Neurological Disorders in Dogs: When Your Dog’s Brain and Spine Need Help

Your dog just stumbled walking across the kitchen floor—something you’ve never seen them do before. Then you notice their back legs seem weaker than usual, maybe dragging slightly. Or perhaps they’ve just had their first seizure, and you’re standing there in shock, feeling utterly helpless as the convulsions subside. These terrifying moments when your dog’s nervous system malfunctions can leave you paralyzed with fear, desperately wondering what’s wrong and whether it can be fixed.

Neurological disorders in dogs affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that control everything from breathing and movement to personality and cognition. These conditions range from mild muscle twitches requiring minimal intervention to devastating paralysis demanding emergency surgery costing $10,000-$15,000 (€9,183-€13,775). Approximately 14% of all dogs will experience neurological problems at some point in their lives, with certain breeds facing dramatically elevated risks—Dachshunds are 10-12 times more likely to develop intervertebral disc disease than mixed breeds, while Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds show increased susceptibility to degenerative myelopathy. Understanding how your dog’s nervous system works, recognizing warning signs of neurological dysfunction, knowing which conditions are treatable versus progressive, and comprehending realistic costs and outcomes empowers you to make informed decisions during one of the most frightening veterinary emergencies any pet parent faces.

Understanding Your Dog’s Nervous System: The Body’s Control Center

Your dog’s nervous system is the “control center” that controls everything from automatic functions like breathing and metabolic regulation to higher-order thinking that gives your dog their unique personality. Problems in the nervous system can range from physical disorders to those that affect your dog’s cognition and ability to understand and follow commands.

The Brain: Command Central

The brain is the main cognitive organ in the body, divided into three main regions with distinct functions:

Brain stem: Controls basic life-sustaining functions like breathing or digesting food without conscious thought. This primitive brain region handles automatic processes essential for survival—heart rate regulation, blood pressure control, respiratory rhythm, and sleep-wake cycles.

Cerebrum: Higher thinking occurs here, including learning how to sit on command or house-training. The cerebrum processes sensory information, stores memories, enables problem-solving, and creates your dog’s unique personality. When dogs learn tricks, recognize family members, or respond to their names, the cerebrum is orchestrating these complex cognitive functions.

Cerebellum: Controls all movement and motor activity, like walking or jumping. This brain region coordinates voluntary movements, maintains balance and posture, and ensures smooth, fluid motion. Damage to the cerebellum produces characteristic stumbling, uncoordinated gait, and balance problems.

The Spinal Cord: Information Highway

The spinal cord connects to the base of the brain, then travels down the spinal column along the back to the tail. The spinal cord consists of bundles of nerve fibers that carry impulses to and from the brain, including sensory input from the rest of the body (Is it hot or cold? Am I being petted?) and commands from the brain that control movement and other physical functions.

Think of the spinal cord as a biological internet cable—billions of electrical signals travel up and down simultaneously, transmitting sensory data to the brain and motor commands to muscles. When this communication highway is damaged by disc herniation, trauma, or tumors, signals can’t pass through, resulting in weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation below the injury site.

Central vs. Peripheral Nervous Systems

A dog’s nervous system can be separated into two distinct but related systems:

Central nervous system (CNS): This includes the brain and spinal cord and all the nerves within them. These nerves can be further divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic functions. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for all systems related to “fight or flight,” including the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles. When a dog sees an animal they want to chase, their sympathetic nervous system may activate.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS): The PNS includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It’s often thought of as “rest and digest.” These nerves activate when an animal is relaxed, like during digestion.

The nervous system includes all the nerves that shoot off from the spinal cord and travel to every part of the dog’s body. Some nerves carry messages from the body to the spinal cord so they can be transmitted to the brain and acted on. Other nerves carry messages from the brain with commands for the body, like barking at a worrisome neighbor or moving a paw off hot asphalt.

Warning Signs: Recognizing Neurological Problems in Dogs

Disorders in the nervous system can cause subtle symptoms like muscle twitches or mild pain, or severe symptoms like seizures or paralysis. Some of the many signs that might indicate a neurological disorder in dogs include:

Movement and Coordination Issues:

  • Difficulty walking, stumbling, or uncoordinated gait (ataxia)
  • Dragging feet or knuckling over (walking on tops of paws)
  • Circling in one direction repeatedly
  • Head tilt that doesn’t resolve
  • Tremors or involuntary muscle twitching
  • Sudden collapse or inability to stand
  • Paralysis of one or more limbs

Behavioral and Cognitive Changes:

  • Confusion or disorientation, especially in familiar environments
  • Getting stuck in corners or behind furniture
  • Pressing head against walls (head pressing)
  • Personality changes—sudden aggression or fearfulness
  • Loss of house-training
  • Barking at nothing or staring into space
  • Not recognizing family members

Seizures and Altered Consciousness:

  • Convulsions with paddling legs and loss of consciousness
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control during episodes
  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Pre-seizure behavior changes (pacing, whining, hiding)
  • Post-seizure confusion lasting minutes to hours

Sensory Problems:

  • Sudden blindness or vision changes
  • Loss of hearing or responsiveness to sounds
  • Changes in how dog responds to touch

Pain-Related Signs:

  • Crying out when touched or moved
  • Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or turn head
  • Hunched posture or stiff movement
  • Panting or restlessness from discomfort

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen rapidly, contact your veterinarian immediately. Taking a video of your dog’s unusual behavior can be extremely helpful for diagnosis.

Common Neurological Disorders in Dogs

The following are some of the most common neurologic disorders affecting dogs. Understanding each condition helps you recognize symptoms early and make informed treatment decisions.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when the disc material inside a dog’s spine starts bulging or ruptures, compressing the spinal cord beneath the disc and disrupting the nerves that connect to the spinal cord. IVDD ranks among the most common neurologic disorders veterinarians diagnose.

While IVDD can occur in any breed, it is most common in dogs with long backs that structurally have less stability in their spine, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, and Beagles. Dachshunds face particularly elevated risk, with studies showing they’re 10-12 times more likely than mixed breeds to develop IVDD.

Dogs affected with IVDD may seem like they’re in pain, not wanting to jump on furniture or use the stairs. They may also be more severely affected, knuckling over and walking on the tops of their paws, and they can even lose the ability to walk and use their back end. Some cases of IVDD can be managed medically with anti-inflammatories and strict rest, but other cases may require surgery to allow a dog to walk again and urinate on their own.

If the nerves that control urination and defecation branch from the spinal cord near the area of the damaged disc, the dog may not be able to urinate on their own. Loss of bladder control represents an emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention.

IVDD Surgery Costs:

  • Surgical costs alone: $1,500-$4,000 (€1,377-€3,672)
  • Diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT): $1,500-$5,000 (€1,377-€4,592)
  • Pre-surgical bloodwork: $100-$200 (€92-€184)
  • Anesthesia: $800-$1,200 (€735-€1,102)
  • Hospitalization (3-4 days): $300-$2,400 (€276-€2,204)
  • Post-operative physical therapy: $500-$1,000 (€459-€918)
  • Total all-inclusive IVDD surgery cost: $5,000-$15,000 (€4,592-€13,775)

Recovery from IVDD surgery typically takes 6-12 weeks, with gradual return to normal activity. Success rates range from 70-95% depending on severity, with best outcomes in dogs who haven’t lost pain sensation in affected limbs.

Seizures and Epilepsy

A seizure is a surge of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, often accompanied by jerking physical movements or convulsions. When dogs have a seizure, they are mentally unaware and often lose control of their bladder or bowels. Seizures can be caused by certain toxins, an underlying illness like liver disease, a brain tumor, trauma, or genetics.

The most commonly diagnosed cause of seizures is an inherited condition called idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy is usually treated with long-term medications like levetiracetam (Keppra), phenobarbital, or potassium bromide. Once a pet goes on seizure medications, they’re usually on them for life. Keeping a journal of any seizure episodes is recommended to identify patterns that may come before seizures.

Emergency Alert: If your dog has a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or cluster seizures (more than three in 24 hours), they should be seen immediately by an emergency veterinarian because they’re at risk for brain damage and death.

Seizure Medication Costs:

  • Phenobarbital: $30-$150 (€28-€138) monthly
    • In UK: £0.14 per 30mg tablet (€0.16), approximately £8-£42 (€9-€49) monthly depending on dosage
  • Levetiracetam (Keppra): $40-$200 (€37-€184) monthly
  • Potassium bromide: $20-$80 (€18-€74) monthly
  • Monitoring bloodwork (every 6-12 months): $100-$250 (€92-€230)
  • Emergency seizure treatment (ICU observation): $1,000-$1,800 (€918-€1,653)

Most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy achieve good seizure control with medication, allowing them to live relatively normal lives. However, medication doesn’t cure epilepsy—it manages symptoms and reduces seizure frequency and severity.

Vestibular Disease

Vestibular disease is a sudden loss of balance and coordination. Dogs with this disease are often unable to walk, may circle in one direction, have a head tilt, or experience uncontrolled jerking eye movements called nystagmus. Many times they will not eat, and they may vomit due to the nausea that accompanies the spinning, unbalanced sensation.

This disease is more common in senior dogs and may be caused by a middle or inner ear infection. More often than not, there is no underlying cause that can be found. Fortunately, vestibular disease often resolves with time. Usually, the worst symptoms lessen after the first two or three days and are gone within a few weeks.

The clinical signs associated with vestibular disease are often most severe during the first 24 to 48 hours, with many pets beginning to improve within 72 hours. The head tilt and stumbling often improve over a 7 to 10-day period, with most patients completely recovered within 2 to 3 weeks, although some will have residual symptoms such as a head tilt or mild “wobbling” for life.

Vestibular disease is usually managed with medications to help combat nausea, like Cerenia®, and supportive care to help affected dogs eat, drink, and go to the bathroom outside. Treatment costs are typically modest—$200-$600 (€184-€551) for initial examination, diagnostics to rule out ear infections, and anti-nausea medications.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia)

Cognitive dysfunction, commonly referred to as dementia, is an age-related change in a dog’s brain that occurs in some senior dogs. This condition parallels Alzheimer’s disease in humans, causing progressive cognitive decline that affects quality of life.

Dogs with cognitive dysfunction will often get lost in their own home, sometimes getting stuck in corners or barking at things that are not there. Often they will seem disoriented and confused in the evening before bed —a phenomenon called “sundowning” that also occurs in human dementia patients.

Cognitive dysfunction cannot be cured but is usually managed or slowed down with a combination of medication, supplements, and diet therapy. Some dogs are prescribed selegiline or put on diets like Hills b/d or Purina Neurocare. Affected dogs may benefit from light physical activity and brain-engaging interactions, like walks or treat puzzles.

Cognitive Dysfunction Management Costs:

  • Selegiline (Anipryl): $30-$100 (€28-€92) monthly
  • Prescription cognitive diets: $60-$120 (€55-€110) monthly
  • SAMe supplements: $25-$60 (€23-€55) monthly
  • Puzzle toys and enrichment: $20-$50 (€18-€46) one-time/periodic

While cognitive dysfunction progresses inevitably, treatment can meaningfully slow decline and preserve quality of life for months to years in many dogs.

Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler syndrome, or cervical spondylomyelopathy, is a disease of the neck that causes an uncoordinated gait, dragging of the feet, and extreme neck pain. It can affect any breed of dog, but it’s most common in Doberman Pinschers and other large-breed dogs like Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Rottweilers.

It’s the result of compression on the spinal cord in the neck. The condition may be managed surgically or medically. Medical treatment includes rest and anti-inflammatory pain medications like carprofen or medications for nerve pain like gabapentin.

Wobbler syndrome surgery costs $3,000-$8,000 (€2,755-€7,347) depending on technique and severity. Conservative medical management costs $50-$200 (€46-€184) monthly for medications. Prognosis varies—some dogs respond well to medical management while others require surgery for meaningful improvement.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative myelopathy, or DM, is a disease of the spinal cord that leads to weakness in the back end and eventual paralysis. It is most common in older German Shepherds and often looks like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Affected dogs may be weaker in the back end, drag their feet when walking, and have trouble getting up from lying down.

It is believed to be caused by a genetic mutation, similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans. While there is no treatment for this condition, keeping affected pets active and at a healthy weight can slow the progression of the disease. Many pets benefit from pain medications because they often have underlying arthritis as well.

Degenerative myelopathy is ultimately fatal, with most dogs progressing to complete paralysis within 6-36 months of diagnosis. The condition is not painful itself, but secondary complications like pressure sores and urinary tract infections require management. Many owners choose compassionate euthanasia when dogs can no longer stand or maintain continence.

Meningitis, Encephalitis, and Encephalomyelitis

When inflammation occurs in the brain, spinal cord, or membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, it’s called encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, or meningitis, respectively. These serious conditions can result from bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, or from autoimmune processes where the body attacks its own nervous tissue.

Affected dogs may have symptoms like fever, head tilt or head pressing, circling, lack of balance and difficulty walking, muscle tremors, blindness, and seizures. This condition may be a result of bacteria, virus, fungi, parasite, or an autoimmune condition.

These conditions are usually diagnosed by a veterinary neurologist after an MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. They are treated with medications to kill the infectious agent, if one is present, and to reduce inflammation around the brain, spinal cord, and membranes.

Meningitis/Encephalitis Diagnostic and Treatment Costs:

  • MRI scan: $2,000-$5,500 (€1,837-€5,051)
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap: $1,000-$1,500 (€918-€1,377)
  • Hospitalization and intensive care: $1,000-$3,000 (€918-€2,755)
  • Medications (antibiotics, antifungals, immunosuppressants): $100-$500 (€92-€459) monthly

Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial meningitis caught early may be curable with aggressive antibiotic therapy, while autoimmune forms require long-term immunosuppression with variable outcomes.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Neurological Disorders

If your dog is showing signs of a neurological disorder, the first thing your veterinarian will want to do is collect a thorough history. Let them know about potential exposure to toxins, including behavior like getting into trash or unfamiliar areas, or any possible trauma.

If your dog is having seizures, the vet may ask these questions:

  • How long did the seizure episode(s) last?
  • When was the first seizure episode?
  • How many seizures have they had?
  • Exactly what did your dog do during the episode? Did they have convulsions, lose consciousness, or lose control of their bladder?

It can be very helpful to take a video of your dog’s unusual behavior to show the vet. Modern smartphones make this easy—even short clips provide invaluable diagnostic information that helps veterinarians distinguish between seizures, fainting, vestibular episodes, and other neurological events.

Initial Diagnostic Testing

After a physical examination, your veterinarian will likely want to run some tests, including blood work and X-rays. Blood work screens for metabolic disorders (liver or kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances) and infectious diseases that can cause neurological symptoms. X-rays evaluate bone structure and may reveal spinal abnormalities, fractures, or tumors affecting nervous tissue.

Initial Diagnostic Costs:

  • Physical examination: $50-$150 (€46-€138)
  • Complete blood count and chemistry panel: $150-$300 (€138-€276)
  • X-rays (spinal or skull): $200-$400 (€184-€367)
  • Urinalysis: $25-$75 (€23-€69)

Advanced Imaging and Specialist Referral

The vet may recommend that your dog see a veterinary neurologist. In addition to having a wealth of knowledge about neurologic disease, these specialists have access to advanced imaging like CT scans and MRIs, which are very helpful when trying to see structures like the spinal cord, discs, or the brain.

Veterinary Neurology Specialist Costs:

  • Initial consultation: $150-$300 (€138-€276)
  • Neurological examination: $200-$300 (€184-€276)
  • MRI scan: $1,500-$5,500 (€1,377-€5,051)
    • Low-field MRI (0.3 Tesla): $2,000-$2,800 (€1,837-€2,571)
    • High-field MRI (1.5-3 Tesla): $3,200-$5,500 (€2,939-€5,051)
  • CT scan: $800-$1,500 (€735-€1,377)
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: $1,000-$1,500 (€918-€1,377)
  • Anesthesia for procedures: $200-$500 (€184-€459)
  • Radiologist report: $150-$350 (€138-€321)
  • Complete neurological workup (MRI + CSF): $3,000-$3,500 (€2,755-€3,213)

Spinal fluid taps (cerebrospinal fluid analysis) may be recommended—during this procedure, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected to look for signs of infection or cancer. The CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and waste removal. Analysis reveals inflammatory cells, infectious organisms, cancer cells, or abnormal protein levels that help pinpoint diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Neurological Disorders in Dogs

Treatment will depend on the nature of the neurologic disorder and may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgery. Each condition requires tailored approaches, and many dogs benefit from multimodal treatment combining several strategies.

Medications

Medication is the most common type of treatment for most neurological disorders in dogs. Seizure disorders are treated with anti-epileptic drugs that must be given for the remainder of a dog’s life, with monitoring usually necessary to make dose changes required over time, so regular bloodwork and exams may be recommended.

Many dogs with spinal cord compression will benefit from anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids. Steroids have some side effects, including increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and panting.

If your dog is put on steroids, be sure to let them out more frequently to urinate so they’re not having accidents in the house. Watch their diet and control their food portions, as increased appetite can lead to overeating and weight gain, which can worsen the underlying neurologic disease and shorten their lifespan.

Common Neurological Medications:

  • Anti-seizure drugs: $30-$200 (€28-€184) monthly
  • Corticosteroids (prednisone): $10-$40 (€9-€37) monthly
  • NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam): $20-$80 (€18-€74) monthly
  • Gabapentin (nerve pain): $15-$60 (€14-€55) monthly
  • Muscle relaxants: $25-$75 (€23-€69) monthly

Supplements and Prescription Diets

There are some supplements and nutritional therapies on the market that can be helpful for various neurological disorders. SAMe, which helps reduce inflammation, may benefit some pets. Commercial diets like Purina Neurocare and Hills b/d have been shown to slow progression of cognitive dysfunction and reduce frequency of seizure episodes.

Omega-3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory effects that support nervous tissue health. Antioxidant supplements may slow age-related cognitive decline. B-complex vitamins support nerve function and regeneration.

Surgery

Surgeries are done by a neurology specialist and require advanced diagnostics, like CT or MRI, prior to surgery. Surgery on the back, neck, or brain can be expensive, but it may be your pet’s best option. Make sure you understand all the costs involved and be sure to follow the post-operative instructions. Oftentimes, follow-up visits can be done with your pet’s regular veterinarian.

Neurological Surgery Costs:

  • Spinal surgery (IVDD, wobbler): $2,500-$8,000 (€2,296-€7,347)
  • Brain surgery (tumor removal): $3,000-$5,000 (€2,755-€4,592)
  • Post-operative hospitalization: $500-$2,000 (€459-€1,837)
  • Physical rehabilitation: $50-$100 (€46-€92) per session

Surgery success rates vary by condition. IVDD surgery achieves excellent outcomes in 70-95% of cases when performed before permanent paralysis occurs. Brain tumor surgery provides palliative benefits but rarely cures the underlying cancer. Wobbler syndrome surgery shows variable results depending on compression severity and technique employed.

Living With a Neurological Disorder: Management Tips

Some neurological disorders are very common and can be managed to preserve your dog’s quality of life. Other conditions may be unusual and require a diagnostic journey and a neurology specialist to get answers.

If your pet is prescribed medication, it’s important to follow the instructions as labeled. If you notice any unexpected or concerning side effects, call your veterinarian right away. Some medications, like phenobarbital, may lead to dramatic initial side effects, like wobbling and stumbling, that subside over time. Your veterinarian is the best person to explain medication side effects and adjustments.

Environmental Modifications

Dogs with neurological disorders often benefit from environmental changes that improve safety and comfort:

  • Use baby gates to block stairs and prevent falls
  • Place non-slip rugs on hardwood or tile floors
  • Provide ramps for accessing furniture or vehicles
  • Create a quiet, low-stress sleeping area
  • Remove sharp furniture corners and hazards
  • Use elevated food and water bowls for neck conditions
  • Install nightlights for dogs with vision problems

Physical Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation help many neurological patients maintain strength, improve mobility, and prevent secondary complications like muscle atrophy. Rehabilitation costs $50-$100 (€46-€92) per session, with most dogs benefiting from 2-3 sessions weekly initially, then tapering to weekly or monthly maintenance.

Quality of Life Assessment

Regular quality of life assessments help determine whether treatment is maintaining acceptable comfort and function. Consider factors like:

  • Ability to eat, drink, and eliminate without assistance
  • Pain level and responsiveness to pain management
  • Interest in family interaction and favorite activities
  • More good days than bad days
  • Dignity and comfort

When quality of life deteriorates despite treatment, compassionate euthanasia may be the kindest option.

Prevention: Reducing Neurological Disease Risk

Many neurological disorders are inherited, making prevention difficult. If you have a Dachshund or another breed prone to IVDD, you can help by changing your environment and working with your dog to reduce risky behaviors.

Teach your dog to use steps or a ramp to get up on the bed or couch, rather than leaping up and down. Keep your pet at an ideal body condition, as obesity has been linked to an increased risk of morbidity with many neurological disorders. And make sure your pet has no access to toxins—keep dangerous pesticides, human food, and prescription medications safely stored away.

Additional Prevention Strategies:

  • Research breed-specific health risks before acquisition
  • Choose responsible breeders who health-test breeding stock
  • Maintain healthy weight throughout your dog’s life
  • Provide appropriate exercise without excessive strain
  • Schedule regular veterinary examinations for early detection
  • Keep vaccinations current to prevent infectious causes
  • Supervise outdoor activities to prevent trauma

Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Neurological Disorders

How much does it cost to see a dog neurologist?
Initial consultations range from $150-$300 (€138-€276). Complete neurological workups including MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis cost $3,000-$3,500 (€2,755-€3,213).

What are signs of neurological problems in dogs?
Common signs include difficulty walking, seizures, head tilt, circling, confusion, paralysis, loss of bladder control, personality changes, and tremors.

Can neurological disorders in dogs be cured?
Some conditions like vestibular disease often resolve spontaneously, while others like degenerative myelopathy are progressive and incurable. IVDD may be cured with surgery. Epilepsy requires lifelong medication management.

How much does IVDD surgery cost for dogs?
Total all-inclusive IVDD surgery costs range from $5,000-$15,000 (€4,592-€13,775) including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.

What breeds are prone to neurological disorders?
Dachshunds (IVDD), German Shepherds (degenerative myelopathy), Doberman Pinschers (wobbler syndrome), Golden Retrievers (epilepsy), and French Bulldogs (IVDD) face elevated risks.

How much do dog seizure medications cost?
Anti-seizure medications cost $30-$200 (€28-€184) monthly, with phenobarbital being most affordable at $30-$150 (€28-€138) monthly.

What is the survival rate for IVDD surgery?
Success rates range from 70-95% depending on severity, with best outcomes in dogs who haven’t lost pain sensation and receive surgery within 24-48 hours of symptom onset.

How long do dogs live with degenerative myelopathy?
Most dogs progress to complete paralysis within 6-36 months of diagnosis. The condition is ultimately fatal, though not painful in itself.

Does pet insurance cover neurological disorders?
Comprehensive pet insurance typically covers neurological diagnostics, treatment, surgery, and medications as long as conditions weren’t pre-existing when coverage began.

Can vestibular disease in dogs be cured?
Most cases resolve spontaneously within 2-3 weeks, though some dogs retain a permanent mild head tilt. Treatment focuses on supportive care during recovery.

When your dog’s nervous system malfunctions, the fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. While some neurological disorders carry grave prognoses, many are manageable conditions that allow dogs to maintain good quality of life with appropriate treatment. Work closely with your veterinarian or veterinary neurologist to understand your dog’s specific condition, realistic outcomes, and treatment costs. The decision to pursue aggressive diagnostics and treatment versus conservative management or palliative care is deeply personal, depending on your dog’s age, overall health, quality of life, and your family’s circumstances. Whatever path you choose, know that prioritizing your dog’s comfort and dignity honors the bond you share.

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