Disorder - Narcolepsy

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Brief Description

Narcolepsy is a nervous system condition in which dogs are excessively sleepy during the daytime and have disrupted sleep patterns.

Presenting Signs

Narcolepsy affects the sleep patterns of dogs, and is characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and napping (a key symptom, present in all cases). Affected animals usually begin to exhibit signs at around 4 -12 weeks of age. Dogs with narcolepsy often have disrupted sleep patterns and tend to have episodes where they will suddenly just fall asleep. In narcoleptic dogs excitement and emotion can trigger sleeping episodes, with eating being the main cause. Dogs will start eating, only to suddenly fall to the ground asleep. They can be woken if spoken to or shaken, but once they continue eating they are likely to simply fall asleep again. Play or presentation of food can also trigger attacks of generalised temporary muscle paralysis without sleep, in which the animal may wobble on its feet and look slightly dazed for several minutes. During such attacks the respiratory and eye muscles remain unaffected, though affected dogs may have impaired vision. Sleep paralysis, where upon waking or on dozing the animal is temporarily paralysed, and hypnologic hallucinations, where patients experience dream-like visions when dozing, though not in the dream stage of sleep, are also common symptoms in humans. Due to their subjective nature these symptoms cannot be used in diagnosing canine narcolepsy.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Afghan hound
Airedale terrier
Alaskan malamute
Dachshund (miniature - long, smooth and wire-haired)
Dobermann
English springer spaniel
Irish setter
Labrador retriever
Poodle (Miniature)
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)
Wire-haired pointing griffon


Treatment

Medical

PubMed References
Narcolepsy

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
703


Contributor
Charlotte Franklin