The nervous system is your pet’s communication network. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves work together to control movement, balance, sensation, behavior, coordination, and many automatic body functions.
Neurologic problems can look dramatic—such as a seizure or sudden inability to walk—but they can also begin with subtle changes like stumbling, weakness, a head tilt, unusual behavior, or reluctance to move. Because very different conditions can cause similar signs, a veterinary examination is important for determining whether a problem is neurologic and, if so, where in the nervous system it may be occurring.
Common Neurologic Conditions
- Seizures: A result of abnormal electrical activity within the brain. Seizures do not always look like classic whole-body convulsions. A seizure is also not the same thing as epilepsy (a disorder involving a predisposition to recurrent seizures).
- Spinal & Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Occurs when disc material between the vertebrae degenerates, bulges, or herniates, affecting the spinal cord. It can cause neck/back pain, wobbling, weakness, or paralysis.
- Vestibular Disease & Balance Disorders: Problems involving the vestibular system can cause a pet who was walking normally to suddenly appear extremely dizzy, disoriented, or develop a severe head tilt.
When Is It an Emergency?
Some neurologic changes should not wait for a routine appointment. Seek prompt veterinary care for:
- An ongoing or prolonged seizure, or multiple seizures close together
- Sudden inability to stand, walk, or rapidly worsening weakness
- Loss of consciousness or severely decreased responsiveness
- Significant head or spinal trauma
- Severe neck or back pain, especially with weakness
Tip: If your pet is experiencing a neurologic episode (like a seizure or tremor) at home, and it is safe to do so, take a short video on your phone to show our veterinary team.