Coonhound paralysis (idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis) in dogs
Coonhound paralysis (also known as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis) is similar to the disease in people known as Guillain-Barre. In these diseases the immune system starts to attack the nervous system, causing inflammation mainly in the nerves supplying the legs. In some dogs it has been associated with a reaction to Raccoon saliva (hence the name Coonhound paralysis (Coonhounds being a raccoon hunting breed)), but it can develop in dogs that have had no contact with raccoons. In people this nerve damage initially causes a sensation of tingling which then progresses, in both animals and people, to weakness and, in some cases, complete paralysis of all limbs.
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