Dog Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy in Dogs Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on narcolepsy in dogs including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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Narcolepsy in dogs is a disorder of the neurological mechanisms that control sleep – especially the state of deep sleep, also known as rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Affected dogs have sudden periods of excessive daytime sleepiness that can include temporary unconsciousness. Narcoleptic episodes are often accompanied by cataplexy, which refers to a temporary loss of muscle control causing partial to complete flaccid (limp) muscle paralysis and/or periods of collapse. Narcolepsy and cataplexy begin during
Dogs are infamous for their frequent napping habits. While naps are quite normal for domestic dogs, sometimes excessive daytime sleepiness is caused by a medical condition called narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a syndrome in which the sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, causing tiredness, lethargy and brief periods of muscle paralysis or unconsciousness.Dogs suffering from narcolepsy periodically (and abruptly) fall into a state of deep sleep during normal waking hours. They often become partially or completely immobilized, and
Canine narcolepsy is uncommon and is not an easy condition to diagnose, especially if the attacks are short and infrequent. It is of course best to diagnose narcolepsy when the behavior associated with the condition can be seen by the attending veterinarian, which usually is best accomplished by engaging the dog in play or triggering an episode by presenting highly palatable food treats.There is no one simple test that can be performed to rule
Narcolepsy is a medical condition that involves excessive daytime sleepiness, lethargy and brief periods of collapse, paralysis and/or unconsciousness that usually resolve completely without treatment. Fortunately, narcolepsy can be managed medically, and there are effective measures that an owner can take to keep their narcoleptic friend safe. The primary goal of treating canine narcolepsy is to reduce the frequency and severity of the cataplectic (paralytic) episodes.Treatment is generally only considered if a dog has repeated