An Overview On Dog Dragging Hind Leg Condition

By Roger Edwards


Coordination in the assembly of the muscles, spine, nerves, and brain of a dog contribute to its ability to move around performing its daily activities. This process is a complex type of communication involving the brain relaying information about the outer environment to the relevant parts of a body and those parts sending feedback about the actual state of an environment. Communication is facilitated by nerve cells which are embedded in the spinal cord found in the vertebral column of vertebrates like dogs. Here is more on dog dragging hind leg.

When the pathway between the brain and spine is disrupted, the dog experiences paralysis. The canine may be observed to move the hind legs weakly when the damage is partial, but total paralysis makes the dog unable to move the limbs totally. Inability to move the hind legs alone is referred to as partial paresis or paresis.

There are some breeds that are more prone to this condition than others. Genetically low dogs with short limbs and long bodies are more susceptible to rupturing of vertebral disks due to intense pressure exerted on the vertebral column. This immense pressure blocks or damages neural pathways and results to in-coordination.

Degenerative myelopathy affects other breeds like Welsh Corgi, German Shepherd, Chesapeake Bay and the Irish Setter. The disease knocks in at an old age of around seven years and attacks the nerves in the cord of a spine. It is slow but progressive and the final result is partial paralysis on the hind limbs or even complete paralysis in extreme cases.

The medical history of your dog is of importance when one takes the canine to the veterinary for treatment. One is required to report possible incidents that may have caused the conditions like falling and also if the dog had been infested with ticks. Reflex tests are conducted to determine the position of a spine with infection. Blood samples may be required for further testing in case it is a bacterial, viral or even toxic infection.

The course of treatment that are taken entirely depends on the extent of paralysis. The inability of the dog to urinate, walk or even defecate will result in admission to the animal hospital. Daily monitoring is then done by the veterinarian to monitor progress. The bladder is then emptied severally and painkillers administered in case the pet is experiencing pain. Physical adjustment is also done to avoid development of sores on the side of the body where the dog rests on.

Administration of medicine, surgery or therapy is applied when the cause is a slipped disk of a spinal cord, tumors or blockages of blood vessels. Inflamed nerves are treated by use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Some dogs tend to recover quicker than others depending on how severe the condition is. Dogs released to go home are given a guideline for home care so that they recover fully.

The condition of Degenerative myelopathy, however, is irreversible and its progression has not had a cure yet. It has also proven impossible to slow down the rate of infection. Majority of the dogs that have been treated for treatable infections have been recorded to recover fully. Exercise is crucial for the full recovery of your dog.




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