If your dog suffers an injury or disease resulting in paralysis (an inability to use one or more limbs, usually due to a spinal cord injury), this can be very distressing, and force you to make some difficult decisions. The treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of the paralysis, limbs affected, and your vet will advise you on the chance your dog will regain use of the limbs again. In some cases long term paralysis occurs (often affecting the hindlimbs) and if this is the case certain factors must be considered to make sure your dog is comfortable. Many owners choose to have their dog put to sleep and this is a very personal decision to be talked through carefully with your vet.

Looking after a paralysed dog is a big commitment and not easy. If you work long hours or have a busy family life then you may not be able to provide enough care. Rehabilitations centres are available in some areas to look after your dog until they are well enough to be cared for at home, and larger veterinary practices will also hospitalise dogs for longer periods. Large dogs may be difficult to move around and dogs with hindlimb paralysis may have varying degrees of urinary or defecation problems that you will need to manage. Consider your dog’s quality of life and euthanasia may be the kindest option in some cases.

Living with a paralysed dog

If your dog has hindlimb paralysis, you may need to empty your dog’s bladder for him/her, at least initially, by applying gentle pressure on the abdomen (make sure your vet shows you clearly how to do this and watches you do it). In time some dogs will regain urinary function.

It is essential that your pet is kept clean and dry, and also routinely repositioned to prevent the development of skin ulcers. Your vet or physiotherapist will advise you on appropriate bedding and you must check your dog regularly for soiling/wetness. Various slings and harness are available to keep your pet mobile.

Physiotherapy is vital to try and maintain muscle tone and strength and should be performed by an animal physiotherapist, and you may be given exercises to do at home as well. Some types of pet insurance will provide payment for physiotherapy.

Believe it or not, but wheelchairs are available for animals with hind limb paralysis, permitting a welcome return of movement. In fact, thanks to such inventions, some dogs learn to jog, fetch and play as happily as they did before their injury. The use of such equipment should be supervised by your vet and doesn’t suit all dogs, usually only lighter, smaller breeds. For dogs that do adapt to wheels, inspired owners can assemble ramps for access to raised porches and other areas that were previously inaccessible to wheels.