These are two very interesting neurological cases that would challenge the best canine therapist and both dogs improved!

The first is a dog who at 6 months old started to show neurological problems: i.e.  inability to sit up, roll over, or stand on her own without support. This dog was diagnosed with what we call: Cerebeller Hypoplasia. This means the part of the brain that controls balance, position sense, and coordination was impaired.

Not only did this pet have problems with mobility but when she tried to move, her balance was off and she had problems with eye tracking. Imagine yourself trying to get up and you not only can't balance enough to sit up but if you do sit up, you are dizzy and can't focus on any one object.

In canine rehab, the owner was instructed in special balance and stabilizing exercises and eventually swimming was added to the program. A cart was given to the pet to assist in it's ability to walk more balanced.

Now this pet is able to be walked on a leash with assistance of a harness only! She is two years old and still requires a few more sessions of neurological exercise to improve her walking ability but what a difference.

I have worked on similar neurologically challenging cases and it is wonderful to see a pet walk again!

The second case describes rehabilitation of a dog with Coonhound Paralysis.

Coonhound Paralysis is an acute polyradiculoneuritis. Whats that? It is paralysis and inflammation of many nerve roots that is a result from exposure to raccoon saliva from a scratch or bite.

Signs of paralysis usually come on 1-2 weeks after exposure. Signs include stiffness of limbs during walking that progresses to weakness or paralysis of all limbs. Weakness usually starts in hindlimbs and progresses to the forelimbs. Prognosis for full recovery is good. 

Drugs that are used are steroids and High dose IV immune globulin therapy.

It is hard to diagnose these cases at times and I treated a case about a year ago which was misdiagnosed by a local specialty hospital. I must say ,that I and a local vet diagnosed this dog. When this pet was brought to me it had undergone surgery to stop its knee caps from dislocating. (Which was occurring because of the paralysis. No one was addressing the actual reason why this dog was paralyzed). Other mistaken diagnoses could be: spinal trauma, tick paralysis, botulism, myasthenia gravis, and rabies. Essentially, anything that can attack the nervous system and cause it to shut down.

The pet in this case study was completely paralyzed at beginning of rehab. Neurological exercises were performed from a trained CCRP like myself, electrical stimulation, bracing/splinting, range of motion , underwater treadmill walking, and instruction to the owner regarding a home exercise program.

This case and others take a few months to get better but now the pet is able to walk alone and negotiate steps!

Canine Rehab does work with dedicated pet owners and caring professionals to improve a dog's quality of life.