The same is probably true for cataplexy in dogs as dogs will often keep their eyes open after collapse and still seem to be alert despite their inability to move. People that suffer episodes of cataplexy state that they have blurry vision and often have slurred speech, however they are still aware of their surroundings and can hear what is happening. As a young veterinary assistant, I once witnessed the condition first hand in a miniature poodle that couldn’t stay upright in the exam room after getting a whiff of canned dog food. In dogs, a particularly delicious food, the excitement of running, or a favorite toy are often enough to cause collapse. Cataplexy is often induced by strong emotional reactions in both species. Though it is not possible to know if dogs share other common human symptoms of narcolepsy such as hallucinations upon attempting to sleep or wake up or sleep paralysis upon waking in which sufferers cannot walk or talk, severe cataplexy in dogs is easy to diagnose.

Cataplexy is a non-painful recurring condition caused by acute episodes of decreased muscle function leading to a variable clinical presentation from mild muscle weakness to complete collapse. Narcolepsy is a rare condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness frequently accompanied by a phenomenon known as cataplexy. One such troubling disorder that we share in common with our dogs is narcolepsy. Whether it’s an inability to sleep or an inability to stay awake, most people with sleep disorders will attest to the overall decrease in life quality due to their sleep disturbance.

While both dogs and humans tend to share their appreciation for a little “R and R”, there are many conditions where sleep is no longer just a common necessity, but a frustrating burden. On his back, with all four legs in the air and dreams of rawhides in his head, he frequently reminds me that life doesn’t always have to be such a rat race. I’ve occasionally found myself jealous of my little terrier mix, snoring away as I wipe the sleep from my eyes in an attempt to get my day started. If I could be a dog for a week, I think I would enjoy sleeping the most.

Narcolepsy and cataplexy in dogs