Like humans, our pets can suffer from various neurological problems, sometimes requiring veterinary neurosurgery. Some of these conditions are relatively minor and can be easily treated, while others can be much more severe – even life-threatening.
Here are five of the most common neurological problems seen in pets:
1. Seizures
Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems in dogs and cats. They can result from brain tumors, head trauma, infection, kidney disease, and more.
Most seizures last a few minutes, and your pet usually recovers fully afterward. However, if your pet has multiple seizures or they last for more than a few minutes, it’s important to seek veterinary help immediately, as this could be a sign of a more serious condition.
2. Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler syndrome is a neurological condition affecting the spinal cord (cervical spine) and causes leg weakness. It’s mostly seen in large breed dogs like Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Great Danes.
The exact cause of wobbler syndrome is unknown, but it’s thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there’s no cure for wobbler syndrome, many dogs can live relatively normal lives with the help of medication and physical therapy.
Signs and symptoms of wobbler syndrome include:
- Neck pain
- Weakness in the legs
- Incoordination
- Unwillingness to exercise
- Stumbling
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
If your dog shows any of these, take them to the vet for an examination as soon as possible. Some vets may recommend x-rays or MRI to diagnose wobbler syndrome, but a spinal tap is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
The treatment plan may include:
- Neurosurgery (to correct the alignment of the vertebrae)
- Medication (to relieve pain and help with inflammation)
- Therapy, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Weight management (to help ease the pressure on the spine)
- Dietary supplements (to help support joint health)
3. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral disc disease affects the discs between your pet’s spine vertebrae. It’s most commonly seen in dogs but can also affect cats and other animals. IVDD is usually a result of a forceful impact or injury to the spine, which causes the discs to herniate or rupture.
Symptoms of IVDD include:
- Neck pain
- Weakness in the legs
- Incoordination
- Unwillingness to exercise
- Stumbling
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
The only way to confirm an IVDD diagnosis is through x-rays or MRI.
The treatment plan may include:
- Rest and confinement (to allow the discs to heal)
- Pain medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Surgery (in some cases)
4. Epilepsy
This is a neurological condition causing recurrent seizures. It’s one of dogs’ most common neurological disorders and can also affect cats, ferrets, and other animals. This condition’s exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Signs and symptoms of epilepsy include:
- Recurrent seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Incoordination
- Unusual behavior (such as walking in circles)
5. Stroke
It is a medical emergency resulting from an event when the brain’s blood supply is cut off, causing brain cell death. Strokes can be caused by a clot (ischemic stroke), bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke), or other factors.
This is the biggest reason you should have your pet checked by vets regularly so they can determine any illnesses, such as internal organs disorders (click here to know more) and prevent them from getting worse.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden weakness or paralysis in the legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Incoordination
- Unusual behavior (such as walking in circles)
- Seizures
Remember
Owning a cat or dog is a big responsibility because you are responsible for their health and wellbeing. Be sure to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations, and always be on the lookout for any behavior or appearance changes. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.