Paralysis of the back legs among dogs in Uganda

Paralysis of the behind legs is one of the conditions most diagnosed by small animal vets in Uganda, among old dogs.

Paralysis of the hind legs can be sudden or progressive.

Progressive hind limb paralysis in dogs starts with muscle spasms, wobbling, dragging the legs, and inability to stand or sense the back legs.

Nerve degeneration, old age, traumatic injury, vitamin E, and selenium deficiency are the most common causes of back leg paralysis among dogs in Uganda.

Should I be worried about back leg paralysis in my dog?

The response to treatment among old dogs is poor.

Most cases of hind leg paralysis are nonpainful. They compromise the quality of life of your dog.

Go to the nearby veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are there veterinary neurospecialists for dogs in Uganda?

There is no veterinary neurospecialist for dogs in Uganda. However, any licensed small animal vet can comfortably handle neuro-related conditions.

How do I know if the back legs of my dog are paralyzed?

Common signs of paralysis of the behind legs among dogs are:

The dog can’t sense pain in the back legs (gently pinch your dog to see if he responds).

The dog is unable to support himself on the back legs.

Dragging of the hind limbs

Involuntary movement of the hind legs

Thinning of the muscles of the hind legs

Why are the back legs of my dog unable to stand or move?

There are several causes of hind leg paralysis among dogs, but the most diagnosed by vets are:

Nerve degeneration due to old age, autoimmune conditions, etc.

Vit E and selenium deficiency

Traumatic injuries on the brain, spinal cord, hips, or nerves supplying the back legs

Hip luxation

Tick paralysis

Severe bacterial infections

Shock

Kidney, liver, or heart disease

How long does it take for back leg paralysis to heal?

2 weeks–3 months, depending on the primary cause and medical attention given.

In some cases, severe damage to the brain, spinal cord, or any other body part may not resolve. Provide a good quality of life for your dog, e.g., soft, clean bedding, physiotherapy, and a wheelchair.

Where can I get a dog wheelchair in Uganda?

Call 0781213706 to get a wheelchair for your dog in Kampala.

How much is a dog wheelchair in Uganda?

400,000 – 1.5 million Ugandan shillings. The price varies depending on the material used, the size of the wheelchair, etc.

Which drugs can I use to treat back leg paralysis in my dog?

First, establish the primary cause of hind limb paralysis in your dog. The drugs commonly prescribed by vets are:

Antiinflammatories

Vitamin B complex

Vitamin E and selenium

Physiotherapy for 10-15 minutes for 3 sessions per day.

Board-spectrum antibiotics

Give anti-tick fever medications.

Provide soft, clean bedding.

When should I consider putting down my paralyzed dog?

If the dog has feces and urine incontinence, anorexic, severely damaged brain, spinal cord, or any other body part.

However, if the dog can control its poop and urine, is active, has a good appetite, and has no severe damage to any body part. The dog should be given a chance to live and provide soft bedding, a wheelchair, and physiotherapy.

NB: For prolonged cases with no response to treatment, provide a wheelchair to your dog to avoid wounds on the legs due to dragging them.