Narcolepsy/Cataplexy
Narcolepsy is described as "inappropriate daytime sleepiness" and often animals are presented for "falling asleep" during times of excitement, such as while eating or when exhibiting play behavior. Cataplexy is a sudden, temporary loss of muscle control that often accompanies narcolepsy.
Age of Onset: 4-6 weeks of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may worsen during the first year of life and then gradually decline in frequency and severity. Narcoleptic episodes are typically exacerbated by emotional stimuli such as during eating or times of play.
Clinical signs may worsen during the first year of life and then gradually decline in frequency and severity. Narcoleptic episodes are typically exacerbated by emotional stimuli such as during eating or times of play.
Clinical Signs:
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Shortened sleep latency
“Sleepy”
Cannot maintain long stretches of wakefulness
Fall asleep faster than normal
No loss of consicousnesss
Posture and Appearance
Attacks of flaccid paralysis (cataplexy)
Eyes typically remain open during narcoleptic episodes
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Shortened sleep latency
“Sleepy”
Cannot maintain long stretches of wakefulness
Fall asleep faster than normal
No loss of consicousnesss
Posture and Appearance
Attacks of flaccid paralysis (cataplexy)
Eyes typically remain open during narcoleptic episodes
Intracranial
Autosomal recessive inheritance (HCRTR2 mutation)
*Genetic testing for narcolepsy is only available for Doberman, Labrador Retriever, and Dachshund breeds
*Genetic testing for narcolepsy is only available for Doberman, Labrador Retriever, and Dachshund breeds
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