Coonhound Paralysis

[Nicquistar]

I have had a person that bought a pup off me some years ago ring me for some advice. The owner went away last weekend & had a friend looking after the dog. On his return the dog was paralysed. The dog was taken to the vet who initially thought it was a tick. Dog was searched, no tick, tick serum given just in case. Dog has not improved & vet has advised the dog has Coonhound Paralysis which can last anywhere between a week or a couple of months.

Internet research says paraysis is caused by the dog being bitten by a Racoon but we do not have Racoons here in Australia. Vet believes the dog may have eaten something that has been dead for sometime & caused symptoms similar to Coonhound Paralysis. Owner of the dog did advise he has a sheep buried in his yard but is not sure that the dog has eaten it.

I have contacted my vet who advises it sounds like a load of bull but without examining the dog they cannot offer any advice. Owner is reluctant to travel to Sydney as he lived on the far south coast of NSW & is worried the dog will stress with the travel.

The owner is not sure what tests the vet has done but has been left with a large bill. Has anyone experienced anything similar that may be able to offer any advice?

Thanks in anticipation.

Greg

[KitKat]

You've probably already googled...but...it seems as if the problem exists...if this is actually the dogs problem well...

http://www.bobmckee.com/Client%20Info/Neur...loneuritis.html

http://coonhoundparalysis.blogspot.com/

http://www.terrier.com/breed/coon.php4

http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/dogs/co...d_syndrome.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyneuropathy_in_dogs_and_cats

Seems it can be caused by vaccinations and toxoplasmosis...

[Rappie]

You may have more luck searching for idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, it is thought to be an immune mediated condition affecting spinal nerve roots (similar to Guillan-Barre syndrome in humans). It's colloquially called Coonhound paralysis due to the link between contact with racoons and clinical signs. There are limited options for diseases causing generalised lower motor neuron disease - myasthenia gravis, tick paralysis, botulism, and a polyneuropathies due to endocrine or protozoal causes.

Polyradiculoneuritis certainly can be diagnosed in this country, and the prognosis is usually good so long as the owners are prepared for the supportive care with can be weeks to months and quite intensive.

[kimjm]

We have seen a few dogs with this condition at the centre where I work. They have all recovered to functional lives some a little better than others. Physio and Hydrotherapy will increase chances of more postive outcome as you will be able to retain some muscle tone a strength.