Myelomalacia or hematomyelia is an acute, progressive, and ischemic necrosis of the spine after injuring the spinal cord. The premature death (necrosis) of the cells in the spine happens forward and backward from the injury site.
Symptoms:
Paralysis of hind limbs
Numbness to pain in areas lower than the injury
Loss of tone and reflexes in hind limbs due to softening of the spinal cord (malacia)
Hyperthermia
Dilated anus
Treatment:
According to the Pet MD website, there are no real treatments to reverse spinal cord damage. There is also no single treatment that is therapeutic and all veterinarians agree. Some medications can be given but the results are not proven effective. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done with dogs and cats with spinal injuries.
Manage Care:
Many devices can help your pet get around with this kind of injury or give them a better way of life. But your veterinarian will recommend euthanizing your pet so it will not suffer anymore.
Pet4CPR is here to help train you in the first aid protocols so we can prevent spinal injuries and allow our pets to have a much safer and fun life with their owners. We can train pet owners on knowing how to care for their pets and have a long wonderful relationship with their cat or dog.
