Dog Spinal Cord Injuries

Of course, the spinal cord is a continuation of the brain and as such has many of the problems associated with the brain as well as many unique to itself.

Compression. The most common problem with the spinal cord is compression. The suddenness of the onset is all important since gradual compression can be compensated for, whereas sudden compression,although no worse, may produce paralysis. This is due to the inflammation associated with a problem severe enough to suddenly compress the spinal cord.

In the Dachshund, perhaps because of the elongated spinal bones,there is a predisposition to ruptured inter vertebral disks with paresis,paralysis, or paraplegia. In this situation the compression of the spinal cord must be treated promptly with either medication and rest or with surgery and rest. There are several surgical procedures but time is important since excess pressure on the spinal cord will produce necrosis after a few days. Radiography is imperative for diagnosis in such cases.

Congenital Spinal Cord Problems. Not unusual are congenital spinal cord problems, but they are rarely diagnosed until the puppy is eight weeks of age or older. Some conditions, such as one found in German Shepherds called degenerative mycelia, arc not observe din dogs under six years of age and usually in those over ten. These conditions do not lend themselves to either surgical or medical treatment.

Tumors. Spinal cord tumors are not a rare finding and treatment is usually unsuccessful. Tumors produce insidious signs as they develop and may be difficult to prove in their early stages even with X rays.Even a minute lesion causes signs depending on its location. In time as the lesion grows, radiographs prove its presence and delicate surgery is the only possible way to deal with it.

Traumatic Injury. Of the traumatic causes of injury to the spinal cord, automobile accidents head the list. The tragedy of the dog lying on its side on the road with front legs in full extension is all too com-mon. The rigid extension of the forelegs usually indicates a spinal cord injured beyond repair. X rays reveal the fracture with displacement indicating a severed spinal cord. However, the cord may be sheared off with the fracture, returning to an almost normal position. Animals in this condition should be humanely put to sleep. Surgery to relieve pressure in less severe cases is well worth the chance in a loved pet.

Chaste Paralysis. Chaste paralysis separately because it is a distinct form of paralysis with a known cause. It is produced by the consumption of raw fish in quantity. In raw fish there is a vitaminB1 (thiamin) in activator; therefore the disease is really a thiamin deficiency. It is relieved by adding the vitamin to the diet and by feeding the dog only cooked fish, since cooking destroys the in activator.

Other Possible Causes of Paralysis. Several other factors are known to produce paralysis. Mineral deficiency and inadequate protein may be involved with central nervous problems including paralysis. Moreover, blows to the spine, auto intoxication from long spells of constipation, great accumulations in the anal glands, and damage from many other diseases may cause nerve problems.

If you find your dog suddenly paralyzed, gently put it on a flat sr-face and take it to the veterinarian. The veterinarian may be able to operate on a brokers back or a ruptured inter vertebral disk, and if the spinal cord has not been too severely injured, your pet may be well again in time.

If your dog has developed paralysis slowly, your veterinarian is apt to suggest treatment. And here more devoted nursing is needed than in any other ailment your dog may have. Start with the possibility in mind that recovery to normal may never occur. Bc grateful for every bit of improvement shown. You may have to build a carriage for your pet's rear quarters. The dog will have to be kept on some soft absorbent material that must be changed frequently or the urine passed may burrs the skin. Bedsores develop easily. Feces must be removed. There maybe just enough innervating in the back legs to hold its weight. This simplifies matters greatly, because a dog can be taken outside and taught to urinate and defecate when pressure of your fingers is applied over its bladder on each side of the abdomen. A dog whose legs can support its weight is a good patient and remains housebroken, but completely paralyzed dog requires great care and only a loving master will have the patience to see such an illness through.

Definite nerve destruction on a large scale cannot be repaired, and the posterior paralysis following distemper unfortunately is often hope-less. Your veterinarian will he able to give you some idea of the extent and progress of the disease.