Polyradiculoneuritis

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                     (coonhound paralysis)



                      General Information



Polyradiculoneuritis is characterized by paralysis that begins in

the hindquarters and moves forward, eventually involving the

entire body.  The disorder was first observed in coon dogs and

thus is called coonhound paralysis.  The cause of this disease is

unknown, but about half the affected dogs are bitten or

scratched by a raccoon 1-2 weeks before the paralysis appears.

Most dogs with coonhound paralysis recover fully, though a few

develop permanent wasting (atrophy) of some muscles.  Mildly

affected dogs recover within a few days, while dogs with severe

cases may take several months.  No immunity results from the

disease, and recovered dogs may be affected again at a later

date.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Treatment in the early stages of paralysis usually requires

    hospitalization and intense supportive measures.  This

    includes feeding the dog by artificial means, maintaining

    eliminations, providing physical therapy for the muscles,

    and preventing infection.  Your dog will be discharged when

    treatment can be successfully maintained by you at home.



2.  You may have to hand-feed and water your dog in some cases.



3.  Exercise:  Start exercising your dog as soon as it can stand.

    Initially, exercise periods should be short and frequent:

    3-5 minutes, 4-5 times daily.  Gradually increase the

    exercise periods to 15-20 minutes.



4.  Environment:  Keep your dog on warm, soft bedding while it

    is incapacitated.  If bed sores develop, apply padding to

    protect those areas.



5.  Additional instructions:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your dog's paralysis returns or worsens.



    * Your dog cannot urinate or have a bowel movement.



    * Your dog develops body sores.



    * Your dog's general health changes.