Acute polyradiculoneuritis in dog: Case report

Abstract

Canine acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis is a relatively common immune-mediated disorder of polyneuropathy that mainly affects the ventral branches of the spinal nerves. The main symptoms are usually associated with flaccid quadriplegia, usually without loss of sensation or deep pain. The treatment aims to present the total rehabilitation of clinical signs in the vast majority of cases through drug and physical therapy treatment. Differential diagnosis is relevant for treatment and prevention of recurrence. The main ones are botulism and Mysthenia gravis, but Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum can also be included. The aim of the present study was to report a case of acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis in a 3-year-old canine referred to the Animal Rehabilitation Institute without a history of trauma or possible poisoning. Outcome was obtained after clinical and therapeutic diagnosis, and drug and physiatric treatment were instituted, with an improvement in the condition in approximately four and a half weeks with full recovery, without sequelae.