Acute canine idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (ACIP) is an acute inflammation of the nerves causing paralysis. Dogs that regularly come into contact with raccoons are at increased risk, such as hunting dogs and dogs that live in rural or wooded areas, although, this disease does not necessarily involve an encounter with a raccoon.
Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after contact with raccoon and may include the following
Stiff gait
Generalized slow reflexes
Low muscle tone
Weakened vocal ability
Labored breathing
Decrease in muscle bulk
Facial muscle weakness
Muscular weakness progressing to paralysis in all limbs
Pain
Oversensitivity to pain stimuli
