Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) and is often associated with cataplexy. The presence of partial or complete cataplexy (sudden onset skeletal muscle atonia) is considered pathognomonic of narcolepsy.

Suspected acquired narcolepsy in 8 dogs

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Sporadic secondary narcolepsy (also termed “symptomatic” or “acquired” narcolepsy) is characterized by the diagnosis of a concurrent underlying cause for narcolepsy. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinicopathological features and outcome of a group dogs with suspected acquired narcolepsy.

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Seven of the 8 dogs were French bulldogs.

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Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin was diagnosed in 2 dogs, extracranial foci of inflammation were identified in 2 dogs and no abnormalities were found on diagnostic investigations in 4 dogs. Prednisolone was used in the management of all dogs, 6 dogs received imipramine, and 2 received cytosine arabinoside. An initial remission of signs was observed in all dogs, but a subsequent relapse of clinical signs was recorded for 4 dogs.

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Video courtesy of Dr. Koen Santifort