NERVINE ISSUES IN PETS

Recognise, prevent, and manage nervous system disorders effectively

- Dr Vinay Chhabra

As pet parents, we notice everything, whether it's a wagging tail, a missed meal, or that extra nap our furry friend took.

But what happens when your dog suddenly collapses or your cat starts trembling for no reason?

That's where nervine issues come into play. They can be scary, confusing, and in some cases, life-threatening. But the good news? Many of them are manageable, and even preventable.

Let's dive into what nervine disorders are, what causes them, how to recognize early signs, and what you can do to protect your pets.

What are nervine disorders?

Nervine disorders are conditions that affect your pet's nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that control everything from movement to behavior.

Common signs

• Seizures or fits

• Sudden collapse or shaking

• Loss of coordination or balance

• Inability to move limbs

• Tremors or twitching

• Head tilt or walking in circles

• Unexplained aggression or anxiety

These signs often indicate that the brain is not communicating properly with the body.

There's no single cause of nervine disorders. They can result from infections, trauma, chronic diseases or sometimes, no known cause at all (idiopathic).

Tapeworms in the Brain: Some parasites, like Taenia multiceps, can migrate from the stomach to the brain. This can lead to fits, tremors, or abnormal behavior.

Prevention: Regular deworming is a must. Puppies and kittens need frequent deworming. Adults should be dewormed every 3 months.

Distemper virus: Distemper is a highly contagious disease that affects the nervous system in dogs. It can cause twitching, tremors, seizures, even after recovery.