A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE TREATMENT OF PARAPLEGIC DOGS

Abstract

The case records of 11 dogs recovering from paraplegia, caused by vertebral fracture, vertebral luxation, spondylosis deformans or intervertebral disk protrusion, were studied. The dogs were examined and treated at the
animal hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University from June 2000 to October 2004. Upon presentation, all dogs were paraplegic and had weak superficial or deep pain sensations. Only 9 dogs had
voluntary motor function in their hindlimbs or tails. Two dogs received both surgical and medical treatment, while the others received only medical treatment, consisting of the administrations of corticosteroids, aescin, vitamin B1 and antibiotics for 1-2, 2-4, 4-15, and at weeks, respectively. Eight dogs were able to walk within 8 weeks of the rest. Two dogs could walk at 10 week and one dog at 24 weeks.