10 Neurological Issues in Dogs & Common Signs to Keep in Mind (Vet Answer)

If your dog often tilts their head, has tremors, walks in circles, paralyzes, or has seizures, they may be suffering from a neurological condition. The most common neurological issues in dogs are epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, Wobbler syndrome, stroke, meningitis, and encephalitis. Not all neurological conditions have the same clinical signs. As a result, they will vary depending on the disease.

In this article, you will learn about the most common neurological diseases in dogs and their most common signs.

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1. Epilepsy

The most common neurological condition in dogs worldwide is epilepsy. This condition has several causes:

Epilepsy is manifested through several types of seizures:

The manifestations of a dog during a seizure of a certain type can be different in another dog affected by the same type of seizure. They can occur suddenly without other clinical signs, last a short time, and stop by themselves.

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2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is a degenerative condition of the discs that form the spinal cord. It is also known as a herniated disc. The prevalence of this disease is higher for chondrodystrophic dog breeds, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Pekingese, Beagles, Lhasa Apsos, Shih-Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Corgis, Bulldogs, and Miniature Poodles.

When the intervertebral discs wear, the outer layer breaks, and the gelatinous content is released into the spinal canal, where it compresses on the spinal cord. Clinical signs of IVDD include:

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3. Stroke

Stroke in dogs occurs when the brain is deprived of the oxygen necessary for good functionality, which leads to the appearance of neurological signs. This pathology is less frequent in dogs compared to humans. A stroke can be:

The clinical signs of stroke occur suddenly, and depending on its location, they will differ.

Anterior location:

At the level of the brainstem and cerebellum:

Spinal location

In hemorrhagic stroke, the clinical signs have a slower onset.

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4. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

Canine degenerative myelopathy, or chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that occurs in old dogs. This condition gradually sets in around the age of 7–14 years.

It can affect any dog breed, but some are more prone, such as:

Initially, dogs begin to walk in an uncoordinated manner, and as the disease progresses, paralysis of the hind limbs occurs. The clinical signs include:

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5. Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a neurological condition characterized by the inflammation of the brain tissue. It is common in small toy, terrier, and Poodle breeds. The causes of encephalitis are multiple and include:

Affected dogs are usually around the age of 5 years. In the case of dogs under 1 year old, the main suspicion is viral infectious encephalitis due to Carré’s disease. Clinical signs include:

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6. Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, a membrane that covers and protects the spinal cord and the brain. The causes of meningitis in dogs are similar to those of encephalitis.

Meningitis is rare, and dogs suffering from this condition will have severe clinical signs, including:

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7. Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler syndrome, or cervical spondylomyelopathy, is a neurological disease caused by a malformation of the vertebrae that supports the neck. In the case of dogs affected by this disease, the spinal canal between two or more vertebrae is reduced in circumference due to the herniation of the vertebral disc or the malformation of a vertebra. As the affected dog grows, the spinal canal shrinks even more, putting more pressure on the spinal cord.

The most affected breeds are Great Danes and Doberman Pinchers, and the first clinical signs occur around the age of 4. Clinical signs of Wobbler syndrome in dogs include:

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8. Spinal or Brain Trauma

Spinal cord and brain injuries in dogs are medical emergencies because they can lead to:

They can be caused by:

Depending on the affected segment, clinical signs may include:

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9. Vestibular Disease

Vestibular disease is a condition that makes affected dogs feel dizzy. This condition can be caused by otitis, severe ear infections, or other factors that affect the balance center in the inner ear and brain. It is more common in old dogs.

Clinical signs usually occur suddenly but improve significantly within the first 48–72 hours and often resolve within 2–3 weeks. They include:

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10. Peripheral Nerve Diseases

Peripheral nerves are responsible for coordination, physical responses, and digestion. When they are affected, they cannot transmit information properly. The causes of this condition are multiple and include:

The clinical signs are varied and depend on the primary condition. These may include:

Not all peripheral diseases can be treated until they are completely healed. In some cases, dogs may remain with sequelae for the rest of their lives.

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Conclusion

Neurological problems in dogs are various and can arise from a multitude of causes. The most common neurological problems in dogs are represented by epilepsy, which is at the top of the list, intervertebral disc disease, peripheral nerve disease, and Wobbler syndrome. The predominant clinical sign in most neurological conditions in dogs is walking in circles or changing the position of the head. Also, dogs with spinal problems will experience pain or paralysis. If your dog shows such clinical signs, take them to the vet.

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Featured Image Credit: Zontica, Shutterstock