Neurological diseases affect the brain and the nervous system. Some neurological disorders are caused by genetic defects while others are brought on by injury or trauma. Some neurological problems are simply a part of the aging process. A veterinarian can diagnose a suspected brain or nervous system disorder and can recommend a course for treatment.
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Degenerative Myelopathy and Epilepsy
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Degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects a dog&'s ability to move its hind legs. The initial symptom is weakness in the back legs, but as the disease progresses, the dog eventually becomes paralyzed and loses control over its bladder and bowels. The disorder is common among large breeds, according to the Southern California Veterinary Referral Group.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disease by performing a myelogram, which is a procedure where the dog is anesthetized and a radioactive dye is injected into the spinal cord. The treatment options can include medication, stress reduction and vitamin supplements.
Epilepsy is another common neurological disorder, and it can affect dogs of any age or breed type. The primary symptom of canine epilepsy is the recurrence of seizures. Dogs may experience several different kinds of seizures. Some seizures simply cause the dog to act spacey for a few moments, but more severe seizures can cause its body to go stiff and rigid and fall to the floor. This phase is followed by one to two minutes of uncontrollable jerking and convulsing of the limbs. Dr. Dennis O&'Brien, author of the article "Understanding Your Pet&'s Epilepsy," indicates that epilepsy is not curable, but it can often be controlled through the use of anti-epileptic drugs such as phenobarbitol and diazepam.
Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis
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Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, or GME, is caused by an inflamed nervous system. The disease can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, but Purdue University&'s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory website suggests that small breed, middle-aged dogs are the most likely to develop the disease. PetPlace.com says that some of the symptoms of GME are seizures, pacing, and blindness, as well as depression or facial paralysis. The disease symptoms may or may not be accompanied by fever.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disease using bacterial or viral cultures or by examining the dog&'s cerebrospinal fluid. Drug treatments include corticosteroids, anticonvulsant medication and bed rest.
Canine Dementia
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According to vetinfo.com, canine dementia is a neurological disorder that affects aging dogs. The dog may become confused or forgetful, have abnormal sleeping patterns, and may seem unresponsive at times. If the disease is caught in the early stages it can be treated with anipryl, which is the same drug that is used to treat human Alzheimer&'s patients.
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