Why is My Dog Coughing & Wheezing After a Racoon Bite?

Approximately seven to 14 days after sustaining a raccoon bite, many dogs may begin to exhibit coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. The condition, known has coonhound paralysis (acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis), occurs when the dog's immune system causes an inflammatory response to the raccoon's saliva. The reaction can cause respiratory distress and death if not treated.

  1. Symptoms

    • The dog will begin to exhibit coughing, wheezing and a weak bark. The nervous system will begin to be affected. The dog will suffer weakness beginning in the hind legs and progressing to the front legs. It may be unable to stand. Complete body weakness will begin. The dog will begin to breath shallowly and appear to have difficulty breathing with the disorder's progression.

    Diagnosis

    • Prompt medical treatment is required. The veterinarian will evaluate the dog's history and symptoms. Blood tests will be ordered to determine the extent of the immune response and to evaluate the blood gases to determine the extent of respiratory involvement, according to the Pet Place website. The veterinarian may order a cerebrospinal fluid tap.

    Treatment

    • Treatment involves making the animal comfortable. The dog may require physical therapy of the affected limbs to regain usage. The dog also may require intravenous fluids and hand feeding. If the dog suffers respiratory involvement, it may need to be placed on a respirator to breath. If the dog is not placed on a respirator, respiratory failure may result and the dog could die.

    Recovery

    • Recovery from coonhound paralysis is slow. The dog will gradually improve over the course of three weeks. Complete recovery will be gained in two to six months. Dogs who have suffered severe muscle paralysis with atrophy and respiratory distress may never completely recover, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

    Relapse

    • The dog can easily relapse if it comes into contact with a raccoon again because it gains no immunity after being infected with coonhound paralysis. If the dog sustains another bite from a raccoon, it may suffer a more severe case of coonhound paralysis because its immune system is even faster to respond with inflammation and nerve involvement.