Clinical and neurological evaluation of dogs with posterior paralysis

Eighteen dogs presented to the College Hospital with traumatic posterior paralysis were subjected to detailed clinical and neurological evaluation. The means of heart rate, rectal temperature and respiration rate were with in normal limits. The dogs were studied for changes in attitude, posture and gait. They were examined for the presence or absence of conscious proprioception and deep pain sensation in the hind limbs. Status of bladder function was evaluated and they were subjected to tests for panniculus reflex, patellar reflex, anal sphincter reflex and flexor reflex. The dogs were graded on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the fmdings of neurological examination. Among the 18 dogs, two, 14 and two were graded 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Detailed neurological examination and grading of the patients was useful for localization of the spinal lesions and to indicate the prognosis of the patients.