Polyneuropathy actually refers to a collection of diseases impacting your dog’s nerves.

Your dog’s symptoms will depend upon which nerve pathways are impacted. However, common symptoms include muscle weakness, muscle loss, ataxia, lack of feeling in the impacted area, and paralysis.

Polyneuropathy can be inherited, or it can be caused by joint inflammation, infections, cancer, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, or immune-mediated diseases in which the body’s own immune system launches an attack against normal cells.

Polyneuropathy is difficult to diagnose. Special testing by a veterinary neurologist, including muscle and nerve biopsies, is usually required. An EMG (electromyography), a device used to measure electrical activity of muscles, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans and MRIs can be used to help diagnose the polyneuropathy’s underlying cause.

Treatment is dependent upon the primary cause.

Since at least some cases are inherited, careful screening of potential breeding pairs may prevent polyneuropathy. In addition, you should not acquire a dog with a family history of polyneuropathy.

No, you cannot contract polyneuropathy from your dog.