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Sleep Disorders in Dogs

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Sleep Disorders

Sleep is a complex behavior maintained by the central nervous system. Sleep plays a normal role in essential functions for both physical and cognitive purposes. It is a necessity for a healthy life! Naturally occurring sleep disorders are uncommon in cats and dogs. In all types of sleep disorders the condition can vary from mild to severe but may also indicate a neurologic or endocrine disease.

Considering a pet’s home environment, age, feeding pattern, and owners schedule will assist in determining the pet’s “normal” sleep patterns. Normal sleep consists of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep states, which all mammalian species experience. The process of sleep begins with transition into non- REM sleep, followed by REM sleep, then a brief state of wakefulness before re-entering non-REM sleep. Then the cycle starts again.

• Geriatric Changes in Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder- movements often result in violent limb movements but can also present as chewing and teeth grinding, biting at air or bedding and/or attacking the other or another dog.
• Sleep Apnea- normal oxygen saturation when awake and episodes of oxygen desaturation when asleep (REM sleep). This causes frequent waking during the night. The Bulldog has been proposed as a model of this disorder.
• Narcolepsy- in mild conditions the dog may appear drowsy. In more severe cases there can be a complete paralysis and collapse lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes (salivation and incontinence are not observed). Following the event dogs with resume normal activity.

[/vc_column_text][/trx_section][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1533135180690{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1533134942241{background-color: #d9ae4c !important;}”][trx_title type=”2″ align=”left” color=”#f6f2e4″ left=”20″ right=”20″]About Dr. Eileen Savier[/trx_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533135315368{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Barks & Recreation is proud to feature Dr. Eileen Savier CVA, CVCH as our Veterinary Blogger in our “From the Vet” Series. Currently part of the team of doctors at Keystone Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Savier is a 2012 Graduate of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, She completed her clinical experience at The Ohio State University and after veterinary school she pursued further education and certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Fear Free veterinary visits. Dr. Savier has a special interest in integrative medicine, animal behavior, and internal medicine and is committed to improving animal health care by integrating Eastern and Western philosophies. She enjoys working with fearful & aggressive dogs and cats and she has had additional training in low stress handling techniques and encourages positive reinforcement during exams and procedures. Her clinical interests include pain management, animal behavior, geriatric patient care, and internal medicine. Dr. Savier is a member of the following associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
• American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AATCVM)
• Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)

Dr. Savier shares her home with two (soon to be three) dogs, two cats, and a toddler. She lovingly refers to her two dogs as Coconut Retrievers as they were rescue dogs she brought home from the island of St. Kitts. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and planning her next Disney vacation.

Join us every month for Dr. Savier’s “From the Vet” series to get more information related to the health and welfare of your furry family members![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]