Dog Paralysis and Disc Injury
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A case of dog paralysis and disc injury has one visitor searching for more answers.
Issue: Dog Paralysis and Disc Injury
My dog is a 13-year-old Chihuahua mix that I rescued from a shelter three years ago. He recently had trouble walking and yelped. We took him to the vet, and he did X-rays. The vet put my dog on steroid medrol for 36 hours because he thought my dog might have a herniated disc, but the medication didn't seem to help.
I took my dog home after three days. So far, he cannot walk, although he's been doing better in the past two days, and gaining a little more movement. Any suggestions?
Thank you~~ Mareka
Expert Reply
Hi Mareka,
Can you tell me exactly which procedure your vet did to diagnose the spinal problem? A regular X-ray will not show your dog's discs or spinal cord, just the vertebrae. A myelogram may be needed to see the source of your dog's paralysis. This procedure involves injecting dye into the spinal cord to make it show up in the X-ray.
Any break in the outline of dye around the cord indicates a pressure point caused by a disc rupture. Your vet can use this procedure to pinpoint a rupture if one exists, but the test may also help your vet determine if another type of spinal injury or disease is the cause of the problem.
Sometimes a disc rupture will heal on it's own, and I believe that is what your vet is hoping for. The steroids will remain in your dog's system for a while, and they should help reduce any swelling. This in turn should lead to more mobility. I think this is what you're already beginning to see in your dog, although recovery will be slow.
I recommend that you take every precaution to keep your dog calm and comfortable so he doesn't reinjure himself. Keep his food and water bowl close by, and try to avoid letting your dog walk on stairs if you can help it. This presents a greater opportunity for spinal instability that could lead to more pinching of the injured disc.
If you notice your dog take another down turn in mobility, contact your vet right away.
Thank you for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling more like his normal self very soon.
~~ Kelly.
Comments
Hi Kerry,
Has your vet ever checked your dog for diabetes? Prolonged diabetes can lead to nerve damage that begins in the rear legs much like what you describe. The condition is called diabetic neuropathy. If it turns out this is what your dog has, leg use sometimes comes back once glucose levels are under control. I think this is at least worth investigating. Your dog was beginning to experience paralysis before the valium, so it seems unlikely that the progression of the problem is simply due to a valium reaction.
Thanks for your question, and let us know what you find out.
-- Contributed by: KellyMy 11 yearold pomerianium recently had trouble get up on his hind legs. Took him to vet who thought nerve damage and put him on valium and anti inflamatories. The day after starting the dog can no longer walk at all and has no control of any legs. Went back to vet who said it was a reaction to valium wait 3 days if nor better bring him back. Day 3 today and no change he appears to have no leg control at all. What are your thoughts.
-- Contributed by: kerryHi Sammie,
It sounds to me like you have a good grasp of the situation your dog faces and you're doing what you can to make her as comfortable as possible at this juncture in her life. The decision whether or not to euthanize is yours, and you know your dog best. As long as you're sure your dog isn't in any pain and you can continue to care for all her needs, you can allow the situation to come to its natural conclusion. However, if she does begin to show signs of pain, you may want to reconsider your current plan. At that point, it might be kindest to let her go.
You have my very best wishes during this difficult time.
-- Contributed by: KellyThis page has been accessed 661 times. This page was last modified 15:38, 12 August 2008.
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