University of Melbourne study finds link between feeding dogs raw chicken and rare canine paralysis

DOG owners have been urged to thoroughly cook chicken necks and remove bones after a Melbourne study found a link between raw chicken meat and a potentially fatal type of canine paralysis.

Dr Matthias le Chevoir with Milley the dog. Picture: Nicole Garmston

FEEDING dogs raw chicken meat, particularly chicken necks, has been linked to a rare but potentially fatal type of canine paralysis, a University of Melbourne study has found.

The consumption of raw chicken meat, a cheap and popular option for pets, multiplied the risk of developing the paralysing condition acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN) by more than 70 times, according to research by the U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital.

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“It is a rare but very debilitating condition where the dog’s hind legs first become weak, and then may progress to affect the front legs, neck, head and face. Some dogs may die from the disease if their chest becomes paralysed,” Dr Matthias le Chevoir said.

The U-Vet clinic treats about 30 dogs annually with some form of paralysis attributed to the condition, and Dr le Chevoir estimates up to 300 dogs each year in Victoria are affected through eating raw chicken.

The cause of APN in dogs has long been a mystery to the veterinary community, and Dr le Chevoir urged dog owners to thoroughly cook chicken necks and remove bones before feeding to pets.

“If you thoroughly cook the meat, it should be fine,” he said. “Most dogs eventually recover without treatment, but it may take up to six months or more.”

Stella, 7, gives Miley some special treats while Dr Matthias le Chevior watches on. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Amanda Shinton’s maltese yorkie, Jade, suffered paralysis and later died as result of choking after being fed raw chicken necks for an extended period.

“I thought it was good for cleaning their teeth — now I tell people just don’t take the risk. It’s not worth it, seeing them helpless with paralysis is horrendous,” the Caroline Springs woman said.

Ms Shinton now boils chicken necks for her fox terrier Miley, and sieves the meat to remove bones.

Lead study author Dr Lorena Martinez-Anton said pet owners should err on the side of caution.

“We find smaller dog breeds are fed more chicken necks as they can’t eat larger bones,” she said. “We would recommend that owners choose regular dog food rather than chicken necks until we know more about this debilitating condition.”

The study found a dog’s immune system could become unregulated and begin to attack nerve roots, risking paralysis. Researchers studied 27 dogs with symptoms of APN and 47 dogs without, examining symptoms and interviewing owners about recent behaviours and diet.