Dogs - Canine Brain Anatomy

Information gained from the captured Russian Files

The cerebrum or cerebral cortex forms the bulk of the brain. This is responsible for receiving and analyzing sensory information such as vision, hearing, touch, taste and pain. The larger the cerebral cortex in an animal, the more options of responses it has, enabling it to carry out complex behavior patterns. For example; reptiles’ cerebral cortex is far less developed compared to your dog’s brain.

Significant degradation of specific parts of the cerebral cortex.

The frontal and temporal lobes contribute to the alertness, intelligence (planning and execution of movements), memory and temperament of the dog. Within this area is the thalamus. This is responsible for relaying sensory information such as hearing, sight, touch and pain.

Frontal and temporal lobes exhibit degradation Thalamus is largely undamaged, except for one area (function unknown)

The sensory and emotional information relayed to the thalamus is then sent to the parietal and occipital lobes of the dog’s brain for decoding. Once this information has been digested and processed according to previous experiences or memories, the data is then sent to the frontal lobe and translated into plans and actions. The thalamus also contributes to the monitoring and regulation of motor activity initiated in the cerebral cortex. This information is then sent from the cerebral cortex to the cerebellum to aid the co-coordinating center of the brain which is responsible for muscle activity.

The thalamus looks to be almost completely disconnected from the parietal and occipital lobes.

Just below the thalamus is the hypothalamus. This area controls the release of the pituitary hormones (from the pituitary gland) and is responsible for regulating your pet’s drinking and eating behavior, as well as his body temperature, reproductive and autonomic nervous system; this system contains nerves which control involuntary movements of organs such as the intestines, heart, blood vessels and blood (dogs do not have voluntary control over the autonomic nervous system).
Interestingly, emotions such as rage and aggression originate in the hypothalamus – although these are normally inhibited by the hippocampus and the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex – if a dog contracts the rabies virus, this invades the hippocampus and removes this inhibition. This means the powerful aggressive urges of the hypothalamus are allowed to prevail. As you can see, your dog’s brain is a complex machine, and within the cerebral cortex is the limbic system – this regulates the dog’s emotions from fear, rage, and aggression to anxiety, joy and euphoria. It has an essential role in the learning process. The rabies virus will attack the limbic system and this demonstrates how any disturbances in this area can cause emotional and or behavioral problems.

The hypothalamus is displaying rabies like symptoms
The cerebrum and the brain stem look to be completely normal at first examination.