Neuro Corner Answers
Dr. Andrew Isaacs
DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center
Primary interests include intervertebral disc disease, seizure management, luxations/fractures of the spine, and surgery for brain tumors
Question
BEV ASKS:
Hello. My baby was diagnosed with ivdd 3 years ago and had surgery. He drunk walked for a bit but now he scoots around happy as can be. Eats, drinks, plays with his toys. I notice when he is laying down and sleeping his little head will bob up and down, some days are worse than others and sometimes it doesn’t happen at all. It’s not like a dream just goes up and down. Does this happen to other dogs? Thank you!
ANSWER
We see upregulated reflexes in the legs from a previous injury to the spinal cord leading to rhythmic movements. This is something reflexual and not voluntary control. However, a previous spinal cord injury should not cause movement of the head.
Andrew