Puppy Paralysis

If your puppy is showing signs of paralysis in any part of its body, then it's time to take the dog to the veterinarian -- even it means calling emergency veterinary services. A puppy can suffer from paralysis for many reasons, but medical attention is necessary to find out immediately what's causing it and how to treat it.

  1. Signs and What to Do

    • Puppy paralysis means a loss of movement in part or all of the dog's body. This can include something that might not be immediately evident, including paralysis of the throat and vocal cords. If your puppy develops paralysis in some part of its body, restrain the dog to keep it from hurting itself further. Wrap the puppy in a blanket, and take it to the veterinary immediately. If the condition develops at night or on the weekends, don't wait until the clinic opens to seek medical attention. Most areas have emergency clinics that are open 24/7.

    Infectious Causes

    • In some cases, paralysis can be caused when a puppy contracts something infectious such as a virus or bacteria. Because young puppies might not have received all their vaccinations yet, they can be more susceptible to these types of illnesses than dogs that are old enough to have received their full round of shots. Rabies can cause paralysis, so if the puppy has been bitten by another animal, it is important not to allow the puppy to bite you or anyone around. Ticks can spread bacteria that will result in diseases, and various parasites can enter the puppy's system if the puppies are exposed. Distemper is another infection that dogs are vaccinated against but puppies might be vulnerable to.

    Trauma

    • Trauma is a potential cause for paralysis. Puppies are still learning about their environment and how to interact within that, and might not recognize all dangers before it's too late. Even a vigilant owner can have a puppy that gets hurt, and trauma to the spinal cord or head can result in paralysis. In some cases, a pinched or severed nerve can also paralyze the puppy, and the trauma doesn't have to be directed at the spine to impact the dog. Broken bones might -- but not always -- mean paralysis in the area around the break.

    Inherited Conditions and Vulnerable Breeds

    • Some puppies may be born with an inherited condition that can cause chronic paralysis. Laryngeal paralysis is a condition that affects the dog's throat and ability to breathe and bark. While this can spontaneously occur in older dogs, it can also be an inherited condition found in puppies like Dalmatians and Siberian huskies. Although not necessarily a lethal condition in puppies, it should be diagnosed so it can be treated properly. Some small breeds such as dachshunds can suffer from an inherited condition in which they suffer from a degenerative disk disease that can manifest itself in puppyhood. The puppies of larger breeds can be susceptible to a condition that weakens the spine and results in slipping spinal disks.