A variety of canine health conditions may result in neurological symptoms. Several common disorders may show similar signs and the process of diagnosis can be complex. When the symptoms are intermittent, dog owners may be able to help their veterinarian get a clearer picture of the situation by videotaping episodes.
Canine Neurological Symptoms are Often Frightening to Witness
The first hurdle to overcome is the natural reaction of panic. Epileptic seizures where the dog falls over, thrashing on the floor, often losing control of bowels and bladder and foaming at the mouth are the most dramatic. But, unless an epileptic episode lasts more than a few minutes, it is not life threatening. This is one instance where videotaping may help the veterinarian assess the severity of the nervous system disease
The sudden onset of stroke–like symptoms when five minutes earlier the dog was fine, especially when the animal is elderly, causes many owners to assume they are seeing canine stroke syndrome. But canine vestibular syndrome manifests with similar symptoms including eyes flicking from side to side (nystagmus) and circling in one direction.
In both cases, nausea, drooling and trouble with standing and walking are generally noted. But a slightly different type of circling is also seen in compulsive spinning or tail chasing, a very different situation requiring a very different treatment approach.
Seeing a young dog struggling to walk can be heartbreaking and, unfortunately, often may be a sign of a serious problem such as canine wobblers syndrome or canine degenerative myelopathy. But head trauma or poisoning, both of which are reversible in some situations, are also possibilities. Intervertebral disk disease also results in difficulty walking but is often more easily diagnosed.
Diagnosis of Canine Neurological Disorders
Getting a definitive diagnosis, i.e. the veterinarian is actually able to say what is causing the neurological symptoms, is often difficult as well. Diagnostic workups should be taken step–by–step, dependent on what the veterinarian considers the most likely cause or causes of the condition.
In some instances, even after extensive testing, there will be no definitive diagnosis and the veterinarian will start treatment based on symptoms. Response to that treatment often helps with the diagnostic process. Blood work, radiographs and other tests may be necessary.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions at any point but when veterinarians say they are not sure yet, understand that they are most likely being honest. They should then discuss the possible diagnoses (called rule outs) and explain what else is needed for an answer.
They should also be willing to discuss the various options for tests and treatments, allowing the dog owner to make an informed decision about the best way to proceed with diagnosis and treatment. In some cases they may refer the dog to a veterinary neurologist for further testing. Dog owners will benefit from having some basic knowledge of canine nervous system diseases as they go through the diagnostic process and have to make decisions regarding their pet's treatment.
Sources:
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Tenth Edition. Nervous System. Accessed online 5.11.11
- Clemons, R. M. Vestibular Disease in Animals. University of Florida Veterinary Neurology Service. Access online 5.11.11
- Moon, Alice, PhD. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. pers.com.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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