Paraplegia:

• It refers to partial or complete loss of motor function in hind limbs of animals.
• Paraplegia often involves loss of sensation; of pain, temperature, vibration, and position.
• It is a distinct clinical feature in spinal cord affection.

Types of paraplegia:

Paraplegia in extension:

• It results only when the pyramidal tract is involved leaving extrapyramidal tract intact.
• Posterior limbs are always kept in attitude of extension owing to hypertonicity of extensor group of muscles, so known as paraplegia in extension.

Paraplegia in flexion:

• It results when lesion involve both the pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts in spinal cord.
• This is seen in case of compression of spinal cord.
• It is so named because posterior limbs are kept in latitude of flexion owing to increased tone of flexor group of muscles.

Etiology:

• Acute spinal cord injuries; spinal fracture or luxation
• Automobile accidents, gunshot wounds, bite wounds are common causes of spinal cord injuries in dogs and cats
• Fall are common causes in horse.
• Cattle are susceptible to injuries during breeding
• Pathological fracture common in cattle, sheep, goat, pig due to malnutrition or vertebral osteomyelitis.
• Concussion of spinal cord
• Spondylopathy
• Abscess in spinal cord
• Intervertebral disc protrusion
• Tubercular lesion in vertebrae
• Infections like discospondylitis
• Spinal tumors cause compression of spinal cord
• Myelitis and meningitis
• Vascular problems: Blood clots or other vascular tissues can lead to inadequate blood supply to spinal cord.

Clinical Findings:

• Loss of voluntary hind limb movement
• Loss of sensation in hind limb
• Inability to bear weight on hind limbs
• Abnormal gait or posture; limping, rigid or stiff hind limbs
• Pain, if underlying cause is painful.

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination to assess reflexes and sensation
• Radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate spine fractures, disc herniation, tumors
• Advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans for a more detailed view of the spinal cord
• Blood tests to check for infections or other systemic issues.

Treatment:

• In cases of spinal cord compression due to disc disease or tumors, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure and restore function.
• For conditions like infections or inflammatory diseases, medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed
• Antibiotics are prescribed based on results of AST. Penicillin, cephalosporin group of drugs are commonly used to encounter infections.
• Anti-inflammatories; Meloxicam @0.2-0.5 mg/kg, IV/IM/SC based on severity of pain and inflammation.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy can help animals regain strength and mobility after paraplegia.
• Pain management and supportive care can improve the quality of life for animals with chronic conditions.
• Some animals may benefit from mobility aids like wheelchairs.