Also known as Acute Polyradiculoneuritis. This is a canine neurological disorder caused by exposure to certain contaminants contained in the feces, saliva, urine and blood of many
small animals, such as racoons, possums and skunks.
The 'agent' then sets off an overreaction of the immune
system, which leads to paralysis beginning in the back legs and moving forward, eventually leading to
heart attacks and pulmonary
failure. Some
dogs will continue to
eat and drink for a while, some will not.
The treatment for this disease is life support until the worst passes, followed by gradually increasing physical therapy. Once infected, the
dog will always be at a greatly increased risk of contracting it again, but it can be survived with proper treatment.
Some symptoms to watch for are:
- Weakness starting in the hind legs and progressing to all legs
- Weak bark
- Development of severe weakness
- Total inability to stand
- Shallow breaths or difficulty breathing
- Stiff or rubbery back legs
- Loss of interest in food and/or
water
- General lethargy
- Resistance to attempts to walk the
dog
- Loss of bowel and/or bladder control
- Fluid in the lungs
- Heart attack
If your
dog exhibits any of these symptoms, be sure to ask your vet about coondog paralysis, also known as acute polyradiculoneuritis - it could save your
dog'
s life.
See specialty pet websites for details, or do a web search.
"Man, my vet told me my
dog was just old, but then I found out about coondog paralysis, and he had all the symptoms. If I had known, they could have saved my
dog. I never should have let him poke his nose in that hole under the bush."
