Neuropathy in Dogs

Neuropathy refers to disease and injuries in the nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of the brain, the spinal cord and the afferent nerves that span the body. When this tissue is damaged and diseased, clinical symptoms of neuropathy develop. As with humans, dogs can have complications from neuropathy.

  1. Neoplasia

    • Neoplasia occurs when tumors grow in nervous system tissue. Such tumors rarely spread, but this can occur if tumor material enters the cerebral spinal fluid. Astrocytomas, a type of brain tumor, may spread and attack blood vessel tissue around the heart.

    Meningitis

    • Meningitis is caused by inflammation of the outer membrane (meninges) that covers the spinal cord and brain. This membrane is a barrier between outer areas of the body and the nervous system. This barrier can become infected by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Symptoms of meningitis are fever and neck rigidity. In cases of bacterial meningitis, a veterinarian prescribes antibiotics. Viral infections are incurable, so supportive care is needed.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism, more common in dogs than cats, is caused by the degeneration of innervation nerves in the thyroid gland, which becomes inhibited from excreting metabolism hormones. The most common clinical sign of hypothyroidism is weight gain. If a dog receives thyroid medication to balance hormones, the symptoms normally subside.

    Demyelinating

    • Nerve fibers are made up of a covering, the myelin sheath, that helps carry electronic impulses to and from the brain. Damage to this sheath hinders impulse activity and leads to erratic responses from tissue. Muscles twitch and internal organs function abnormally. This is more common in young puppies than older dogs.

    Inheritance

    • Neuropathy from inheritance is caused by mutations in genes from the parents. The conditions may not be present in parents yet manifested when puppies inherit both recessive genes from the mother and father. Congenital defects also play a role in neuropathy. These conditions are seen in the cerebrum, cerebellum or the spinal cord of a newborn puppy. These conditions are sometimes found during initial veterinarian treatments after birth.