Caring For a Dog with Paralyzed Hind Legs

What Is Dog Paralysis?

When one or more of a dog's legs are immobile, it is considered paralyzed.

The hind legs of Dogs are more commonly affected, but the front limbs can also be affected.

Partial paralysis (also known as paresis) affects some dogs, meaning they have some motor function in their limbs but not complete movement or control.

The bladder and bowel control of a Dog may be affected by paralysis and paresis.

Furthermore, the tail of a paralyzed Dog may not work normally.

Causes of Dog Paralysis

A spinal or brain issue typically causes paralysis and paresis.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is a spinal condition in which one or more of the discs between the vertebrae become inflamed, displaced, swollen, or ruptured.

This can result in spinal cord injury, which may or may not be repaired surgically.

Sadly, some Dogs with IVDD never fully recover the function of impaired legs or body parts and require permanent special care.

One of the most primary triggers of paralysis and paresis in Dogs is IVDD.

Spinal Injuries

Trauma can cause acute spinal cord injury, mainly if the injury is a spinal fracture.

Although surgery can result in complete recovery, not all Dogs will regain full motor control and require special care.

Tumours

A tumour on or near the spinal cord of a Dog can impair movement patterns.

Furthermore, brain tumours may develop in a part of the brain that regulates motor function.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy can all be used to treat certain cancers.

The tumour, however, may not be completely removed and cause complications for the dog.

Inflammatory Diseases

Infectious infections and auto-immune disorders can cause inflammation of the tissues in the brain and spinal cord.

This inflammation can cause paralysis or paresis, which can be temporary or permanent.

Although medications may assist, some Dogs will have damage that restricts their motor function.

Congenital Disorders

Some Dogs are born with one or more movement-impairing conditions.

This is frequently caused by a brain or spine deformity or improper development.

Bacterial Infections

There are various illnesses that, if they spread to the brain, might cause paralysis.

Meningitis, distemper, and rabies are only a few examples.

Infections are frequently caused by outside contact with wild animals or by your Dog ingesting a dangerous non-food item.

The cause will be determined by the symptoms, which include fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Your vet will do tests to determine the nature of the infection.

Distemper and rabies cause paralysis in your Dog by delivering viruses to the brain.

How Is Paralysis in Dogs Diagnosed?

Together with your vet, you will go over a detailed history of your dog's health, the onset of symptoms, and any situations that may have contributed to your dog's illness.

In some cases, such as being hit by a car, the cause is evident; however, the cause can be more deeply seated difficulties in others.

Your veterinarian will examine your dog, document his movements, and assess how he responds to reflex tests, as well as his capacity to feel pain in all four legs.

Your veterinarian will also examine the head, spine, and legs for symptoms of pain and sensitivity.

How To Care for A Paralyzed Dog?

Caring for a crippled Dog is a lifelong commitment that takes a lot of effort.

As a result, it is not suitable for everyone.

Your Dog deserves the best possible life, and if you cannot provide it, you should be honest with yourself and consider alternative options.

Caring for a paralyzed dog, on the other hand, can be a really rewarding experience that brings you and your Dog closer together.

The severity of the dog's paralysis determines the level of care required.

Your vet is the ideal person to ask for advice on how to care for your pet properly.

There are a few things you should know about caring for a paralyzed Dog in general:

Hygiene and Skin Care

One of the most critical parts of caring for paralyzed Dogs is keeping them clean.

Since many Dogs with paralysis or paresis cannot control their urination and excrement, accidents are common.

It's critical to avoid urine soaking the coat and remaining on the skin.

Urine contains chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Urine that stays on the skin might create a rash and potentially a skin infection.

Faeces can irritate the anus and attract flies, causing inflammation and blisters.

When not being personally supervised, keep incapacitated Dogs on an absorbent mat or in a diaper.

For Dogs in carts or those that have limited mobility, use Dog diapers.

Replace diapers and underpads on a regular basis, and keep the skin clean and dry.

Bathe your Dog as required, and wipe him down with baby wipes in between bathing.

Zinc oxide diaper rash cream should not be used because it is harmful if consumed.

Dogs with restricted movement can quickly acquire pressure sores from resting in the same position for an extended period.

Make an effort to keep your Dog moving as much as possible.

When lying down, make sure the Dog has enough padding and is rotated to a new position frequently.

Keep in mind that carrying a dog around can cause sores or make him unclean.

Because your paralyzed dog may have difficulty grooming himself, brush his coat on a regular basis in addition to other basic care.

Check your dog for sores, dirt, urine, or excrement many times a day.

Keeping your dog clean and dry can aid in the prevention of skin problems and infections.

Movement

Many paralyzed dogs, particularly those with hind limb paralysis, can benefit from the usage of a special cart.

Many companies can create a custom-sized mobility cart that allows a Dog to get around on its own.

These carts are appropriate for Dogs with rear limb paralysis but normal front limb function.

Most Dog owners like to use a form of a sling to assist their pets in walking.

Body harnesses and slings are best suited for Dogs who have some motor function.

You can lessen the dog's weight and help him move weakened limbs by supporting the sling or harness.

Of course, carts and slings must be kept clean and dry.

Furthermore, Dogs should not be confined to carts or slings at all times.

These devices have the potential to irritate the skin and cause pressure sores.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is required for all Dogs suffering from paralysis or paresis.

If the Dog is expected to regain some or complete function, extensive physical therapy is recommended.

Even if a Dog has permanent paralysis or paresis, frequent physical treatment can help reduce muscular atrophy and stiffness and enhance flexion.

For the best outcomes, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a Dog rehabilitation specialist.

You may decide to leave your Dog in the care of a professional for an extended period.

Alternatively, you might want to learn exercises, stretches, and massages that you can do at home.

Bowel Movements and Urination

Most paralyzed Dogs lack control over their bladders and bowels.

Some are incontinent, so they dribble, pee and drop poo manually.

But this could simply be bladder overflow rather than actual urine.

Some paraplegic Dogs will require manual expression to empty their bladders.

Your vet can demonstrate how to appropriately express a bladder by gently pressing on the lower abdomen.

Ensure a professional show you how to perform it correctly, as wrong procedures can hurt or even burst the bladder.

In paralyzed dogs, their bladders may need to be expressed multiple times per day to prevent urinary tract infections.

Incontinent Dogs may also pass little amounts of faeces on a regular basis and may even become constipated.

Check the dog's food intake versus stool production to ensure he has regular bowel movements.

Maintain a clean rear end to avoid stool drying around the anus and inhibiting bowel movements.

Consult your veterinarian for information on how to assist your Dog with bowel motions.

Increased dietary fibre can assist, but only if your veterinarian recommends it.

Food and Hydration

All Dogs require sufficient nutrition and hydration, but you'll have to pay special attention to your dog's food and water consumption.

Ensure you're feeding high-quality food to your Dog and that you're measuring the right quantity for his size and activity level.

Maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

Extra weight can make it more difficult for your paralyzed Dog to move the parts of his body that still work.

Your Dog may be weaker than usual if he is underweight.

Dogs that are overweight or underweight are more likely to develop various health issues.

Your veterinarian may advise you to add fibre to your dog's diet to help move stool through the bowels.

In some circumstances, nutritional supplements may be beneficial.

Consult your veterinarian about the best plan for your dog.

Ensure your paralyzed Dog has constant access to fresh water.

Keep note of how much water your dog drinks and replace it frequently.

Keep in mind that your dog's limited movement may make it more difficult for him to reach the water.

Constipation and other serious health problems can result from dehydration.

Exercise and Play

A paraplegic dog, like any other, needs exercise.

Exercise and mental stimulation are both vital for paralyzed dogs, who may become bored more easily than normal dogs.

Furthermore, play and exercise time might help to strengthen your bond with your dog.

• You can still enjoy a game of fetch or a walk in the park if your Dog is in a cart.

• If your Dog enjoys tug of war, try playing a gentle game of tug with him.

  Allow him to remain in place as you gently tug on the toy with him.

• Think about interactive Dog toys and puzzles with food rewards.

• Get your Dog a life vest and take him swimming if he enjoys the water.

• Experiment with various games and activities.

  Despite a paralyzed dog's limitations, you might be amazed at how much he can accomplish.

Adopting a Paralyzed Dog

Luckily, with adequate care and attention, many paralyzed Dogs can enjoy fulfilled lives.

Before adopting a disabled Dog of any kind, take the time to understand the type of care the Dog need so that you can find time in your schedule to meet the dog's demands.

Before you take the paralyzed Dog home, educate yourself on proper practices.

Not everyone has the time or resources to care for a special-needs dog.

It's preferable to plan ahead of time than to return the poor Dog to the adoption group.