Depressed thyroid function in two tetraplegic dogs.

Rapidly progressing tetraplegia developed in two 6-year-old dogs, both of which had eaten decayed meat sometime during the 24 hours prior to the onset of paralysis. Both dogs were found to have depressed thyroid function, as indicated by extremely low triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) values. Electromyographic studies revealed some abnormal insertional activity but no abnormal potentials when the fore- and hindlimb muscles were at total rest. Nerve conduction velocity was slightly depressed in 1 of the dogs and severely depressed in the other. Recovery was complete in less than 3 weeks in 1 dog, but the other dog was not completely recovered when placed under the owner's care 2 1/2 months after admission.