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The nervous system is composed of billions of neurons that form a complex network of pathways within the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Disease in any one of these 3 circuits (encephalopathy, myelopathy, and neuropathy, respectively) can cause a pet to experience a lack of sensation and/or motor ability. Neurological diseases that could be affecting a pet can be found in this section by following these steps:
Common Neurological Signs:
The following list contains some of the more common signs associated with neurological diseases and is not all-inclusive:
- Paresis/Paralysis or Weakness of one or more limbs
- knuckling, dragging leg(s), abnormal gait
- monopareseis/monoplegia, paraparesis/paraplegia, tetraparesis/tetraplegia
- Balance Disorders
- lack of balance, head tilt, circling, nausea, falling/rolling, nystagmus, tremors, ataxia, Horner’s syndrome, hypermetria
- Vision Disorders
- blindness, walking into objects
- Seizures (episodic & stereotyped)
- sudden/violent shaking, paddling, dilation of pupils, unresponsive/staring, loss of consciousness, salivating/drooling, stiffness, twitching, involuntary urinatination/defecation
- Pain
- crying out, holding up limb, low head carriage, tense muscles, decreased/limited mobility, changes in appetite
- Other Neurological Signs
- difficulty swallowing or chewing, decreased facial movement, voice changes, muscle atrophy of the head, collapsing, hearing loss, behavior changes (confusion, pacing, wandering), trismus, dropped jaw
- Neurological Signs: The main signs a pet may exhibit with a neurological problem are listed in the left menu and other associated signs are listed on the corresponding pages.
- Anatomical Region: Each page is divided into the part of the body where the neurological signs could be localized (e.g. head, neck, back).
- Type of Disease: The disease process affecting the nervous system and causing the neurological signs must be determined.
- Disease: Finally, common neurological diseases will be listed underneath the type of disease.
See the Neurology Overview for basic information that may be helpful in understanding the complex nature of neurological diseases.
This information is meant to be a guide and not a substitute for veterinary care.
Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.