Introduction

Narcolepsy is a medical condition that involves excessive daytime sleepiness, lethargy and brief periods of collapse, paralysis and/or unconsciousness that usually resolve completely without treatment. Fortunately, narcolepsy can be managed medically, and there are effective measures that an owner can take to keep their narcoleptic friend safe. The primary goal of treating canine narcolepsy is to reduce the frequency and severity of the cataplectic (paralytic) episodes.

Treatment Options

Treatment is generally only considered if a dog has repeated attacks that interfere with its safety or lifestyle. Narcoleptic episodes themselves do not harm a dog’s health. However, they can occur at inopportune times. Narcoleptic dogs that cannot be regularly supervised may be placed on management therapies.

The current medical protocol for dogs with narcolepsy is oral administration of tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs block cellular uptake of certain neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, and are quite effective at managing the periodic paralysis that typically occurs in dogs with narcolepsy. Oral stimulants are available to relieve daytime sleepiness. Of course, new medications are constantly under development.

Prognosis

Narcolepsy and the associated cataplectic attacks normally are not life-threatening. While there is no cure for this condition, its symptoms can be minimized with medical management. In some cases, the symptoms resolve spontaneously and do not recur.