Dog Paralysis
Dogs, like humans, can become paralyzed by various types of trauma or by certain medical conditions. This can drastically reduce a dog’s quality of life, but it need not be the end, and by taking a few simple steps, you can still enjoy the company of your dog for a long time to come.
If you notice that your dog is unable to move his legs as well as he used to, or cannot climb the stairs or has lost control of bowel or bladder, then there may be something seriously wrong. Symptoms like these can occur suddenly or slowly, over a time period of months or years. A visit to the vet is appropriate to determine what has occurred and what treatment will benefit the dog.
Types of Paralysis in Dogs
Paralysis in dogs can be almost total, with no movement at all, or can be partial and can involve some compromised movement but some that still remains normal. There are three basic types of paralysis in dogs, which include:
1.Paresis – This is a partial paralysis that is more like weakness. The dog can still move, but finds movement difficult.
2.Paraplegia – In this type of paralysis, the dog cannot move the hind legs but is still able to move the front legs.
3.Tetraplegia – This type of paralysis means the dog cannot move all four legs.
Causes of Paralysis in Dogs
There are hundreds of possible causes of paralysis in dogs. In some cases, the cause may be obvious, such as a fall or accident or some other type of sudden trauma. However, in many cases, the cause may not be obvious at all, and the onset of paralysis may be subtle and insidious. There are many degenerative conditions and environmental factors that can lead to paralysis, and the treatment of the condition will be related to the cause. For this reason, it’s crucial to see the vet as soon as possible and give an accurate history of the dog’s behavior, symptoms and most recent activities.
Tick Bites
In many areas of the U.S., female ticks produce neurotoxins in their saliva. This means that their bite can cause loss of voluntary movement, or motor neuron paralysis, in dogs. A dog may be bitten by many ticks and never have a problem, or can be bitten by only one tick, and can become paralyzed. Why it happens, or doesn’t happen, is largely a mystery, but if the dog has been bitten and is affected by the tick, the symptoms will usually develop within about six to nine days after the bite.
It’s important to check your dog for ticks on his skin after taking him outside, especially if he’s been in wooded areas where ticks are likely to appear. It’s important to get to the vet right away if symptoms are seen and to give an accurate account of your dog’s whereabouts and recent activities. If you still have the tick, bring it along for possible identification. Quick treatment can reverse the paralysis and prevent terrible consequences.
Accident and Injury
Injuries to a dog’s spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis, but an accident in which a dog is not hurt badly but is terrified can lead to shock, with temporary paralysis. Any symptoms of paralysis should be checked out by a vet.
Congenital Disease
Dogs can be born with conditions that can cause paralysis. One such condition is intervertebral disk disease, or IVDD. In this disease, the disks that cushion the vertebra that encase the spinal cord become herniated or moved in such a way that they interfere with nerve function. This can lead to pain and mild weakness or to complete paralysis. While this is more common in certain breeds, it can occur in any dog.
Degenerative myelopathy, or DM, is a genetic condition that can occur in dogs and lead to paralysis. This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that usually manifests in older dogs and begins with a loss of coordination in the hind legs. This disease cannot be cured, but if it is diagnosed, measures can be taken to increase the dog’s comfort and mobility.
Fibrocartilaginous embolism in a dog is caused by a small piece of intervertebral disk that migrates into blood vessels of the spinal cord. It can cause temporary paralysis, but with treatment, this can often be resolved without permanent effects.
Malignant Tumors
Most tumors that reach a dog’s spine are malignant, and can cause paralysis. This generally happens more slowly than paralysis that is caused by trauma or by an acute infection or tick bite, and treatment is aimed at preventing the growth of the tumor.
Bacterial Infections
Distemper is one of the most dangerous diseases a dog can get. That’s why all dogs need to be vaccinated against this disease. The distemper virus travels to the brain, causing lethargy and seizures, and can lead to paralysis. It is passed from one dog to another via the urine, saliva or blood. It spreads rapidly and must be treated as soon as possible.
Meningitis can occur in dogs just as it does in humans, and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. It can lead to progressive paralysis, and if left untreated, can also be fatal.
All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, as it is a lethal virus that attacks a dog’s nervous system. While the virus can’t survive for more than a day without a host, it grows in the dog’s muscle tissue, then moves on to the spinal cord and the brain. The most common cause of rabies is contact with wild animals that have not been vaccinated.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Paralysis in Dogs
After you give your vet an accurate history of your dog’s symptoms and recent activity, the vet will do a physical exam and then order tests. The tests may consist of x-rays and/or blood tests to determine the cause of the paralysis and then, based upon the dog’s history, symptoms, and the test results, the vet will formulate a treatment plan.
Treatment for paralysis will always relate to its cause. If the paralysis is caused by infection, antibiotics will be given. If it’s a disk problem, surgery may be recommended. Physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, or specific exercises.
Home Management of Paralysis in Dogs
With the proper care and management, a dog with paralysis can still live a long and happy life. Dogs with limited mobility can recover quickly and adapt to their condition often more easily than humans can, because they are not affected by the emotional stigmas that humans associate with paralysis.
When Your Dog Is Incontinent
Incontinence, or the inability to control the bladder and bowel, often accompanies paralysis in dogs. Believe it or not, dogs who have been potty trained to go outside and who can no longer do so may get upset about it just the way a human would. Dog diapers and belly bands can be used to help keep your dog’s leaks from creating a mess, and senior incontinence pads that are sold in drug stores can also be placed in areas that your dog frequents. If the dog does not seem to be emptying the bladder regularly, ask the vet how you can help.
Skin Care and Grooming
Dogs that are paralyzed cannot groom themselves the way they used to. It’s important to keep their skin clean, especially if they’re incontinent, because urine contains enzymes that can cause the skin to break down. If they cannot move and are lying on bony areas, you may need to turn them and pad their beds.
Wheelchairs, Beds and Harnesses
For dogs with paraplegia, there are many types of wheelchairs available that enable the dog to walk using only its front legs, while the wheelchair supports the hind legs. Harnesses are also available that enable a dog with limited mobility to walk with their human. Before spending a lot of money on a particular product, ask your vet which type is right for your dog’s specific condition.
Special orthopedic beds are also available that can increase your dog’s comfort while sleeping or resting. Dogs spend many hours sleeping, and a good bed can ease hip and joint discomfort.
Physical Therapy
Massage is a wonderful therapy for dogs with limited movement. There are professionals who are licensed or certified in animal rehabilitation who can help dogs with physical therapy exercises and can deliver amazing results. Or, you can help your dog at home with a home exercise plan that includes range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and loss of function.
Helping your dog live his happiest and most functional life after developing paralysis is rewarding and will ensure that you can enjoy your dog’s love for a long time to come.
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