used to. You will know this when it does not come when called, or respond when there is someone at the door.It may not see as well as it should either. If you find your older dog bumping into objects more frequently, it is because it develops nearsightedness like ourselves. Short of fashioning a pair of spectacles and an eye test, a little patience goes a long way!
• Your dog may develop fears as it grows older: Humans very much become insecure as they age, and so do dogs. They start developing irrational fears as well.These manifest themselves in their reluctance to bathe or go near water, as an example. Some dogs may fear walking to new places.
• Your canine becomes more aggressive: Your dog may become anti-social, developing a greater need for privacy. It may exhibit behavior seen in some elderly folk and start to get a tad more snappy than usual.

Other Inherent Conditions in Aging Canines

• Depression: Growing older is a phase that canines have to cope with as much as humans, as it can be a daunting task that can take a toll on your dog. If your senior dog does not show good cheer or yap as much as usual, it may be suffering from canine depression brought on by age.
• Eye disorders: Apart from near sightedness, your dog may also develop conditions such as cataracts which make their vision a little cloudy.
• Kidney Disease: Routine blood tests for older dogs can help owners to detect kidney disease early. A special diet may be recommended for senior dogs with kidney problems.I personally recommend the Science Diet, which dogs do enjoy even though it may taste a little bland. This brand is good because of the reduction or absence of salt and other contents that are not good for your furry buddy’s system.
• Endocrine Disorders: Cushing’s Disease, a fairly common endocrine disorder that affects senior pets, comes about when the pet secretes too much cortisol. Hypothyroidism, a result of an under active thyroid gland, may affect senior pets as well.
• Heart Disease: Chronic Valvular Heart Disease is a typical problem in senior canines. It manifests itself when arteries thicken, causing abnormal blood flow within the heart’s chambers. Early detection helps to slow its progression.
• Diabetes: Like aging humans, aging dogs also develop a higher risk of diabetes, because of resistance to insulin or poor diet. Senior dogs with this problem can be helped with medication.
• Skin Tumors: Little lumps and bumps often make themselves seen on your senior pet as they age, starting to occur when at six years. Though not often a cause for concern, some of these tumors may be cancerous and as such warrant further diagnosis.
• Prostate Problems: Male dogs may suffer from enlarged prostates or prostatic disease as they age. Some may forget learned behaviors like where to defecate and ease themselves. Early diagnosis may help in curbing its onset.
• Cancer: As it strikes the older human population, it strikes the older canine one as well. The treatment is very much the same for humans—chemotherapy and surgery, and not all forms of cancer have to be fatal.

What to Consider When Taking Care of a Senior Pet With a Neurological Disorder

• Treatment for neurological disorders: Your vet may recommend an MRI scan for dogs, which unlike ourselves, means that they have to go through a neck tap with an injection of fluid to make the brain more visible. This is a painful process that is not recommended for every dog with the condition and depends largely on its individual situation and readiness because of preexisting conditions.
• Loss of sight—necessary training and guidance. 
• Senior dogs, especially those with disorders, need a little physiotherapy! 
• Dealing with stubbornness.
• Diet: Boiled, unsalted chicken is good for a senior dog, or any dog. Too much sodium in the diet is not beneficial for any dog, so leave that out wherever possible. Do not encourage any form of begging. In addition, be careful when giving your pets canned food; some are high in sodium and fat content.

Treatment of Neurological Disorders (Aging) in Dogs

Nutrition and personal attention are ways that you can manage your dogs cognitive decline. A diet rich in antioxidants and fatty acids can help fight the free radicals that are attacking your dogs brain and 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. Keeping your dogs brain active is important. A home that is rich in play, companionship and active learning is the best prevention. Hiding your dogs treats in special places or in a dog treat puzzle toy is a good start to exercising the brain.

Treatment depends on the extent of your dog& compenions condition; some things we can control, 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 dogs limbs and body to avoid injury. The spinoff is that the extra activity also fires up the brain and will improve your dogs appetite, mood and sleeping patterns. Medication may be necessary when treating cognitive dysfunction to help prolong the dopamine activity in the brain. While surgery may be required for serious conditions such as cancerous tumors in the brain, or intervertebral disk disease in the spine, most conditions can be managed with supportive care, medication and a change in diet and preferably early intervention.

Recovery of Neurological Disorders (Aging) in Dogs

Ideally from the moment you get your dog right through to the aging of your pet, prevention through diet, exercise and a happy environment will be practiced. The observant owner can notice the early onset of any health problem, even though dogs are clever and keep their pain to themselves. While you dont want to be going to the veterinary clinic every time your dog sneezes, common sense will dictate when it is necessary to do so.

Early intervention will prevent disease from settling in to your dogs system and taking over. It is far easier to treat a condition before it becomes rampant, it is also 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 your pets step as he enjoys his later years.

Reference-On request

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