Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

leg. Nerves can be crushed when a vehicle rolls over the leg. Bone fractures
and muscle injuries often occur at the same time.
Another cause of nerve paralysis (usually temporary) is the injection of an
irritating medication into the tissue surrounding a nerve. This problem does
not occur frequently, but can be a cause of concern when it does. The correct
procedure for giving injections is described on page 567. (Also see Horner’s
Syndrome, page 176.)
Treatment: Lacerated nerves do not regenerate. The paralysis is permanent.
Stretched nerves may (but do not always) return to normal. Those that
do recover begin to improve in three weeks and may continue to improve for
12 months. If recovery does not occur, the dog may benefit from amputation
of the paralyzed leg. Electroacupuncture to stimulate nerves may encourage
healing.
DEAD TAIL OR LIMBER TAIL
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM • 381
This condition has been seen in Labrador Retrievers, Pointers, Setters,
Foxhounds, and Beagles. The dogs will hold their tails totally limp or out
away from their body three to four inches, then hanging limply. Most often
this occurs after a strenuous day of hunting or swimming—especially if the
water is cold.
Dogs may act as if the tail is painful. It appears to be a sprain or strain of the
tail muscles and nerves after working much harder than usual.
Treatment: Rest and anti-inflammatory medications usually result in a
normal tail in just a few days.