Neurological Problems in Dogs

Signs of Neurological Problems in Dogs

Where the problem is decides the signs:^1,11,2

One of the earliest signs of spinal cord trouble is knuckling: the dog doesn't notice when a paw is turned over. This often shows before obvious weakness.¹¹ Dragging nails and scuffed toes are clues too.⁵

Dog Back Legs Giving Out

Back legs that give out or wobble are one of the most common reasons owners worry about the nervous system. Possible causes include:^8,16,17

• Slipped disc (IVDD): usually sudden, often painful, and common in Dachshunds, French Bulldogs and Beagles. See IVDD in dogs.
• Degenerative myelopathy: slow, painless and worsening over months in dogs over 8, especially German Shepherds, Corgis and Boxers. See degenerative myelopathy.
• FCE (spinal stroke): sudden, often on one side, during exercise in large dogs. See stroke and FCE.
• Wobbler syndrome: neck spinal cord compression in large breeds such as Dobermans and Great Danes⁸
• Infection, tumors or injury of the spine
• Non-neurological causes: arthritis and hip dysplasia. See arthritis in dogs, hip dysplasia and dog limping.

If your dog knuckles its paws or doesn't seem to know where its feet are, the nervous system is the more likely cause.^8,11

Common Neurological Disorders in Dogs

• IVDD (slipped disc): a disc bursts or bulges into the spinal canal. Causes pain, wobbliness or paralysis.^3,9
• Vestibular disease: a sudden head tilt and loss of balance, most often in older dogs, usually improving within days to weeks^4,14
• Degenerative myelopathy: a slow, painless loss of back-leg control in older dogs, linked to the SOD1 gene^5,16
• Dementia (cognitive dysfunction): confusion, night waking and house soiling in senior dogs^18,19
• Stroke and FCE: sudden loss of blood supply to part of the brain or spinal cord^15,17
• Seizures and epilepsy: recurring seizures; see our full guide
• Other conditions: wobbler syndrome, spinal infection (discospondylitis), brain inflammation, brain and spinal tumors, and nerve injuries^8,20,10

By age, the usual pattern is:^{8,9,10,21,4,7,19}

• Young adult and middle-aged dogs: disc disease in short-legged breeds and FCE
• Older dogs: vestibular disease, degenerative myelopathy, stroke, dementia and slow disc bulges

How Vets Diagnose Neurological Problems

The neurological exam is the most important step.^11,2 Your vet checks:

• Alertness and the nerves of the head
• How your dog walks
• Paw placement, reflexes and pain sensation

This tells your vet where the problem is likely to be. Tests may then include:^2,12

• Blood and urine tests
• X-rays
• MRI or CT
• A spinal fluid test (spinal tap)
• Nerve and muscle tests

Many dogs are referred to a veterinary neurologist for MRI and specialist care. Some specialist hospitals, such as NC State's, have a neurologist on call for emergencies.¹²

Treatment and Home Care

Treatment depends on the cause:^3,13,14,19

• Surgery for a disc pressing on the spinal cord
• Strict rest and pain relief
• Medicine for infection, inflammation or seizures
• Supportive care while the body heals, such as after vestibular disease or a stroke
• Long-term management for conditions such as dementia

Rehabilitation helps many dogs regain strength.^3,22 For dogs that can't walk:²³

• Use thick, soft bedding and turn your dog every few hours to prevent pressure sores
• Empty the bladder 3 to 4 times a day if your vet shows you how
• Use a sling, harness or wheelchair (cart) for support

Three-legged dogs generally have a good quality of life, and a cart can keep a dog that can't use its back legs active.^20,23

Outlook and Quality of Life

The outlook varies widely. Most dogs with vestibular disease and most treated disc patients recover well.^14,3 Dementia often doesn't shorten life.²⁴ Degenerative myelopathy is progressive.⁵ When a condition can't be cured, a quality-of-life scale can help you and your vet decide when it's time to say goodbye. It scores Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad.^25,26

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of neurological problems in dogs?

Wobbliness, knuckling or scuffing paws, a head tilt, behavior changes or seizures.

What is the most common neurological problem in dogs?

Disc disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of sudden back-leg weakness or paralysis.

Can neurological problems in dogs be cured?

Some can, such as many disc problems and vestibular disease. Others can be managed.

What neurological problems are common in older dogs?

Vestibular disease, degenerative myelopathy, dementia, stroke and slow disc bulges.

Why are my dog's back legs suddenly weak?

Often a slipped disc or FCE. See a vet the same day, or go now if your dog can't walk, drags its legs or is getting worse.