Vets Focus On Neurological Disorders in Dogs, Humans

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ScienceDaily (Jan. 29, 2008) — Parkinson's disease and epilepsy strike millions of people each year. They also affect countless dogs, and veterinarians at the University of Missouri are working to find ways to treat these and other neurological diseases in both species.

Dennis O'Brien, professor of veterinary medicine and surgery and director of the comparative neurology program in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and a team of researchers are investigating the causes and potential treatments for a number of diseases that can be fatal in both humans and animals.

"These diseases have been recognized in dogs for many years, but now we have the tools to do something about it," said O'Brien, who was recently named as the first Chancellor's Chair of Excellence in Comparative Neurology. "In the past, there was little that we could do other than treat the symptoms. Now, with pets, we can identify the genes responsible and breed away from some of these problems. We also have the human connection to these diseases, and as we learn from research on both species, we can apply it to both humans and animals and everyone will benefit."

Currently, researchers with the comparative neurology program are investigating several diseases that can affect dogs and humans. These diseases include:

• Epilepsy - a common disease characterized by repetitive seizures. It has many different causes, but it is thought to be a hereditary condition in many dogs.

• Parkinson's disease - caused by a loss of a neurotransmitter, dopamine, in nerve cells. Symptoms include tremors, stiff muscles or movement, and difficulty with balancing and walking.

In humans, Parkinson's is a disease of the elderly, while in dogs it is a hereditary disease affecting young dogs.

• Degenerative Myelopathy - a common neurological disease that affects the spinal cords in adult dogs. Typically, the dog will lose function of its rear legs and, eventually, will be paralyzed.

At the same time that researchers are investigating these diseases, O'Brien and his team also are working in the MU Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, applying their knowledge to help dogs now. For example, the program recently received an underwater treadmill that will help rehabilitate dogs that have suffered spinal or nerve injuries and are temporarily paralyzed.

"Moving in water is great therapy," O'Brien said. "You don’t have to support any body weight, but at the same time, the muscles have to work through some resistance. This helps to exercise the limbs."

Adapted from materials provided by University of Missouri.

Source:

University of Missouri (2008, January 29). Vets Focus On Neurological Disorders In Dogs, Humans. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 4, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/01/080123181351.htm

Comments

[tina]

if we can't afford the under water treadmill wnat else besides walking our lab can we do? she just today diagnoised with old age not severe but beginning stages neurological disease. she is 11 and in excellent health besides that. if we can afford the treadmill how ofter is that needed to do. daily, weekly, monthly?
thank u for your time. this makes me sad to think she is starting to fail. this adorable 12 week old puppy who we brought home with her sister is getting old. so sad we can't contol "father time"
we have no chidren these are our kids.

tina

[Kate Kelsall]

Hi Tina,

It's difficult to see our dogs get old. We too treat our English Springer Spaniel, Oreo, like a child. Oreo takes meds for arthritis. It will be a sad day when she passes away.

Kate

[PAMELA MARY SYMONS.]

i HAVE A 14 YEARS OLD CAVALIER KING CHARLES.WHO HAS HAD 2 PETIT MAL STROKES BUT IS OK NOW APART FROM TREMORS WHEN EXCITED.He has no other underlying problems as I have had a ct scan on his organs and no diebetis or lukemia.His white bllod cells are high but this could be stress(as he gets excited easily)Could this be the onset of parkinsons as I do not know what the symptoms would be apart from shaking.Could you advise what I should look for it its this,if not any other ideas?He has a heart murmour,which is not bad and takes vasitop medication and a diaetic tablet.

[Soft Cialis]

hello fellas, I just want to emphasize the good work on this blog, has excellent views and a clear vision of what you are looking for

[Kate Kelsall]

Pamela,

Sorry, I have no medical or veterinarian background. I write about my experiences as a Parkinson's patient.

You need to consult with a veterinarian re: your medical concerns about your dog.

Good luck,
Kate

[dog insurance]

epilepsy?? dogs?? who'd have thought? that's horrible. i can imagine seeing a dog in a fit. it'll break my heart. :(

[Cat Insurance]

I also want to appreciate this type of good work that is very beneficial and will affect dog and humans health.