From Seizures to Stumbling: What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Neurological Disorders

Symptoms of neurological problems aren’t always obvious at first. Your dog may suddenly stumble on the stairs, or your cat might begin circling the room in confusion. Neurological conditions can develop subtly but often require urgent attention.

At Animal Hospital at Hillshore, our advanced diagnostic tools and compassionate team help uncover the causes of neurological changes and provide guidance on the best next steps for treatment and long-term support.

Understanding Neurological Disorders in Pets

Neurological disorders affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These systems control balance, coordination, reflexes, and even mood. When something disrupts these functions, pets may show changes in movement, behavior, or alertness.

Because the nervous system influences so many parts of the body, symptoms can range from barely noticeable to sudden and dramatic. You might observe an unsteady gait, a persistent head tilt, circling, or unusual behavioral shifts. Some pets experience seizures, while others develop weakness, tremors, or paralysis.

Early diagnosis makes a meaningful difference. Many neurological conditions are progressive, but with accurate testing and proper treatment, many pets can maintain comfort and mobility for years- and some recover completely when the problem is addressed early.

Common Neurological Disorders in Pets

Seizures and Epilepsy

Seizures are among the most recognizable neurological events in pets. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can lead to collapse, paddling, drooling, or loss of consciousness. Managing seizures involves both immediate response and long-term care strategies.

Most seizures last only a few minutes. During an episode, keep your pet safe from sharp objects and avoid restraining them. Once the seizure ends, seek veterinary attention to determine the cause and evaluate risks of recurrence.

Epilepsy is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments. Not every seizure indicates epilepsy- other underlying issues can produce similar symptoms.

Toxins can also cause seizures, especially in cats. Portosystemic shunts and liver disease may cause confusion and neurological distress, while brain tumors can lead to seizures, vision loss, or personality changes. Any pet that has a seizure for the first time should be evaluated immediately.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction is most common in senior pets and mirrors dementia in people. Affected animals may appear disoriented, forget familiar routines, or stare blankly into space. Some pace at night, lose house-training habits, or seem less interactive. While it can’t be reversed, cognitive dysfunction can often be managed through medication, enrichment, and dietary adjustments.

Vestibular Disease

The vestibular system controls balance and coordination. When it malfunctions, pets may tilt their head, lose balance, circle, or show rapid eye movement known as nystagmus. Vestibular disease can look alarming, but most affected pets remain alert and recover within days to weeks with supportive care.

Untreated ear infections can also cause head tilts and circling when they become severe and move into the middle and inner part of the ear. Inner ear infections require antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatment.

Strokes may also mimic vestibular disease, particularly in pets with Cushing’s disease or high blood pressure. These are much more serious, and require treatment of the underlying disease. A veterinary exam helps distinguish between these causes and ensure appropriate therapy.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is a progressive, painless spinal cord disease similar to ALS in humans. It typically begins with hind limb weakness, dragging toes, and wobbling, gradually advancing to paralysis. It’s most common in Shepherds and other large breeds.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and Fibrocartilagenous Embolisms (FCE)

IVDD occurs when spinal discs become damaged or displaced, compressing the spinal cord. It’s common in long-backed breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis, but can affect any dog or cat.

Intervertebral disc disease often presents as back pain, reluctance to jump, a hunched posture, or limb weakness. FCEs appear with very similar symptoms, but are more common in larger breeds. Mild cases may respond to rest and anti-inflammatories, while severe cases often require surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent irreversible damage. Some pets will lose use of their hindlimbs entirely if treatment isn’t sought quickly enough.

Wobbler’s Syndrome

Wobbler’s syndrome is a condition affecting the neck vertebrae, typically in large-breed dogs like Great Danes and Dobermans. It compresses the spinal cord and leads to uncoordinated movement, neck pain, and difficulty standing. Treatment may involve surgery, controlled exercise, or long-term management to stabilize the spine and prevent further injury.

The Importance of Diagnostic Support

At Animal Hospital at Hillshore, our diagnostic tools help identify the source of neurological symptoms with accuracy and speed. Because neurological signs can overlap with other diseases, clear testing is vital for effective treatment.

Bloodwork provides essential baseline information about organ function, infection, or toxin exposure. Small animal X-ray diagnostic imaging assesses bone and spinal alignment that can impact nerve pathways, while small animal ultrasound evaluates internal organs and blood flow for related abnormalities.

For more detailed visualization, MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, allowing veterinarians to identify tumors, inflammation, or structural changes in the brain and spine. Together, these tools enable precise diagnosis and timely care.

Treatment Options and Support

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some pets require daily anti-seizure medication or hormone management, while others benefit from surgical correction or physical rehabilitation. The goal is always to reduce symptoms and preserve quality of life through an individualized plan.

For pets with spinal or mobility-related diseases such as IVDD, Wobbler’s syndrome, or degenerative myelopathy, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle strength and nerve function. Swimming and underwater treadmill use is one of the best ways to provide safe, low-impact strengthening of muscles. Rehabilitation for neurological conditions helps preserve coordination, rebuild stability, and prevent secondary complications like muscle atrophy or joint stiffness.

Even during recovery, gentle passive range of motion exercises help prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility in pets that can’t move independently. As mobility improves, strength-building tools such as FitPaws equipment can safely rebuild balance, endurance, and body awareness. Ask us to show you the proper ways to use these tools before you start.

For pets with limited mobility, assistive devices are invaluable. Help ‘Em Up harnesses and Walkin’ Pets carts provide support for standing, walking, or navigating stairs to make daily movement more comfortable. Even something as simple as using a bath towel sling under the belly can help pets feel more stable. These devices restore independence and help pets stay active and engaged with their families.

Our team may also recommend environmental adjustments such as ramps, rugs, or low-entry litterboxes to improve safety and prevent further injury. For all pets, periodic rechecks and medication adjustments are essential to maintaining stability and comfort.

Integrative and Alternative Therapies

Many pets benefit from complementary care alongside conventional treatment. Acupuncture can help improve circulation, relieve pain, and support nerve function. Laser therapy can decrease inflammation and pain.

A holistic management plan may include nutritional support, gentle exercise, and stress reduction to promote overall wellness. The goal is not just symptom control but long-term comfort, stability, and confidence in daily life.

Spotting Red Flags: When to See the Vet

Certain neurological symptoms always warrant immediate care. Seek emergency attention if your pet experiences seizures lasting longer than five minutes, cluster seizures, sudden paralysis, loss of consciousness, or extreme disorientation. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and lethargy combined with neurologic signs also signal that prompt treatment is needed.

Even if symptoms resolve quickly, evaluation is important to prevent recurrence. Persistent head tilt, difficulty walking, abnormal posture, or confusion are all signs of possible neurological disease that should never be ignored. Animal Hospital at Hillshore is here to ensure your pet receives prompt, expert evaluation when issues arise.

Taking Action for Your Pet’s Neurological Health

Recognizing neurological symptoms early and seeking veterinary care can make a profound difference in your pet’s outcome and comfort. Whether you notice sudden seizures, gradual weakness, balance issues, or unexplained behavioral changes, prompt evaluation identifies treatable causes and prevents progression.

Contact Animal Hospital at Hillshore at (608) 238-3139 to schedule an evaluation. Our experienced team is ready to provide the comprehensive care your pet needs.