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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 a dog is experiencing paralysis of a hind limbs, it is because of disruption of communication pathway between the brain and spine. Depending on the extent of damage, the dog may appear to be weakly moving the legs and in extreme cases, total paralysis is experienced. This condition is referred to as paresis or partial paralysis.

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 some breeds by affecting the spinal cords of older dogs that are at around seven years of age. This disorder acts slowly but eventually results in partial paralysis. German shepherd, Welsh corgi, Chesapeake and the Irish setter are the breeds that are most affected by this condition.

For diagnosis, one is required to give the medical history of the health of your dog on the onset of treatments. Possible incidents which may lead to this condition like tick bites and injuries due to falling. Reflex tests are done by the veterinarian and the ability of your pup to feel pain on the limbs is tested. The tests help locate the position of the spine that is affected. The blood may also be tested to determine whether the cause may be bacterial or viral. Some toxins also interfere with nerve pathways.

The extent of paresis determines which course of treatment is taken. Some dogs are unable to urinate and defecate. Such are admitted to the animal hospital for close monitoring and further diagnosis. Emptying of the bladder is done severally and the pet is given painkillers if the canine is experiencing pain. The dog is also adjusted to prevent the development of sores which may develop due to lying on one side for too long.

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.

Degenerative myelopathy is however irreversible and the progressive disease has not had a cure. Slowing down the rate of infection has also proven to be impossible. Dogs that have undergone medication have been recorded to recover fully for treatable conditions. Exercise also goes a long way in ensuring total recovery.




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