Case Study

Physiotherapy support for treatment of acute polyneuropathy in three Yorkshire Terrier dogs: case report

Sebastian Słodki ¹,², Joanna Bogucka ¹ 

¹Department of Animal Physiology and Physiotherapy, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz, Poland

²Sebastian Slodki Veterinary Office SweetVet, Łęczycka 37, 85-737 Bydgoszcz, Poland

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 20(4), 2021

Abstract. Polyneuropathy in dogs is an often-diagnosed neurological disorder characterized by the impairment of peripheral nerves. In this case report, we describe clinical cases of acute polyneuropathy in three Yorkshire Terrier dogs. These Yorkshire Terriers consist of 1 female and 2 males and range from 2 to 7 years in age, and 3–6 kg in body weight. The animals were subjected to the rehabilitation treatment consisting of physical therapy, kinesiotherapy and manual therapy. On average, the therapeutic sessions took place every 2–3 days, in total 15–20 sessions were held. In addition, each dog received an individually tailored set of home exercises. This report determines the impact of physiotherapy on the course and duration of treatment, and on the level of patient’s regained mobility. The physiotherapeutic regimen was prescribed for this disease entity. The detailed neurological tests and other examinations, including blood tests were performed prior to commencing rehabilitation sessions. During the physiotherapy treatment, all three dogs showed marked clinical improvement although the pace of their recovery was different. Duration of therapy was extended in particular for one subject dog due to complications caused by an acute gastrointestinal infection. This work’s findings based on analysis of three clinical cases strongly suggest the necessity to adjust the physiotherapy program to the current health status of an individual dog in order to provide safe therapy while avoiding complications. Rehabilitation plays a key role in the treatment of patients with neurological diseases, including those with acute polyneuropathy. Physiotherapy has made it possible to significantly shorten the duration of the illness while accelerating nervous system regeneration and reducing the risk of complications.

Keywords: neurological diseases, endocrinopathies, physical therapy, kinesitherapy, manual therapy