Polyethylene glycol has been used in experiments for the treatment of spinal cord injuries in dogs. It is still in the experimental stages, so there is no FDA approved product for use by veterinarians.
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Significance
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Since 2004, Purdue University's Center for Paralysis Research has been leading the study on the affects of polyethylene glycol on dogs, in the hope of treating spinal cord and brain injuries in humans.
Function
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Spinal injuries can cause damage to the nerve cells, which can result in paralysis. Polyethylene glycol treats the damage by sealing the ruptures in nerve cells before they die.
Test Results
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According to the Purdue University research, around 75% of canine test subjects responded extremely well to polyethylene glycol treatment. Even dogs with permanent damage to the spine showed some improvement.
Considerations
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For best results, polyethylene glycol must be injected directly into the affected tissue within 72 hours of injury to the spine. Dogs with brain injury must get polyethylene treatment within two to four hours.
Time Frame
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A majority of the dogs treated in the experiments conducted by Purdue University showed signs of improvement within five days, while 68% of dogs were able to move around within two weeks.
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