qertlast.blogg.se - Cataplexy in narcolepsy

The attacks are typically not life-threatening by themselves although certain situations such as hunting, swimming or off-leash exercise should not be allowed as they may cause harm.Narcolepsy-cataplexy is not a fatal disease and your dog does not suffer. Primary goal is to reduce the severity and frequency of narcoleptic-cataplectic attacks.Treatment of Narcolepsy and Cataplexy in Dogs The event can be reversed or prevented by giving another medication. Sometimes, giving a drug can induce the episodes. Depending on your veterinarian’s experience, these episodes may be induced with the stimulation typically responsible for the attacks such as food or excitement.Electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound, especially if syncope or cardiac arrhythmias are suspected.Serum chemistry profile to check for liver, kidney function as well as concentrations of blood electrolytes such as calcium, sodium and potassium.Your veterinarian may recommend the following diagnostic tests to rule out other possible diagnoses: The results of these tests should be normal if narcolepsy/cataplexy is the presumptive diagnosis. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical and neurological examination.

Diseases that may mimic this condition include heart disease, seizure disorders, myasthenia gravis, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), low blood potassium (hypokalemia), low levels of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia), an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). Veterinary care consists of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations.

Check that your dog is breathing and the mucous membranes are pink.ĭiagnosis of Narcolepsy and Cataplexy in Dogs.

There is no loss of urinary or fecal continence and pets typically do not salivate or have spasmodic muscle movements during these episodes. Reflexes such as swallowing and coughing are also not affected.

Breathing and eye muscles are usually not affected.

Your pet may be responsive to you, but more likely he will be unconscious.

Attacks of sleep in your dog that are typically induced by excitement (playing and eating are most common) in which your pet may fall over fast asleep with floppy muscles.

Signs of narcolepsy and cataplexy in dogs may include: Genetic studies of Labradors and Doberman pinschers support a recessive inheritance with complete penetrance.Ĭlinical signs usually develop in dogs younger than six months of age. There is proven heredity in the Labrador retriever, poodle, dachshund and Doberman pinscher. Multiple breeds of dogs can be affected including Doberman pinscher, miniature poodle, Labrador retriever, dachshund, Saint Bernard, beagle, Afghan hound, Airedale terrier, Welsh corgi terrier, malamute, springer spaniel, standard poodle, wire-haired griffon, Australian shepherd, giant Schnauzer and Rottweiler. Some pets will have from several attacks per week to hundreds per day. In between episodes, your dog is usually normal. The attacks may last anywhere from a few seconds to more than 20 minutes. These central nervous system disorders usually occur together in most dogs although narcolepsy can occur without cataplexy. These brief episodes of motor inhibition are completely and spontaneously reversible.

Cataplexy is characterized by brief episodes of muscle paralysis with loss of tendon reflexes the dog stays alert and will follow with his eyes. Narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness, lethargy, or brief periods of collapse and unconsciousness that resolve spontaneously. Overview of Canine Narcolepsy and Cataplexy