There are numerous causes that can lead to paralysis in dogs. This usually begins in the hind legs but immobility can also be seen in the forelimbs.
In this article on our site we are going to talk about the most common situations and diseases that may be behind canine paralysis. Of course, if our dog stops walking and can't move his legs, we should go to the vet without wasting time.
Paralysis in dogs by ticks
Ticks are some external parasites that feed on the blood they get from our dogs once they have settled on them. In turn, ticks can be internally parasitized so that in contact with our dog they can transmit diseases.
But, in addition, tick saliva can be behind a hypersensitivity reaction and the disease known as tick paralysis, in which the dog suffers from an ascending paralysis that, if it affects breathing, can cause death It requires veterinary treatment and the prognosis is reserved. Sometimes healing occurs by removing the tick and thus eliminating the neurotoxin that contains its saliva and that is what is affecting the motor nerves.
There are other parasitic organisms, such as neospora, also capable of causing paralysis in dogs, generally ascending, that is, starting by the hind legs and following its evolution until paralyzing the front ones. In addition, other bites can cause paralysis, such as those of some snakes with neurotoxic venom, which, in addition to the legs, can affect respiratory capacity and cause death. death.
Better than cure we must prevent, keeping our dog dewormed to avoid ticks, controlling his exits through dangerous places or checking him after walks.
Paralysis in dogs due to trauma
On other occasions paralysis occurs in dogs due to a strong blow, such as the one that can cause a run over or a fall from a great height. This impact damages the spinal column and spinal cord and, consequently, the nerves responsible for the movement of the legs are affected. It is a sudden paralysis in dogs, as it occurs immediately after the spinal injury.
Other times this injury also affects sphincter control, so we find animals that cannot urinate on their own or not control defecation. It is necessary to assess each case and carry out a complete study using veterinarians specialized in traumatology and tests such as contrast radiography or CT.
Depending on the damage caused, the dog may recover or maintain the paralysis. In this case, the second case, he will require help with his mobility in the form of a wheelchair and rehabilitation It is important to prevent him from maintaining the same posture for a long time so that he does not pressure ulcers occur. If the paralysis affects only one leg, amputation may be the treatment of choice.
Paralysis in dogs due to poisoning
This paralysis occurs after the ingestion of some toxic products that affect the nervous system such as those that may contain herbicides, insecticides, etc, some very fast acting. It is a emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention because the condition can worsen, depending on the product, the quantity and the size of the dog, even producingdeath very quickly
If we identify the poison we must notify our veterinarian. In addition to paralysis, we can observe hypersalivation, vomiting, lack of coordination, abdominal pain or diarrhoea. The treatment depends on the product but usually involves entering the dog and administering drugs that control the symptoms and, if any, an antidote. Both prognosis and recovery are reserved.
Paralysis in dogs due to distemper
Younger animals, especially those under three months, are most affected by canine distemper, a serious viral disease that includes paralysisenter your symptoms. This disease occurs in different phases in which respiratory signs such as runny nose and cough appear, others that affect the digestive system such as vomiting and diarrhea or those that attack the nervous system with convulsions or myoclonus (rhythmic contractions of muscle groups).
If distemper is suspected, we must seek immediate veterinary assistance The dog usually requires admission, fluid therapy and administration of intravenous drugs. The prognosis is reserved, so it is advisable to prevent it by following the schedule of vaccinations for dogs.
