Introduction
Coonhound paralysis is a condition which can require months of treatment in the form of supportive therapies. The creeping paralysis symptoms eventually will interfere with a dog’s ability to walk, go to the bathroom, eat or drink normally, and in severe cases breathing may be affected. Fortunately with supportive and physical therapy, most dogs with this disease recover fully without any permanent effects.
Treating Coonhound Paralysis in Dogs
Initial treatment
Many dogs that suffer from coonhound paralysis need to stay in a hospital during the time when the paralysis symptoms are at their worst. During this time, the dog is provided with supportive therapies needed to survive including: intravenous or tube feeding, intravenous administration of fluids, oxygen support, ensuring that the bowels and bladder are emptied, and administering antibiotics if infections occur. In severe cases where the dog’s respiratory system is affected, the dog may need to be placed on a respirator until it can breathe again on its own.
Ongoing care
Once a dog is past the initial stage when symptoms are at their worst, pet owners can take their dog home to continue care. This type of continual care can be intense for many pet owners, and in many cases it is too much for one person to do alone. Professional pet sitters, friends, partners, or family members should all be asked for help if the continual at home care because too much for the pet owner to handle.
At home, the dog will need to be continually turned to prevent bed sores from developing. Bedding will need to be changed, and the dog repeatedly cleaned, until bowel and bladder functions are back to normal. Most dogs with coonhound paralysis will eat or drink normally, but in some cases pet owners may need to hand feed their dog until it regains more control.
Physical therapy is very important to the dog’s recovery as well. The legs should be moved and flexed by hand, and when the dog can begin to stand pet owners will need to help their dog exercise and regain muscle control. Massage and swimming has also been found to be very helpful to dogs recovering from coonhound paralysis.