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Name: Michele
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Question:
I am looking for information on a disease called coon hound paralysis; the infecting organism, mode of transmission, treatment, etc. Thanks


Replies:
Coon hound paralysis is caused by inflammation of the peripheral nerve roots. SInce these serve the legs, paralysis is generally seen. Usually it starts with weakness and progresses quite rapidly, peaks after about 10 days and then the dogs improve over the next weeks. Often there is a history of a bite by a raccoon 7-14 days before the signs started, but not always. It has also been reported in cats.

The signs and type of inflammation in coon hound paralysis are very like Guillain-Barre syndrome in people. In humans, this paralytic disease may develop after some bacterial and viral infections or sometimes after vaccinations or surgery. Humans also usually gradually improve over time.

Laura Hungerford


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