Figure 4: Summary chart for the recommended first-line diagnostic tests to perform for any dog with acute, diffuse neuromuscular disease.
Final considerations
Acute, diffuse neuromuscular diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Good management hinges on systematic and thorough considerations of the most common differential diagnoses, followed by systematic and thorough diagnostic testing. Paradoxically, the conditions associated with the most severe presentations and with treatment limited to supportive care (polyradiculoneuritis, tick paralysis, and coral snake envenomation) are associated with the best prognosis, provided supportive care is adequate.
Susan A. Arnold, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), is an assistant professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She is boarded by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). In her role, Dr. Arnold practices neurology and neurosurgery, trains interns and residents, and teaches veterinary medical students in both didactic and clinical settings.
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