08/11/2026
I had a dog get this. I haven’t let a c**n live since.
PSA: The vet that diagnosed this for me said there is very little understanding as to what is transmitted to set this off. Her explanation was that it triggers an autoimmune reaction where the dogs immune system attacks what was transmitted. Unfortunately, the nerves that control leg motion, which are at the bottom of the cervical column, are also attacked. This disrupts the signal from the brain which controls the legs. The dog maintains bowl, head and tail control. The dogs body has to repair these damaged nerves before function is restored. It typically last 2 day to 2 weeks. Severe cases can include respiratory failure and death. It sets in 5-8 days after the encounter. Over 24-48 hours the dog will gradually lose function of the legs. Our dog was immobilized for 6 months. She did regain the ability to walk and live another 6 years. It is compared to Guillain-Barré syndrome in humans.
Coonhound Paralysis - Just FYI it is real. My girl Lina apparently has it. Started yesterday she had trouble standing and by end of the day she would not stand at all. Took her to the vet today - we believe she has Rac**n paralysis - following her battle with a rac**n about 8 days ago. She was out in the shallow marsh in a field of lily pads - I kept calling her and trying to get to her - finally she pulled the rac**n close enough I could get it off of her. It was a really fun walk with the dogs.
May take awhile before she can walk again. May sound weird but right now I am relieved - I feared the worst and figured I was losing her today.
