Nervous Conditions in Dogs
There are some common disorders affecting the nervous system in dogs.
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Epilepsy
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Epilepsy is perhaps the most common neurological disorder found in dogs. Characterized by recurring seizures, epilepsy can be hereditary but can also be caused by severe head trauma, infections of the nervous system and a number of bacteria, poisons or fungi. Idiopathic seizures are seizures of an unknown origin and are usually diagnosed if no other cause can be found through blood work.
Polyneuropathy
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Polyneuropathy is often breed-related and encompasses a number of disorders. Whereas mononeuropathy describes disorders that affect a single nerve, polyneuropathy targets a group, or bundle, of nerves at once. Symptoms include decreased motor skills.
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Cerebellar Hypoplasia
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Cerebellar hypoplasia is identified by tremors, lack of coordination and decreased motor skills. It occurs when the cerebellum is underdeveloped at birth and is often found in dogs whose mother carries the canine herpes virus.
Tick Paralysis
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Tick paralysis is caused when neurotoxins in a tick's saliva enters the blood stream after prolonged contact. Symptoms progress gradually, usually from two to seven days, and often include leg weakness and, if left untreated, paralysis. Most often, removing the tick is a cure for the disorder.
Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis
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This disorder affects the central nervous system and is an idiopathic disorder (a disorder of unknown origin). It is most common in smaller female dogs.
Facial Nerve Paralysis
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This disorder describes the effects of damage to the facial nerve, which is most commonly caused by trauma or Bell's palsy, an idiopathic disorder. It is marked by the inability to use facial muscles connected to the primary facial nerve.
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