Paralysis in Dogs

What is paralysis in dogs?

Paralysis in dogs occurs when the neurological system is disrupted, hindering normal communication between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. This results in the inability of the dog to move one or more limbs.

TYPES OF PARALYSIS DOGS

Paralysis in dogs is classified according to the degree of muscle strength and affected limbs.

Classification according to severity or degree of muscle strength includes:

• Paresis: This refers to paralysis in dogs where a dog experiences partial or incomplete loss of muscle strength or control.
• Plegia: This refers to the complete paralysis of dog muscles. This is the most severe kind and is frequently caused by spinal cord injury in the neck region.

Classification according to affected limbs include:

1. Tetraplegia:  Paralysis in all four limbs, frequently caused by spinal cord injury in the neck area.
2. Paraplegia: Paralysis in the hind limbs, commonly caused by spinal cord injuries in the lower back.
3. Hemiplegia: Paralysis in one side of the body, affecting one fore limb and one hind limb on the same side.
4. Monoplegia: Paralysis of a single limb, either one of the fore limb or one of the hind limb

Regardless of the form of paralysis, early identification is critical for effective treatment and recovery. Calling the attention of veterinarians as early as possible can help avoid more harm, limit complications, and improve the likelihood of recovering function.

CAUSES OF PARALYSIS IN DOGS

Although paralysis in dogs most likely stems from issues with the spinal cord or nervous system, it can also originate from various other underlying disorders. Understanding the causes of paralysis in dogs can help in prevention and early detection. Recognizing potential risk factors allows owners to take necessary actions to limit their dog’s exposure and watch for early indications of the disease. The following are the possible causes of paralysis in dogs:

1. Spinal Cord Injuries: The spinal cord is a delicate structure that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, allowing movement, sensation, and important processes. The spinal cord can be damaged when a dog experiences a fall, accident, or trauma. when this happens, the communication between the brain and the rest of the body is disrupted resulting in paralysis. The location and severity of the damage to the spinal cord determine the severity of paralysis.
2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): The vertebral column protects the delicate spinal cord. Veterba is the irregular bones that make up the vertebral columns. Between each vertebra lies the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc acts as a shock absorber. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when one or more of the intervertebral discs break down, bulge, or rupture and press on the delicate spinal cord. This action can cause the spinal cord to be irritated or damaged consequently disrupting the spinal cord’s signal transmission. In severe cases, it can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord.
3. Degenerative myelopathy (DM): This is a genetic disorder in dogs that affects the spinal cord progressively causing weakness of the spinal cord and loss of coordination. This genetic disorder causes weak or disruption of signals between the spinal cord and the brain.

Other causes of paralysis in dogs include:

• Bacterial, viral, and fungal infection
• Nervous system inflammation
• Blockedd spinal blood vessels
• Tick paralysis
• Tumor or cancer
• Tick paralysis
• Severe exposure to pesticides or insecticides capable of disrupting the nervous system

SYMPTOMS OF PARALYSIS IN DOGS

Symptoms of paralysis in dogs can vary depending on the severity and location of the issue. Common signs include:

• Difficulty walking or standing
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Dragging  legs
• Knuckling or tripping over the paws
• Trembling
• Loss of muscle mass
• Abnormal posture
• Change in behaviour
• Inability to stand or walk in the case of complete paralysis

DIAGNOSIS OF PARALYSIS IN DOGS

Diagnosing the cause of paralysis in dogs necessitates a thorough approach. If your dog is paralyzed or shows indications of partial paralysis, your veterinarian will do a thorough physical exam, including:

1. Physical and Neurological Examination: This refers to the physical assessment of the dog’s body parts such as the limbs, head, legs, back, etc
2. Medical History: This requires gathering information about the dog’s health, any possible fall, injury, accident, exposure to toxic substances, etc. Dog owners need to provide the veterinarian with as much information as possible this will help the vet determine what to do next.
3. Neurological Examination: In this process, the veterinarian evaluates the dog’s balance, coordination, and response to stimuli.
4. Diagnostic Tests: In addition to the physical and neurological examination as well as the medical history, your veterinarian may do blood testing, such as a complete blood count and chemical panel, as well as a urinalysis. These tests can detect inflammation, infection, or the presence of a tick-borne illness.
5.  X-ray: This may be required to analyze a thorough view of your dog’s brain and spinal cord.
6. Electrodiagnostic Tests: This may be introduced to assess nerve function and muscle activity.

Other diagnostic tests include:

• Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
• Myelography
• MRI or CT Scans

TREATMENT OF PARALYSIS IN DOGS

treatment of paralysis in dogs is dependent on the type and underlying cause of the paralysis. Below are the treatment options for paralysis in dogs

1. Medications: This is the most common treatment method for partial paralysis in dogs. Certain medications are usually administered to the dog to manage pain, inflammation, and infections. anti-inflammatory medications such as carprofen or prednisone may be prescribed for inflammation,  methocarbamol may be used to relax their muscles. Mild pain can be treated with oral medicine, while severe pain may necessitate hospital-based intravenous therapy.
2. Surgery: In most serious cases such as brain or spinal cord tumors, surgical intervention may be adopted to decompress the affected areas. The effectiveness of this method however depends on the specific case.
3. Physical Therapy: Although complete recovery is usually not achieved through physical therapy, adopting this method can enhance a dog’s life quality of life and comfort. Physical therapy helps to maintain muscle strength, avoid joint stiffness, and can even help you restore mobility.

PREVENTION OF PARALYSIS IN DOGS

1. Supervision: Ensure that your dogs are constantly supervised especially during their playtime and agility training, this helps to prevent the dog from engaging in any activity that may result in an accident, such as a fall or collision.
2. Safe environment: Provide your dogs with an environment free from harmful objects or substances such as toxic chemicals.
3. Vaccination: Regular vaccination helps to prevent dogs from contracting diseases such as distemper and rabies, that can cause paralysis.
4. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular veterinary checks can help to identify potential issues such as spinal abnormalities and other health conditions.
5. Regular Exercise: Encouraging regular exercise helps to maintain muscular strength and flexibility, which promotes the dog’s joint health.