Sudden paralysis in dogs: what are we talking about?
Paralysis refers to the total loss of strength and muscle movement that can affect various parts of the dog's musculoskeletal system. When it concerns its four limbs, it is called tetraplegia. When only the hind legs of the dog are affected by paralysis, it is called paraplegia. When half of the body is affected, it is called hemiplegia.
Paralysis can set in gradually or occur suddenly: this is called acute paralysis.
Paralysis strictly speaking is to be distinguished from paresis, which designates a slight or incomplete paralysis of the limbs and which results in a reduction in muscle strength.
What are the possible causes of sudden paralysis in dogs?
Most often, the occurrence of paralysis or acute paresis in dogs is a sign of serious injury to the spinal cord by compression or infiltration of the spinal cord. Thus, dog paralysis can occur if the animal is in pain:
- of a herniated disc,
- of a vertebral fracture or displacement following a trauma,
- of a fibrocartilaginous embolism of the spinal cord. It is an obstruction of the blood vessels of the spinal cord by fibrocartilaginous material, probably from an intervertebral disc.
- a medullary tumor or one growing near the spine,
- of an abscess of the intervertebral discs,
- of various infectious diseases,
- of acute polyradiculoneuritis.It is an invasion of the spinal cord by the white blood cells of the immune system which lead to inflammation of the roots of the peripheral motor nerves. This phenomenon can occur following a dog infection or an anti-rabies vaccination.
The appearance of paralysis can also be linked to neuromuscular transmission disorders secondary to:
- myasthenia gravis (or myasthenia gravis) in dogs, an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction that causes generalized or localized muscle weakness in certain muscle groups during exercise,
- botulism, that is to say an infectious disease caused by a toxin secreted by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that the dog can ingest and which is found most of the time in spoiled food.
Of course, this review is far from complete! There are many other conditions that can cause a dog's paralysis to appear suddenly or at least have symptoms that can look very similar.
My dog suddenly became paralyzed: what to do?
The sudden onset of paralysis or paresis in dogs is never trivial, whether the disorder is transient or persists over time. She should always encourage you to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Also keep in mind that just because your pet is paralyzed doesn't mean they don't feel any pain. So be careful when handling your pet in order to transport it to the veterinarian. Even if he is usually very nice, a dog in pain can be aggressive and bite. If your dog shows signs of pain, do not hesitate to muzzle him so that you can move him. When moving it, take care to keep its spine as straight as possible. Preferably help yourself with a board that you will slide under his body and that you will use as a stretcher for any movement.