Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 52 No. 2, 2021.
Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.52.2.6
Rehabilitation of dogs from Acute Idiopathic Polyradiculoneuritis - a case report
Anita Kraljević
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Filip Kajin
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Kiš
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Nika Brkljača Bottegarro
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Boris Pirkić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Bureš
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Zoran Vrbanac
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (AIP) is an acquired peripheral neuropathy that primarily affects the ventral spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves. The disease is very similar to Guillan Barré syndrome in humans. There is no age, breed, or sex predilection associated with the development of AIP. No proven specific treatment exists. Recovery occurs within 2 - 6 months. Physical therapy and nursing care are recommended as supportive treatment. Two female mix breed dogs, aged 6 and 10 years, were admitted to the physical therapy unit with signs of acute flaccid non-ambulatory tetraparesis/tetraplegia in lateral recumbency, unable to assume the
sternal position unassisted as a consequence of generalised lower motor neuron signs. Reduced to absent muscle tone was present
in all limbs. A tentative diagnosis of AIP was made based on history, clinical presentation, neurologic examination, diagnostic imaging and routine laboratory tests. The rehabilitation programme included massage, joint passive range of motion (PROM) as an important part of the home programme, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and proprioceptive exercises. After two weeks, dogs were able to maintain a sternal position without support, and showed voluntary movement of the hind limbs. Assistive standing and voluntary movements of all limbs were present by the end of third week in one patient, and fifth week in the other. At that point, underwater treadmill sessions and active exercises were introduced. Dogs were ambulating without assistance after 25 days in one patient and after 50 days in other. Physical therapy combined with a proper home rehabilitation programme can result in a positive functional outcome in a shorter period of time in dogs with AIP.
Keywords
Idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis; canine; rehabilitation
Hrčak ID:
245563
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2020.
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