Page "Paralysis" Paragraph 14

Paralysis can be seen in breeds of dogs that are chondrodysplastic.

These dogs have short legs, and may also have short muzzles.

Their intervertebral disc material can calcify and become more brittle.

In such cases, the disc may rupture, with disc material ending up in the spinal canal, or rupturing more laterally to press on spinal nerves.

A minor rupture may only result in paresis, but a major rupture can cause enough damage to cut off circulation.

If no signs of pain can be elicited, surgery should be performed within 24 hours of the incident, to remove the disc material and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

After 24 hours, the chance of recovery declines rapidly, since with continued pressure, the spinal cord tissue deteriorates and dies.