Saturday, Nov 25 2007

On Sat, 11/25/07 my 12 yr spayed female Weimaraner, Lexi was suddenly and inexplicably striken with paralysis. As we later learned by process of elimination, she has "Coonhound Paralysis" (disease, syndrome, aka acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis).

Lexi collapsed Saturday night after showing minimal weakness in her hind legs and no other symptoms. Within hours she was completely immobile with decreasing loss of pain reaction in her limbs. Tests at the ER were clear and signaled an otherwise healthy dog. We took her home, mystified.

Our regular vet eliminated all other options and came up with Coonhound Paralysis.

So this is what I know now:

Coonhound paralysis is also termed Idiopathic Polyradiculoneuritis, and is essentially a sdden onset inflammation of the nerves outside of the spinal cord and brain.

It is termed coonhound paralysis since the condition was first recognized in coonhounds. Some cases have a history of contact with raccoons, or perhaps raccoon saliva, but some do not have a clear history of exposure.

The source of this condition is still somewhat of a mystery, but current opinion favors this being an auto-immune condition. This means that the body recognizes itself as foreign, and mounts a reaction against itself; as it would to a bacteria or virus invader.

Prognosis for recovery is very good.

But what we don't know is *HOW LONG* she will be paralyzed.

There is so little information on this disease I was compelled to blog for the first time ever. If others are going through this, or have successfully nursed a dog with this condition, please let me know! hmwe46@yahoo.com