When nerves become damaged a complete or partial paralysis (paresis) may develop. There are many causes for neurologic dysfunction in pets. We will limit our presentation to a few of the most common causes. Degenerative disc disease (also termed a ruptured or slipped disc) is one of the most common causes for spinal nerve damage. Signs of paralysis can develop within a matter of minuets. Immediate veterinary attention should be sought for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. Fibrocartilaginous emboli cause stroke like damage to the spinal cord.   Degenerative myelopathy is similar to Multiple Sclerosis in people. It is a slowly progressive disease usually effecting the rear legs first. Wobblers syndrome is also a slowly progressive disease causing a rear leg paralysis. Although the causes for these diseases are different the rehabilitation therapy used to improve the body's functions is similar.

When nerve damage has occurred, at Healing Touch we focus on two objectives when trying to improve the patient's ability to function  We use various proprioceptive exercises to teach the body and the nervous system to start working together again. Depending on the level of never damage these exercises could include; assisted standing, wobble boards, cavaletti rails, swimming or walking in the underwater treadmill.   Muscles atrophy occurs quickly when their nerve supply is damaged so our second objective is to strengthen muscles.  For patients who are having problems standing and walking this strengthening would probably be conducted in the indoor heated swimming pool or underwater treadmill. In cases where the nerves have been so severely damaged that no voluntary muscle movement is present the muscles may be artificially stimulated with electrodes to contract thus maintaining some strength while nerve function is returning to normal.