Coonhound Paralysis in Dogs

Coonhound paralysis is a serious, but highly survivable condition affecting dogs who have contacted raccoon saliva. Very rarely, this can occur even without contact from a raccoon. Experts are divided on the specific cause of this condition, but an improper immune system reaction to an irritant (such as raccoon saliva) is suspected, and usually occurs 7-11 days after contact. The condition begins as rear-leg stiffness and weakness, progressing to flaccid paralysis that in severe cases may affect all four legs and even some of the musculature associated with breathing. Some dogs are at a greater risk for this, including Coonhounds and Rottweilers. Contact a local veterinarian immediately if you notice any weakness or dragging of the hind limbs, as your dog needs to be monitored closely through the progression and recovery of the illness.

• Ascending flaccid paralysis beginning at the hind limbs
• Tiredness and slowed movements
• Facial and laryngeal weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Atrophy of muscle tone
• Decrease in facial muscle strength
• Increased pain sensations throughout the limbs

Types

• Initiated by contact with raccoon saliva
• Initiated by unknown cause (idiopathic)

• Contact with raccoon saliva
• Autoimmune reaction to unknown irritant

Research is underway that may link coonhound paralysis to an autoimmune disorder, considering the fact that the nervous system and neural pathways are involved, the belief is that white blood cells are attacking the nerves which causes muscle failure.

Owners who notice their dog’s hind limbs seeming abnormally weak should take their pet to the veterinarian’s office as soon as possible. Be prepared to give the veterinarian a detailed medical history including surgeries, medications and dietary information. Coonhound Paralysis is survivable but requires supportive care until the illness passes. Your dog may need to be put on a ventilator, so don’t delay in seeing a qualified provider. Tell the veterinarian if your dog has been off-leash in wooded areas, is allowed out at night alone, if you've seen or encountered wildlife in your neighborhood recently, or if your dog shows any signs of being scratched or bitten. These will help the veterinarian point the diagnosis in the correct direction swiftly.

Coonhound paralysis is relatively easy to diagnose, but during the early stages can be confused with symptoms from a protozoal infection such as toxoplasmosis or leishmaniasis. Tick paralysis, botulism, and tetanus cause similar neuropathy, but can be ruled out with a physical examination of the dog’s body, a blood test for infection, and bacterial cultures taken from any wounds present on the dog’s body. Often, an infected wound containing bacteria such as C. tetani can cause paralysis, but this is usually accompanied by fever and elevated white blood cell counts in the blood. Coonhound paralysis usually presents without a fever and with no abnormalities in the blood chemistry or urine.

Coonhound paralysis is treated with supportive care. Essentially, if the veterinary staff can keep the dog breathing until the paralysis lifts, a full recovery can usually be made. Your dog may be admitted to an animal hospital for the duration of the illness, as severe cases will require your dog to be placed on a ventilator, given intravenous fluids and fitted with a urinary catheter until it is strong enough to urinate on its own. Upon recovering from the illness, your dog may be very weak due to lost muscle mass. It will require physical therapy and/or gentle care until it has returned to its former strength.

Recovery from Coonhound paralysis is often a slow process, as the syndrome can persist for 2-3 months. Usually, the full paralytic effect is reached in 3-4 days of onset, so the veterinarian can decide whether the case is mild enough to be cared for at home, or whether your pet would be better served in an animal hospital. At home, providing a soft bed is essential, as your dog will spend the majority of its recovery time lying down. Help your dog turn over every few (3-4) hours to avoid pressure sores, and provide water close by. You may need to feed your pet by hand for part of the recovery period, and keep walks as short as possible, and only to let your pet urinate and defecate. A low wagon padded with blankets can be helpful to get them outdoors. Remember not to neglect or ignore your dog! It still needs attention and love, even if it can’t play.

Make follow-up appointments with the veterinarian every few weeks to check in on your dog’s condition. After the paralysis has lifted enough for your dog to begin walking and moving freely, limit exercise and reduce the supportive care gradually. Your vet can recommend physical therapy exercises for severe cases. Most dogs make a full recovery in 6 months or so, but a few will have some residual muscle weakness and will otherwise be healthy.