What it is
Peripheral nerves are the body's long cables, running from the spinal cord out to every muscle and back again with news about touch and position. Each cable is wrapped in an insulating sheath. In polyneuropathy many cables are damaged at once, either the core or the sheath, so messages arrive weak, slow or not at all. The longest nerves, to the hind legs, tend to suffer first, and muscles that get too few signals slowly waste away.
Inherited forms can begin in young dogs, while others follow hormone disorders, immune problems, toxins or other illnesses, and some appear later in life.
A dog with weak legs tires on long walks and slips on smooth floors, so shorter outings, rugs and a supportive harness can make life easier. If the nerves of the throat are affected, panting in the heat, excitement and swallowing can all become harder, so warm days need watching.
Signs you may notice
- Tires quickly on walks
- High-stepping or unsteady gait
- Scuffs or drags its paws
- Weak hind legs
- Changed or hoarse bark
- Noisy breathing
You may notice the dog tiring quickly, walking unsteadily or with a high-stepping gait, scuffing its paws, or weakening in the hind legs. Some dogs develop a changed bark, noisy breathing or difficulty swallowing food.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog starts to tire easily, scuff its paws or sound different when it barks. Struggling to breathe, blue gums or choking on food mean a vet is needed immediately.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.