Pets are a very important part of the modern family, and therefore it’s understandable to worry when they aren’t acting like themselves. Neurologic problems in dogs and cats can start with subtle signs like stumbling, a head tilt, or unusual behavior. In some cases, symptoms can progress quickly, making early recognition especially important. We strongly recommend contacting your pet’s primary veterinarian anytime you notice something out of the ordinary, but here are some common symptoms that might indicate a neurologic problem with your dog or cat.
Common signs of neurologic problems include:
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Head tilt
- Weakness or paralysis
- Behavior changes
Neck Pain
Common signs of neck pain include holding the head low and being reluctant to turn it side to side, spontaneous muscle contractions (fasciculations) involving the neck, yelping when trying to move or when the head or neck are touched. Some pets may turn their entire body to look at something rather than turn their head and neck.
Back Pain
Signs of back pain include a hunched posture (kyphosis), a tucked tail or even a limp tail, yelping when they get up or are touched along the back.
Proprioceptive Deficits
If you notice your pet standing on the top surface of their paw, or scuffing the tops of their toes when walking, a neurologic problem may be present.
Concerned about what you’re seeing?
Early evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
Ataxia
Ataxia means an uncoordinated gait. There are three types of ataxia: cerebellar, vestibular, and spinal ataxia. The thing that all three have in common is a goofy, uncoordinated gait. You may notice your pet falling to the side, crossing their legs when they walk, or even falling down.
Intracranial Disease
When there is a problem involving the brain, there are characteristic behaviors that we may notice at home. This includes: starring off into space, pressing the head into a wall or other structures, circling in one direction repeatedly, neck pain, seizures, vision problems, a head tilt, nystagmus (eyes darting back and forth), among others.
Seizures
Seizures are a common reason that pets see the neurologist. Some seizures are considered generalized seizures where the pet loses consciousness and displays involuntary movements involving the whole body. Seizures may not involve the whole body or loss of consciousness; these are called partial seizures and may involve involuntary movements of just a small group of muscles (i.e. holding a leg up in the air, chomping at the air and drooling, etc.). Another common feature of seizures involve autonomic signs like drooling, urinating, defecating, or vomiting.
After a seizure is done, many patients will be abnormal (tired, wobbly, blind, etc.) for minutes to hours during the “post-ictal” phase. This is expected and will pass with time.
If you notice any of these neurological symptoms in your pet, it’s important to act quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
At Wisconsin Veterinary Neurology & Surgical Center, we specialize in advanced neurological care for pets and offer the latest in advanced MRI imaging to help diagnose and treat neurologic conditions. If you have concerns about your dog or cat’s symptoms, don’t wait, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of neurological problems in dogs?
Early signs often include loss of balance, stumbling, head tilt, or behavior changes.
When should I see a veterinary neurologist?
You should seek specialist care if symptoms are sudden, worsening, or involve seizures, paralysis, or coordination issues.
Is loss of balance always serious?
Not always, but it can indicate an underlying neurologic or inner ear condition and should be evaluated if it persists.
Can neurological symptoms get worse quickly?
Yes. Some conditions can progress rapidly, which is why early evaluation is important.
