What it is
Peripheral nerves are the long fibres that carry signals from the spinal cord out to the muscles of the legs, the throat and the voice box. In this disease the nerve fibres slowly lose their ability to pass those signals on. A muscle that no longer gets clear messages weakens and shrinks, so the dog's walk, and sometimes its voice and breathing, gradually change.
The condition is inherited and only shows once the dog is grown. It moves slowly, over months or years, so you may first notice a dog that no longer keeps up on long walks or stops before the stairs.
A weaker dog does better with shorter, gentler walks, rugs or mats on slippery floors and your help with steps or getting into the car. Watch how it copes in the heat and after exertion, when changes in its breathing are easiest to see.
Signs you may notice
- Tires sooner on walks
- Wobbly, unsteady walk
- Weak hind legs
- Thinner leg muscles
- Hoarse or changed bark
- Noisy breathing after exercise
You may notice the dog tiring sooner, walking unsteadily or with a wobble, weakness in the hind legs and muscles that look smaller. Some dogs also show a change in their bark or breathing, especially after exercise.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog starts tiring sooner, walking unsteadily or its bark changes. If it struggles to breathe or its gums turn blue, it needs a vet immediately.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.