TACKLING SUDDEN PARALYSIS

What do you do when your pup suddenly becomes paralyzed? Having a dog suddenly be unable to walk is one of the scariest situations a pet owner can face. If this happens, you must act quickly to improve your pet’s chances of recovery.

If you have a pet who can't walk, contact us or your closest emergency hospital immediately.

Help! My dog can’t walk!

Don’t delay in seeking help. Dogs (and cats) that are paralyzed need immediate attention. 

If it’s a weekend, call (or have your primary veterinarian’s office call) Pet+E.R. Hunt Valley at 410-252-8387 to let them know when you expect to arrive. Pet+E.R. shares our location at 10626 York Road, which allows us to provide expedited care for your pet.

Please note that the estimate for emergency MRI, surgery and post-op for a small dog is $10,000-$12,000; and a deposit of $10,000 is needed prior to treatment. 

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

  • Severe back pain

  • Weak or wobbly walk

  • Knuckling paws

  • Dragging legs

  • Inability to stand or walk

  • Urinary or fecal incontinence

Dogs paralyzed or who can't walk or feel their toes have a far better chance of recovery with prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment.

VNIoC is proud to provide emergency services for sudden paralysis on weekends and holidays.

Finding a veterinary neurologist that does emergency back surgery on the weekend is very difficult, if not impossible, in many areas. That’s why VNIoC with CVSS provides emergency MRI and back surgery every weekend and ALL holidays throughout the year. 

Pets from as far away as Philadelphia, PA, Frostburg, MD, and Springfield, VA, have come to Hunt Valley for life-saving and life-altering neurosurgery. 

What to expect on weekends: 

  • When you arrive at Pet+E.R., your pet will be evaluated by their staff prior to calling in VNIoC’s neurologist. Paralyzed pets are always prioritized and will receive a full work-up and surgery as soon as possible.

  • The initial evaluation at Pet+E.R. will include, CBC and serum chemistry profile. Depending on your pet’s age and condition, we may recommend a chest x-ray.  If your primary veterinarian has already done a work-up with chest films and blood work, please have them forward us the results to expedite your pet’s evaluation.

  • If you arrive after 3pm, your pet will be hospitalized until the following morning with Pet+E.R. so that imaging can be completed.

Veterinary neurologist performs surgery on a paralyzed patient.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Sudden paralysis is the complete absence of voluntary motor ability. It is a distressing and unexpected condition, and recognizing the early signs is crucial for timely care.  Potential causes include Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), infections, trauma, and tick-borne disease. 

    The most common cause of acute painful paralysis is IVDD. This is rare in cats but affects many young to middle-aged toy and chondrodystrophic breeds (dogs with a long body and short legs) such as dachshunds, beagles, poodles, French bulldogs, cocker spaniels, and pekingese.

  • Clinical signs vary from mild back pain, to unrelenting pain and discomfort, all the way to complete paralysis with loss of feeling/sensation in the paws. Sudden onset of back pain with or without neurologic deficits (most commonly dragging of the rear limbs, ataxia (unsteadiness/wobbliness), and/or scuffing while walking) is the most common presentation.

    You can learn more about IVDD here.

  • There are many factors involved in providing a prognosis for paralyzed pets.  Dogs and cats with weakness in their back legs from IVDD can have an excellent chance for returning to normal function. Even paralyzed pets that are seen and treated promptly have a very good chance to walk again pain-free. 

    If your dog or cat develops sudden paralysis, seeing a veterinary neurologist or emergency doctor will increase their chances of a positive outcome.

If your pet remains paralyzed, we can help you adjust to their new life.

Adapting to your dog’s paralysis requires patience and specialized care. We provide resources and tips to help you modify your home, manage their daily needs, and maintain their comfort and wellbeing.

We can provide expert help and support. Our team of veterinary specialists offers personalized guidance and support throughout your pet’s recovery journey. We are dedicated to discussing the most effective treatment options and providing comprehensive rehabilitation advice.