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How to House Train Your Dog Effectively
House training is one of the first and most important steps in raising a dog. We explain how to start from day one, how to use puppy pads, how to make the move to outdoor walks, how to train an adult dog, and when toileting problems may actually be a sign of illness.
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Pregnancy in Dogs: How to Give the Mother-to-Be and Her Puppies the Best Care
A dog's pregnancy lasts around two months and calls for special attention from the owner. The Zviropolis team explains how to recognise pregnancy, which tests are needed, how to adjust feeding, how to prepare for whelping and when to call the vet without delay.
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Fruit Traps: Which Treats Are Safe for Your Dog?
Fruit can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, but not every kind is safe. We explain which fruits you can share with your pet without worry, which ones can cause poisoning or kidney damage, and how to introduce fruit into the diet the right way.
Paralysis and paresis of the legs in dogs: what you need to know
What is the difference between paralysis and paresis of the limbs in dogs?
Paralysis is the complete inability to move a limb, meaning the animal cannot move it at all. Paresis is a reduced range of movement. The term is also used to describe reduced muscle strength. Paresis can be an intermediate state between normal limb function and paralysis. Most owners associate both conditions with an orthopaedic problem, but more often they are neurological and linked to damage within the nervous system.
What can cause paralysis and paresis of the limbs in dogs?
Both problems may require help from a neurologist as well as an orthopaedic specialist. There are many possible causes, so the history given by the owner and a specialist examination play a key role. The most common problems include:
The size or breed of the dog makes no difference, as this problem can affect small and large dogs alike.
How are paresis and paralysis diagnosed?
The best first step is to contact a neurologist straight away. After examining the dog, the vet may order additional neurological tests such as an MRI or CT scan to obtain a detailed picture of the brain, spinal cord and spine. Assessing the limb’s range of movement and whether the patient can feel pain is crucial here.
Additional blood tests are carried out if an infectious disease is suspected, as this too can cause paresis or paralysis.
How is a dog with paralysis or paresis treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosed cause of the condition. Sometimes surgery is needed, while in other cases medication alone is used. Physiotherapy for dogs is an invaluable aid in cases of paresis or paralysis. An animal physiotherapist will devise an exercise plan suited to the patient’s condition to better support the muscles of the affected limb.
If the changes cannot be reversed, there are special wheelchairs for dogs, as well as support harnesses and slings.
Summary
Depending on what caused the problem with moving the limb, vets may be able to reverse it. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, which is why assistive devices exist for such dogs.
Whatever may have happened, if you notice your dog having trouble moving, take it to a vet for examination straight away. Paresis is a symptom that is easy to spot, and sometimes the time between the first sign and medical attention is critical. If any of the problems described above occurs, do not wait, contact our clinic.