Causes of canine neuritis

The pathogenesis of canine polyneuritis is complex, but lack of vitamin B is one of the main causes. Dogs of different breeds and ages are susceptible to the disease. The main reason is that the long-term, single-feeding method of mainly meat has led to the deficiency of certain vitamins in the dog's body, especially the deficiency of vitamin B family (such as B1, B6, B12). B vitamins play a vital role in maintaining the function of the nervous system. Once deficient, it will lead to motor nerve dysfunction and inflammation of the motor plexus, so it is also called radiculitis.

Symptoms of neuritis in dogs

Some sick dogs suddenly become ill and develop movement disorders quickly. In severe cases, paralysis of the hindquarters or even the whole body may occur within hours or days. , dragging the hindquarters forward with its two forelimbs. The vast majority of sick dogs have prodromal symptoms, such as abnormality (lameness) in one or more limbs, trembling, weakness of the hindquarters, restricted movement, unsteady gait, inability to climb high places, and gradually paralysis. Others develop paralysis during treatment.
In the early stage, most of the sick dogs showed high spasm and swelling of the dorsal and lumbar muscles, abdominal muscles, and femoral muscles. The sick dogs showed sensitivity when palpated, with their backs and waists arched, and their abdominal circumference curled up. They were not allowed to be touched or hugged. It barks or bites when touched. Many sick dogs will have paroxysmal spasms and moan and cry out in pain even if no one touches them. Some neck muscles are hard, and the neck is curved sideways or opisthotonized. For those who have been paralyzed in the hindquarters for more than 7 days, the back, waist, abdominal muscles, and femoral muscles atrophy rapidly. At this time, the waist and spine are dry and fleshless when touched, and they feel like "spine tiles".
Loss of appetite or no eating, vomiting or no vomiting, difficulty in defecation or no bowel movement for several days, loose, soft or black mucus stools, which in severe cases are "tar-like" and contain a large amount of jelly-like excrement Or intestinal mucosa. Cyanosis of the anal skin (poor circulation).

Precautions during physical examination for neuritis

1. X-ray examination does not identify abnormalities in the intervertebral disc.
2. The blood calcium measurement result is normal.
3. Although the sick dog has been paralyzed, its knee tendon reflex, tail and anal reflex will never disappear.
4. Dry or moist rales can be heard on lung auscultation, and the body temperature rises by 0.5 to 1°C, and in some sick dogs, the temperature can reach over 40°C.

Treatment methods for neuritis

Adopt targeted anti-viral, anti-secondary infection, swelling and analgesic and symptomatic treatment. More than 90% of sick dogs (caused by canine distemper) Paralysis (excluding paralysis) stabilizes within about 1 week. Some sick dogs develop acute heart failure or respiratory paralysis and die in about 1 week. A small number of paralyzed dogs are treated with a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine (activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, unblocking menstruation and meridians, strengthening muscles and bones), and the walking function can be gradually restored. Generally, it takes 1 to 2 weeks for mild cases and 3 to 5 weeks for moderate cases. , severe cases can be discharged within 90 days.
Prognosis of the disease, it depends on early detection and early treatment. It usually heals in about a week. Cured dogs should change their food structure, otherwise they will relapse. For those who relapse more than 2 times, the treatment effect is not ideal.