Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs: Paralysis, Prognosis, and Rehabilitation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs causes paralysis proportional to lesion severity and location.

Injury Grading (Modified Frankel)

• Grade 1: Normal.
• Grade 2: Ambulatory paresis (weak, ataxic).
• Grade 3: Non-ambulatory paresis (voluntary movement but cannot stand).
• Grade 4: Paralysis with deep pain perception (DPP+).
• Grade 5: Paralysis without deep pain perception (DPP−).

Common Causes

• Intervertebral disc herniation (Hansen type I: chondrodystrophics; type II: large breeds).
• Trauma (HBC, falls).
• FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism).
• Neoplasia, infection, vascular.

Prognosis

• Grades 1–3: Good-excellent with medical/surgical management.
• Grade 4 (DPP+): Surgery → 85–95% ambulatory recovery.
• Grade 5 (DPP−): Surgery <48h → 50–60% recovery; >48h → <5%.

Treatment

• Medical: Strict crate rest 4–6 weeks, NSAIDs/steroids, gabapentin, bladder management.
• Surgical: Hemilaminectomy (thoracolumbar), ventral slot (cervical). Decompression ± fenestration.
• Rehab: Laser, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, PEMF, assisted standing.

Urgency

Acute paralysis = emergency. Delayed decompression worsens outcome. Contact vet/ER immediately.