Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Temporary paralysis in dogs after spinal morphine treatment
By Chamisha, Yael et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2015·Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Reversible paralysis and loss of deep pain sensation after topical intrathecal morphine administration following durotomy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old French Bulldog and a 9.5-year-old Belgian Shepherd both experienced temporary paralysis in their back legs and loss of pain sensation after receiving morphine during spinal surgery. This happened right after they woke up from anesthesia. Fortunately, when they were given an injection of naloxone, both dogs quickly regained the ability to walk and feel pain, but the effects only lasted a few hours. Thankfully, both dogs fully recovered within 24 hours after the surgery.
People also search for: dog back leg paralysis after surgery · morphine side effects in dogs · dog spinal surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report 2 dogs that developed temporary pelvic limb paralysis with loss of deep pain sensation after topical intrathecal morphine administration during spinal surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 2). METHODS: A 5-year-old castrated male French Bulldog with a subarachnoid diverticulum at T9-T10 and a 9.5-year-old castrated male Belgian Shepherd dog with a herniated disc at T12-T13 and intradural component, had Gelfoam soaked with morphine placed over the dura mater defect. RESULTS: Pelvic limb paralysis and loss of deep pain sensation was noticed immediately after recovery from anesthesia. After intravenous naloxone administration, both dogs immediately regained ambulation and normal pain sensation; however the effect was temporary lasting only a few hours. Permanent resolution of clinical signs occurred 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Topical intrathecal morphine administration resulted in temporary pelvic limb paralysis and loss of deep pain sensation. This route of administration should be used cautiously until further determination of the efficacy and adverse effects associated with topical intrathecal morphine administration.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24724720/