Therapeutic Management of Hind Quarter Weakness in Dogs

The study was aimed as assessing the effectiveness of treatment with Nervine tonic, Methyl Prednisolone sodium succinate and Meloxicam in hindquarter weakness of dogs. A total of 16 dogs with hindquarter weakness, comprising of 8 animals each in group I (animals with hindquarter weakness, which could stand and had staggering gait and intact pain sensation) and group II (animals with hind quarter paresis, which were unable to stand and dragged hind legs while walking with intact pain sensation) were treated for 10 days with nervine tonic, methyl prednisolone and anti-inflammatory drugs. The response of treatment was faster and more effective in group II as compared to group I. Urinary incontinence observed in two dogs did not responded to treatment. Rectal temperature and respiratory rate showed a non-significant decrease (P>0.05) after treatment, whereas, heart rate showed a significant increase (P<0.05) at 14 days of treatment as compared to base values in both the groups. It was concluded that nervine tonic, methyl prednisolone sodium succinate and anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with rest and mild exercise was effective for management of hind quarter weakness with variable degree of neurological deficits in patients affected with spondylitis and spinal injury. However, study on large scale is warranted.