Idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis

Question 1

Other names for it

Answer 1

• Guillain Barre (in man)
• Coonhound paralysis (specific form secondary to racoon saliva injection seen in southern USA racoon hunting dogs)

Question 2

Prevalence

Answer 2

• relatively uncommon in clinical practice, but is the commonest cause of generalised neuromuscular weakness

Question 3

Presentation

Answer 3

• progressive, ascending LMN weakness, initially of distal hindlimbs progressing to all limbs

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

• no specific diagnostic test
• difficult to differentiate from botulism (which is treated the same and has the same prognosis)

Question 5

Tx & prognosis

Answer 5

• no specific tx: needs conservative therapy with support and physiotherapy
• usually retain autonomic function so remain continent even if unable to stand
• usually a self-limiting condition, but if resp muscles affected then grave prognosis
• with conservative therapy many dogs will make a good recovery over weeks, but develop alarmingly severe generalised muscle atrophy