A lower motor neuron disease is an umbrella term that encompasses many disease that may cause the same symptoms- lower motor neuron signs. A lower motor neuron disease is often characterized by decreased reflexes (hyporeflexia/areflexia), flaccid paresis or paralysis of the limbs, postural reaction deficits, and neurogenic (rapid/severe onset) muscle atrophy. Your dog may also present with decreased sensation in their limbs. Muscle fasciculations, spasms, and cramps can also occur. These symptoms can be symmetrical or asymmetrical and vary in severity.
Urinary and fecal incontinence are common associated clinical signs in advanced cases. Urinary incontinence for these dogs mean that there could be poor ability to hold their urine resulting in dribbling and decreased control as the bladder fills with urine.
Polyneuropathy may also affect cranial nerve function. So your pet may present with difficulty swallowing.
We often diagnose lower motor neuron disease in our initial appointments based on your history, your pet’s gait, and our neurologic exam. Gait deviations with a dog who exhibits a lower motor neuron disorder is often a reflection of weakness in the whole or distal limb. These deviations may look like a shortened stride in the affected limbs and decreased ability to support their own body weight due to limb and core weakness. They may also exhibit a flip-like movement of their foot when they advance their limb or possibly exhibit a high-steppage gait to make up for the weakness at the lower part of their limbs. When we perform a neurologic exam we often have normal to decreased reflexes and a flaccid tone in the muscles.
Further testing to determine the cause of lower motor neuron disease often requires a consultation with a neurologist and special tests. Some tests are simple such as seeing the response to an injection, other tests are more extensive such as MRI or muscle/nerve biopsies.
At Walking Paws Rehab we like to have a diagnosis as to cause of the disease, that way we can better form a proper treatment plan and ensure a good outcome. Some patients proper medications can make a huge difference in their recovery.
Rehabilitation for a lower motor neuron disease first focuses on improving proprioception. Helping your pet feel their legs again is very important! At the same time we help patients relearn all the baby steps that are required to walk again. From holding function positions, to transitions, to walking. We highly recommend purchasing a TENS unit and performing these treatments at home. TENS can decrease pain while at the same time stimulate nerves to the hind limbs. If your pet knuckles or drags their nails secondary to lower motor neuron disease, we would recommend purchasing toe-ups. Toe-ups are slings for the paws that can prevent dragging. In our sessions we also get patients set up with assistive devices such as harness and wheelchairs to help them walk again.
If your pet is showing signs of weakness please reach out to us. We can help you figure out what is going on and get your pet back to walking again.
