For a thorough understanding of the Narcolepsy disorder, click this image to go to our Narcolepsy Overview page. It discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of Narcolepsy.

Are you a dog-owner? Does your dog tend to nap a little too much than normal? Your dog could be suffering from narcolepsy. It is a sleep disorder that causes sudden, excessive daytime sleepiness. It also causes body weakness and sudden collapse.

Narcoleptic dogs are thought to inherit the disorder. It usually affects certain breed. These are labrador retrievers, poodles, dachshunds, and doberman pinschers. Its symptoms appear before the dog reaches 6 months of age. It usually lasts a few seconds only. There are cases, however, where it can last up to 30 minutes or more.

SYMPTOMS

Narcoleptic dogs experience attacks of sudden sleep. They collapse suddenly in their tracks and just fall asleep. It happens while doing regular activities. It can happen while they are running, eating or doing other exciting activities. They wake up later and continue to do their activity as if nothing has happened. During the sleep episode, they collapse into a side-lying (lateral) position. They may also assume a stomach-lying (sternal) position. Their muscles twitch and shows rapid eye movement. These signs are usually seen in REM sleep.

For a thorough understanding of the Narcolepsy disorder, click this image to go to our Narcolepsy Overview page. It discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of Narcolepsy.

Narcoleptic dogs also experience “cataplexy”. It is the sudden loss of muscle tone in the body. The narcoleptic dogs develop leg weakness. Their facial muscles will also droop. Their neck muscles will shake with the head “falling down”. During the attacks, they are still aware of their surroundings. Their eyes remain open and move around the room. But they will not be able to move. The episode usually last for a short time. They can be awaken by loud noises or petting.

CAUSES

It is interesting to note, a study showed something common between narcoleptic people and narcoleptic dogs. They both have a lack of  Hypocretin. It is a chemical found in the brain that is responsible for keeping us awake. This discovery has given hope of finding the cause of narcolepsy and its cure.

TREATMENT

Narcoleptic dogs usually do not require treatment. This is true for dogs who experience the attacks a few times a week or month only. But there are times when narcoleptic dogs have several attacks during the day. It can lessen their quality of life. The attacks may also happen at dangerous times where it can threaten their life. To help manage its symptoms, a tricyclic antidepressant can be given. Stimulant medications are also available to treat excessive sleepiness.

If the disorder has already affected your dog’s life immensely, visit your veterinarian. Ask for help in managing your dog’s disorder.  Dogs, just like humans, need the right amount of sleep for good health too.