Does your dog show signs of a front leg injury? The
radial nerve is the largest nerve in the front leg of
the dog and is responsible for movement in the
elbow, wrist and toes. This nerve also provides
sensation to the upper-outside surface of the front
leg and upper surface of the paw.
The radial nerve travels down the underside of the
upper front leg and crosses over the outside just
above the elbow. From this point, the radial nerve
branches into the muscles of the lower front leg.
Dogs with radial nerve paralysis are unable to use
their front leg normally.
Trauma to the animal's front leg, where the nerve is
close to the surface, is a common cause of paralysis.
Dogs with radial nerve paralysis lose the ability to
use the muscles that extend the front leg and the
affected limb can't bear any weight. The upper side
of the paw often drags on the ground.
When muscles lose their nerve connections they begin
to atrophy, or shrink, usually within five days of the
injury. Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain
blood flow in the atrophying muscles. If the injured
nerves begin to re-grow, the animal may experience
abnormal sensations from the affected limb, and this
may lead to selfmutilation of the limb. If this
behavior cannot be controlled, amputation of the
limb may have to be considered.
Nerve injuries are very mysterious. It can be very
difficult to predict if function will return after
injury. Therefore it is very important to determine
the extent of the injury. If the sheath surrounding
the nerve fibers is still intact, then there is a chance
that the limb function will return. In these cases,
time and good nursing care are the best options.
radial nerve is the largest nerve in the front leg of
the dog and is responsible for movement in the
elbow, wrist and toes. This nerve also provides
sensation to the upper-outside surface of the front
leg and upper surface of the paw.
The radial nerve travels down the underside of the
upper front leg and crosses over the outside just
above the elbow. From this point, the radial nerve
branches into the muscles of the lower front leg.
Dogs with radial nerve paralysis are unable to use
their front leg normally.
Trauma to the animal's front leg, where the nerve is
close to the surface, is a common cause of paralysis.
Dogs with radial nerve paralysis lose the ability to
use the muscles that extend the front leg and the
affected limb can't bear any weight. The upper side
of the paw often drags on the ground.
When muscles lose their nerve connections they begin
to atrophy, or shrink, usually within five days of the
injury. Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain
blood flow in the atrophying muscles. If the injured
nerves begin to re-grow, the animal may experience
abnormal sensations from the affected limb, and this
may lead to selfmutilation of the limb. If this
behavior cannot be controlled, amputation of the
limb may have to be considered.
Nerve injuries are very mysterious. It can be very
difficult to predict if function will return after
injury. Therefore it is very important to determine
the extent of the injury. If the sheath surrounding
the nerve fibers is still intact, then there is a chance
that the limb function will return. In these cases,
time and good nursing care are the best options.
RADIAL NERVE PARALYSIS
MEDICAL INFORMATION
DOG NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
DOG NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
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NOT FOR SALE
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The spine is made up of numerous small bones
called vertebrae.
The vertebrae are separated by flexible
"intervertebral discs" that cushion. The
vertebrae each have a tunnel running through
them. The spinal cord runs through these
tunnels, where it
is protected by the bone surrounding it,
except for the places in between the vertebrae
where it runs over the top of the discs.
A disc may rupture, or herniate, causing a
portion of the disc to protrude upward and
place pressure on the spinal cord. The
pressure on the spinal cord can cause pain,
weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation, and
the inability to control urination and
defecation. This is a very serious condition
and it is imperative that you seek veterinary
care immediately. Your dog may have IVDD
(Intervertebral Disc Disease).
In many cases, we may never find exactly
when or what caused the disc to rupture.
Although a herniated disc may be associated
with severe trauma such as being hit by a car
or falling from heights, this cause is
relatively uncommon. In the smaller breeds, it
often occurs when these dogs jump off
furniture.
The veterinarian suspects a herniated disc
based on a physical exam, the history, and
the symptoms. Radiographs support the
diagnosis. A myelogram (a special x-ray using
dye), MRI, or CAT scan can pinpoint the
exact location of the disc problem. More than
1 disc may be involved.
Nonsurgical therapy is used when the
symptoms are mild. Treatment may include
temporarily confining the animal to a cage or
very small area, making sure the dog doesn't
jump, run, twist, or move in a way that could
further injure the area. Usually either a
corticosteroid such as prednisone, or a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) such as Rimadyl (carprofen),
Etogesic (etodolac), or Deramaxx (deracoxib)
is recommended. These medications help
reduce the swelling around the spinal cord.
Do not use pain relievers without consulting
first with your veterinarian. Acupuncture
can also be used to help relieve the symptoms.
Surgery is considered in certain cases such as
if there is severe pain, or there are more
severe nervous system signs. The protruding
disc material and/or portion of the bone that
surrounds the spinal cord may be removed to
help relieve the pressure. Surgery must be
done within the first day or so following the
injury to be most effective. Following
surgery, the dog must be kept in strict
confinement as described above. Whether
medical, surgical, or a combination of the two
treatments is used, it may be several weeks to
a month or more before the dog has achieved
maximum healing.
Prognosis is generally good if the dog can
still feel deep pain in the affected limbs when
presented for treatment and the treatment is
provided rapidly. The prognosis is more
guarded if there is paralysis or reduced deep
pain sensation. The possibility of walking
again is poor if the animal is paralyzed and
has lost deep pain sensation or treatment is
delayed.
◦
The spine is made up of numerous small bones
called vertebrae.
The vertebrae are separated by flexible
"intervertebral discs" that cushion. The
vertebrae each have a tunnel running through
them. The spinal cord runs through these
tunnels, where it
is protected by the bone surrounding it,
except for the places in between the vertebrae
where it runs over the top of the discs.
A disc may rupture, or herniate, causing a
portion of the disc to protrude upward and
place pressure on the spinal cord. The
pressure on the spinal cord can cause pain,
weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation, and
the inability to control urination and
defecation. This is a very serious condition
and it is imperative that you seek veterinary
care immediately. Your dog may have IVDD
(Intervertebral Disc Disease).
In many cases, we may never find exactly
when or what caused the disc to rupture.
Although a herniated disc may be associated
with severe trauma such as being hit by a car
or falling from heights, this cause is
relatively uncommon. In the smaller breeds, it
often occurs when these dogs jump off
furniture.
The veterinarian suspects a herniated disc
based on a physical exam, the history, and
the symptoms. Radiographs support the
diagnosis. A myelogram (a special x-ray using
dye), MRI, or CAT scan can pinpoint the
exact location of the disc problem. More than
1 disc may be involved.
Nonsurgical therapy is used when the
symptoms are mild. Treatment may include
temporarily confining the animal to a cage or
very small area, making sure the dog doesn't
jump, run, twist, or move in a way that could
further injure the area. Usually either a
corticosteroid such as prednisone, or a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) such as Rimadyl (carprofen),
Etogesic (etodolac), or Deramaxx (deracoxib)
is recommended. These medications help
reduce the swelling around the spinal cord.
Do not use pain relievers without consulting
first with your veterinarian. Acupuncture
can also be used to help relieve the symptoms.
Surgery is considered in certain cases such as
if there is severe pain, or there are more
severe nervous system signs. The protruding
disc material and/or portion of the bone that
surrounds the spinal cord may be removed to
help relieve the pressure. Surgery must be
done within the first day or so following the
injury to be most effective. Following
surgery, the dog must be kept in strict
confinement as described above. Whether
medical, surgical, or a combination of the two
treatments is used, it may be several weeks to
a month or more before the dog has achieved
maximum healing.
Prognosis is generally good if the dog can
still feel deep pain in the affected limbs when
presented for treatment and the treatment is
provided rapidly. The prognosis is more
guarded if there is paralysis or reduced deep
pain sensation. The possibility of walking
again is poor if the animal is paralyzed and
has lost deep pain sensation or treatment is
delayed.
◦
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Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which is a
derivative of fatty acids. Persin is toxic to
cats and dogs, as well as other animals,
and especially birds.
Chocolate
Chocolate is considered to be poisonous to
cats and dogs. It contains theobromine, an
alkaloid, which can give pets theobromine
poisoning, which can lead to death if not
treated early.
Cows' milk
Cows' milk is not considered toxic to cats,
but some cats are lactose intolerant, thus
milk may give them diarrhea or other
digestive symptoms.
Foods containing Xylitol
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
warns dog owners that products sweetened
with Xylitol are harmful to dogs. Xylitol is
a naturally occurring sweetener extracted
from fibers of fruits and vegetables and is
used in a wide variety of desserts, snacks,
candies, gums, and the like. Xylitol can
cause a rapid and severe blood-sugar drop
in dogs, which can lead to seizures,
vomiting and weakness. Immediate
veterinary attention is required.
Grapes, raisins
Grapes and raisins should be avoided as
pet snacks, as they have been linked with
kidney failure, especially in dogs.
Onion, garlic, leek, chive
Onions contain a substance called
N-propyl disulphide, which can destroy red
blood cells in cats, causing a type of
anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic,
leeks and chives contain similar
substances, although in lesser amounts.
Tomatoes, raw potatoes
Tomatoes and raw potatoes contain the
glycoalkaloid Solanine, a poisonous
compound which can cause digestive
ailments in animals.
Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which is a
derivative of fatty acids. Persin is toxic to
cats and dogs, as well as other animals,
and especially birds.
Chocolate
Chocolate is considered to be poisonous to
cats and dogs. It contains theobromine, an
alkaloid, which can give pets theobromine
poisoning, which can lead to death if not
treated early.
Cows' milk
Cows' milk is not considered toxic to cats,
but some cats are lactose intolerant, thus
milk may give them diarrhea or other
digestive symptoms.
Foods containing Xylitol
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
warns dog owners that products sweetened
with Xylitol are harmful to dogs. Xylitol is
a naturally occurring sweetener extracted
from fibers of fruits and vegetables and is
used in a wide variety of desserts, snacks,
candies, gums, and the like. Xylitol can
cause a rapid and severe blood-sugar drop
in dogs, which can lead to seizures,
vomiting and weakness. Immediate
veterinary attention is required.
Grapes, raisins
Grapes and raisins should be avoided as
pet snacks, as they have been linked with
kidney failure, especially in dogs.
Onion, garlic, leek, chive
Onions contain a substance called
N-propyl disulphide, which can destroy red
blood cells in cats, causing a type of
anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic,
leeks and chives contain similar
substances, although in lesser amounts.
Tomatoes, raw potatoes
Tomatoes and raw potatoes contain the
glycoalkaloid Solanine, a poisonous
compound which can cause digestive
ailments in animals.
7 FOODS THAT ARE NOT FOR PETS
LOW-COST
SPAY AND NEUTER CLINICS
IN WASHINGTON STATE
Spay & Neuter Clinic
Seattle
206-362-0505
Municipal Spay & Neuter Clinic
Seattle WA
206-386-4260
Bellevue Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
12005 NE 12th
Bellevue, WA
206-455-2826
Low cost spay/neuter for pets of
Seattle
residents.
Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project
Serving the Greater Puget Sound area.
206-528-8125
Email: questions@feralcatproject.org
Web: www.feralcatproject.org
Free testing, vaccinations, and
spay/neuter for feral cats brought by
caretakers.
City of Seattle
Municipal Spay/Neuter Clinic
2061 15th Avenue W
Seattle, WA
206-386-4260 ext 4
Low cost spay/neuter for all.
Spay/Neuter Clinic
17211 15th NE
Seattle, WA
206-362-0505
Animal Clinic of Kent
Kent WA
253-859-1520
Cascade Animal Protection Society
Federal Way WA
253-863-8004
Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project
PO Box 306
Burley WA 98322
253-884-1543
Provides certificates for low cost s/n
for
cats and dogs to be used at
participating
area veterinarians. Also has assistance
for feral cats.
Harbor Association of Volunteers for
Animals
(HAVA Heart)
PO Box 1913 Westport, WA 98595
360-268-9092
Cedardale Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
Mount Vernon, WA
360-424-5676
PAWS
Aberdeen WA
360-533-1141
Leave message and this volunteer group
will call you back within 7-8 days.
Family Pet Surgery
Marysville WA
360-659-0877
Purrfect Pals
Arlington WA
360-652-9611
Pets and ferals.
Whidbey Animals' Improvement
Foundation (WAIF)
PO Box 1108
Coupeville, WA 98239
360-678-5816 north
360-331-2818 south
Free spay/neuter for ferals plus low
cost
spay/neuter for qualified low income
pets.
Peninsula Spay & Neuter Clinic
1265 Old Clifton Rd SW
Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-876-3096
Animal Surgery & Vaccination Clinic
Everett WA
425-252-9300
Bellevue Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
Bellevue WA)
425-455-2826
People for Abandoned Pets
Bellevue WA
425-453-9222
Vets for Less
Lynnwood WA
425-672-4343
Humane Society of Seattle/King County
13212 SE Eastgate Way
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-641-0080
Low cost spay/neuter for pets.
Vets for Less
Kirkland, WA
425-889-0808
PROD
7741 Cook Underwood Road
Underwood, WA
509-538-2397
Serves the mid-Columbian area in
Oregon and Washington state. PROD
will
pay a percentage of spay/neuter costs,
depending on income level, at any vet
in
the mid-Columbian area, including
towns
such as Hood River, The Dalles, and
Cascade Locks, Oregon -- and
Bingen/White Salmon, Stevenson, and
Underwood, Washington.
SPAY AND NEUTER CLINICS
IN WASHINGTON STATE
Spay & Neuter Clinic
Seattle
206-362-0505
Municipal Spay & Neuter Clinic
Seattle WA
206-386-4260
Bellevue Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
12005 NE 12th
Bellevue, WA
206-455-2826
Low cost spay/neuter for pets of
Seattle
residents.
Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project
Serving the Greater Puget Sound area.
206-528-8125
Email: questions@feralcatproject.org
Web: www.feralcatproject.org
Free testing, vaccinations, and
spay/neuter for feral cats brought by
caretakers.
City of Seattle
Municipal Spay/Neuter Clinic
2061 15th Avenue W
Seattle, WA
206-386-4260 ext 4
Low cost spay/neuter for all.
Spay/Neuter Clinic
17211 15th NE
Seattle, WA
206-362-0505
Animal Clinic of Kent
Kent WA
253-859-1520
Cascade Animal Protection Society
Federal Way WA
253-863-8004
Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project
PO Box 306
Burley WA 98322
253-884-1543
Provides certificates for low cost s/n
for
cats and dogs to be used at
participating
area veterinarians. Also has assistance
for feral cats.
Harbor Association of Volunteers for
Animals
(HAVA Heart)
PO Box 1913 Westport, WA 98595
360-268-9092
Cedardale Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
Mount Vernon, WA
360-424-5676
PAWS
Aberdeen WA
360-533-1141
Leave message and this volunteer group
will call you back within 7-8 days.
Family Pet Surgery
Marysville WA
360-659-0877
Purrfect Pals
Arlington WA
360-652-9611
Pets and ferals.
Whidbey Animals' Improvement
Foundation (WAIF)
PO Box 1108
Coupeville, WA 98239
360-678-5816 north
360-331-2818 south
Free spay/neuter for ferals plus low
cost
spay/neuter for qualified low income
pets.
Peninsula Spay & Neuter Clinic
1265 Old Clifton Rd SW
Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-876-3096
Animal Surgery & Vaccination Clinic
Everett WA
425-252-9300
Bellevue Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
Bellevue WA)
425-455-2826
People for Abandoned Pets
Bellevue WA
425-453-9222
Vets for Less
Lynnwood WA
425-672-4343
Humane Society of Seattle/King County
13212 SE Eastgate Way
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-641-0080
Low cost spay/neuter for pets.
Vets for Less
Kirkland, WA
425-889-0808
PROD
7741 Cook Underwood Road
Underwood, WA
509-538-2397
Serves the mid-Columbian area in
Oregon and Washington state. PROD
will
pay a percentage of spay/neuter costs,
depending on income level, at any vet
in
the mid-Columbian area, including
towns
such as Hood River, The Dalles, and
Cascade Locks, Oregon -- and
Bingen/White Salmon, Stevenson, and
Underwood, Washington.
LOW SPAY/NEUTER CLINICS IN
WASHINGTON STATE.
WASHINGTON STATE.
