Coonhound Paralysis

Coonhound Paralysis

How to keep your dog safe from this serious disease

By Beth McGoldrick

You and your dog are out for a walk when a raccoon crosses your path. Your dog naturally tears after the raccoon, as he does with any moving creature. Unlike squirrels, though, raccoons may fight back. What if your dog gets bitten or scratched by the raccoon? Do you need to worry? Your dog is vaccinated, so no big deal, right? Not necessarily.

Protein from raccoon saliva can have a dire affect on a dog. One to two weeks after being bitten by a raccoon, dogs can develop what’s called Coonhound paralysis. An infected dog will show progressive weakness in his rear limbs, which will soon turn into paralysis. The paralysis continues until all limbs are paralyzed. Fortunately, brain and digestive functions aren’t affected, but because he won’t be able to stand on his own, he may need assistance eating and going to the bathroom, notes Derrick J. Landini, DVM, a practitioner at the Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Chicago. In rare cases, respiratory functions may be affected, requiring ventilation support.

But, you say, you don’t have a Coonhound; you have a Labrador or Golden Retriever or Bichon Frise. Why do you need to worry? Historically, Coonhounds were the main dog breed that came into contact with raccoons and, thus, were the only ones known to contract the disease. However, as the raccoon population expands to all areas, any dog with exposure to a raccoon is a potential target. Cat guardians can breathe a sigh of relief, though: Coonhound paralysis does not infect felines.

Follow Up Action

A trip to the veterinarian is a must. Coonhound paralysis, tick paralysis, and rabies look similar at the onset, and your vet should determine which disease may be affecting your dog, says Richard Green, DVM, of Mont Clare Animal Hospital in Chicago. Your veterinarian will run immunotherapy tests, and if the tests come back positive, raccoon saliva is the likely culprit. Some vets also use spinal taps and electrodiagnostic testing.

Healing Time

Death from Coonhound paralysis, although possible, is rare. More often, dogs recover fully within several months, sometimes as quickly as a few weeks. The treatment depends on the symptoms, but generally entails nursing care such as respiratory support if nerves associated with breathing are affected; fluid therapy if your dog is dehydrated; hand-feeding because of the paralysis; and physiotherapy to keep muscles and joints mobile and blood circulating. Some clinics feel that the steroid Prednisone is effective, but most veterinarians have found no benefit for curing this disease.

Dr. Landini recommends making your dog as comfortable as possible, providing thick, padded pillows for him to lie on. You should also turn him often so he doesn’t get bedsores and try some pet massage techniques to stimulate muscles while your dog is unable to use them. Most dogs who contract Coonhound paralysis get over their bout with no long-lasting impact, and few contract it twice in a lifetime.

Preventive Measures

The only sure way for your dog to avoid Coonhound paralysis is to stay out of the path of a raccoon. Though vicious, raccoons are afraid of your dog, and if you keep your distance, the raccoon will likely scurry away. Leash your dogs when you take them out of your yard, and keep your yard free of anything that attracts raccoons. If your dog is bitten, take him to the vet at the first sign of symptoms.