Immune-mediated nerve disease in dogs (polyneuropathy)

  • Occurrence: very rare
  • Location of disease: General/Whole body, Head/Neck
Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 08.08.2026
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When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

?

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

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Definition

Polyneuropathy in dogs is a neurological condition characterized by the simultaneous dysfunction of several peripheral nerves responsible for movement and sensation.

Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick

Polyneuropathy in dogs affects the peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. This condition can have both genetic and acquired causes. Genetic polyneuropathies are often breed-specific and can be caused by mutations in important genes. Acquired causes include infections such as Lyme disease, toxins, metabolic disorders like diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include muscle weakness, tremors, uncoordinated gait, and swallowing disorders.

Diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian, including neurological tests, possibly electromyography, and blood tests. Treatment depends on the cause: infections and toxins are treated or avoided, while immunosuppressive medications are used for autoimmune diseases. For genetic forms, there is often no cure, but supportive measures like physiotherapy can help. Pain management and a balanced diet are also important.

The prognosis varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a better prognosis for acquired forms. Prevention is difficult for genetic forms, but selective breeding can reduce the risks. For acquired polyneuropathy, precautions such as tick prophylaxis and a balanced diet can be helpful. Educating dog owners about symptoms and risk factors is important to enable early detection and treatment.

Ursachen

Polyneuropathies belong to a group of diseases that affect the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. They can have both motor and sensory functions. Motor nerves control muscle movement, while sensory nerves enable the perception of touch, pain, and temperature.

The causes of polyneuropathies in dogs can be very diverse, ranging from genetic factors to acquired diseases. Genetic polyneuropathies are often breed-specific and can occur more frequently in certain dog breeds. Acquired causes include infections, toxins, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

One of the most common genetic causes is degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spinal cord that occurs in older dogs. Other genetic causes can be specific mutations in genes that are important for nerve cell function. Acquired causes include infections such as Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks, or metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus, which can lead to nerve damage.

Toxic causes include exposure to heavy metals or certain chemicals. An overdose of certain medications can also lead to neurological damage. Autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body’s own nerve cells, can also cause polyneuropathy.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

Symptoms of polyneuropathy in dogs can vary widely depending on the severity and the nerves affected. The most common symptoms include weakness, especially in the hind legs, uncertainty when walking, and muscle tremors. Affected dogs may have difficulty standing up and tend to stumble or sway when running.

In some cases, sensory nerves can also be affected, which can lead to a loss of sensation in the paws. This can result in the dog not reacting properly to touch or pain. In severe cases, complete Paralysis of the affected limbs can occur.

Other possible symptoms include muscle atrophy—the shrinking of muscles due to inactivity or lack of nerve stimulation—as well as loss of reflexes. Dogs may also show behavioral changes, such as increased irritability or apathy due to discomfort or pain.

Diagnose

The diagnosis of polyneuropathy in dogs requires a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian. First, the veterinarian will take the dog’s medical history to identify possible genetic predispositions or previous exposure to toxins or infections.

A neurological examination is essential to determine which nerves are affected and how severe the damage is. This involves testing the dog’s muscle strength, gait, reflexes, and sensation. The veterinarian may also perform specialized tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity tests, to assess nerve function.

Blood tests can help rule out systemic diseases such as diabetes or infections. In some cases, a biopsy of a peripheral nerve may be required to make an accurate diagnosis. Imaging techniques such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI can also be used to rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Therapie

The treatment for polyneuropathy in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If a specific cause can be identified, such as an infection or a toxin, treatment aims to eliminate or control it.

In the case of autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive medications can be used to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking the nerve cells. For genetic polyneuropathies, treatment is often supportive, as no cure is possible. Physiotherapy and targeted exercises can help maintain muscle function and improve the dog’s quality of life.

Pain management also plays an important role in treatment, especially when sensory nerves are affected. Medications to combat Pain and support nerve function can be used. A balanced diet and dietary supplements containing vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can also contribute to supporting nerve health.

Prognose und Nachsorge

The prognosis for dogs with polyneuropathy varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease. For genetic forms, the prognosis is often guarded to poor, as the disease is progressive and there is no cure. However, quality of life can be improved through supportive measures.

For acquired polyneuropathies caused by infections or toxins, the prognosis can be more favorable with early diagnosis and treatment. Full recovery is possible if the underlying cause is successfully treated.

Overall, the prognosis also depends on the response to treatment and the dog’s ability to adapt to the limitations. Close cooperation with the veterinarian and continuous care are crucial to positively influence the course of the disease.

Prävention

Prevention of polyneuropathy in dogs is challenging, especially for genetic forms. For breed-specific genetic diseases, selective breeding can help reduce the risk of disease. Breeders should consider genetic tests to identify carriers of known mutations and manage breeding accordingly.

For acquired polyneuropathy, prevention can be achieved by minimizing exposure to known toxins and avoiding infections. Regular tick prophylaxis and vaccinations can help prevent infectious diseases like Lyme disease. A balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups can also help reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.

Educating dog owners about the symptoms and risk factors of polyneuropathy can also play an important role in enabling early detection and treatment of the disease. Paying close attention to the dog’s health and reacting quickly to changes can be crucial to slow down or prevent the progression of the disease.

Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung

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Polyneuropathy is not a single disease, but a collective term for many diseases of the peripheral nerves. It can be, for example, diabetic, inflammatory-immunological, toxic, hereditary, or amyloid-related. The most important research outlook is therefore to no longer describe polyneuropathy only by symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, but to classify it based on causes and mechanisms. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, cmaj.ca)

A central field of research is earlier and more precise diagnostics. In addition to nerve conduction measurements, skin biopsy, nerve ultrasound, MR neurography, genetic diagnostics, and new biomarkers are gaining importance. This is particularly important for small fiber neuropathies, as they are often difficult to detect in routine examinations. The goal is to identify treatable causes more quickly and prevent irreversible nerve damage whenever possible. (cmaj.ca, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

A second focus is on targeted therapy. While symptom control has been the primary focus for many forms so far, research is increasingly moving toward disease-modifying therapies, for example, in immune-mediated or genetically determined neuropathies. In parallel, digital progression parameters and more sensitive endpoints for studies are being developed. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Overall, the outlook is good: research is clearly moving away from the blanket diagnosis of “polyneuropathy” toward a more precise subdivision, earlier detection, and more individualized therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy is a disease affecting several peripheral nerves. It predominantly affects motor nerves but can also involve sensory and autonomic nerves. Depending on whether the myelin sheath or the axon is damaged, a distinction is made between demyelinating and axonal forms.
2. What are the causes?
A distinction is made between hereditary (for example, in the Alaskan Malamute, Leonberger, Greyhound), immune-mediated (polyradiculoneuritis), endocrine (hypothyroidism, diabetes), inflammatory, paraneoplastic, and toxic (certain chemotherapy drugs, organophosphates) forms. In many dogs, the cause remains unclear despite extensive diagnostics (idiopathic).
3. What Symptoms occur?
Typical symptoms include increasing muscle weakness, a swaying gait, difficulty standing up, muscle wasting, reduced reflexes, and in severe cases, complete paralysis. Symptoms usually develop over weeks to months. If autonomic nerves are involved, regurgitation, urinary incontinence, or digestive disorders may also occur.
4. Which breeds are particularly affected?
The Leonberger has a well-described hereditary polyneuropathy (LPN) for which several genetic tests are available. Other hereditary forms are found in the Alaskan Malamute, Greyhound, Rottweiler, Tibetan Mastiff, and German Shepherd. A progressive axonopathy has been described in the Boxer.
5. How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnostics include a neurological examination, blood count with a thyroid profile, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity measurement. A nerve biopsy, usually from the peroneal nerve, shows the pathological changes and allows for classification. In predisposed breeds, genetic tests often provide the definitive diagnosis.
6. How is polyneuropathy treated?
For immune-mediated forms, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants are used. Endocrine causes such as hypothyroidism are treated specifically, after which the neuropathy often regresses. For hereditary forms, there is no causative therapy; here, management is the primary focus.
7. What role does physiotherapy play?
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment. Passive movements, underwater treadmill, targeted muscle building, and proprioceptive training delay muscle wasting and maintain mobility. Regular physiotherapy significantly improves quality of life and extends the ability to walk in many dogs.
8. What is the prognosis?
The prognosis depends heavily on the cause. Immune-mediated and endocrine forms often respond well to targeted therapy. Hereditary forms such as LPN are progressive and lead to significant disability after months or years. Aspiration pneumonia due to swallowing disorders is the most common cause of death.
9. Can a dog with polyneuropathy maintain a good quality of life?
With adapted management, non-slip floors, a dog wheelchair if necessary, close care, and physiotherapy, affected dogs can maintain a good quality of life for a long time. However, regular adjustments to these measures are necessary as the disease usually progresses.
10. What is the significance for breeding?
For breeds with known genetic tests, especially the Leonberger, these are standard before breeding approval. Mating two carriers must be avoided. When applied consistently, breeding programs have already been able to significantly reduce the prevalence of individual mutations in breeding populations.

Literatur

  • Granger, N. (2011). Canine inherited motor and sensory neuropathies: An updated classification in 22 breeds and comparison to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The Veterinary Journal, 188(3), 274–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.06.003
  • Shelton, G. D., Podell, M., Poncelet, L., Schatzberg, S. J., Patterson, E. E., Powell, H. C., & Mizisin, A. P. (2003). Inherited polyneuropathy in Leonberger dogs: A mixed or intermediate form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease? Muscle & Nerve, 27(4), 471–477. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.10350
  • Ekenstedt, K. J., Becker, D., Minor, K. M., Shelton, G. D., Patterson, E. E., Bley, T., Oliehoek, P. A., & Mickelson, J. R. (2014). An ARHGEF10 deletion is highly associated with a juvenile-onset inherited polyneuropathy in Leonberger and Saint Bernard dogs. PLoS Genetics, 10(10), e1004635. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1004635
  • Becker, D., Minor, K. M., Letko, A., Ekenstedt, K. J., Jagannathan, V., Leeb, T., Shelton, G. D., Mickelson, J. R., & Drögemüller, C. (2017). A GJA9 frameshift variant is associated with polyneuropathy in Leonberger dogs. BMC Genomics, 18, 662. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-017-4081-z
  • Vandenberghe, H., Escriou, C., Rosati, M., Porcarelli, L., Recio Caride, A., Añor, S., et al. (2018). Juvenile-onset polyneuropathy in American Staffordshire Terriers. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(6), 2003–2012. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15316
  • Drögemüller, C., Becker, D., Kessler, B., Kemter, E., Tetens, J., Jurina, K., Jäderlund, K. H., Flagstad, A., Perloski, M., Lindblad-Toh, K., & Matiasek, K. (2010). A deletion in the N-Myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) gene in Greyhounds with polyneuropathy. PLoS ONE, 5(6), e11258. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0011258
  • Hadji Rasouliha, S., Holopainen, S., Niskanen, J. E., Hytönen, M. K., Lappalainen, A. K., Lohi, H., & Kyöstilä, K. (2019). A RAPGEF6 variant constitutes a major risk factor for laryngeal paralysis in dogs. PLoS Genetics, 15(10), e1008416. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1008416
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