Dogs who eat raw chicken are at risk of paralysis, research finds

Led by the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital, the study found eating raw chicken was highly likely to increase the risk of acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN).

APN shares similarities with Guillain-Barré syndrome in humans, in which a pathogen called Campylobacter is considered to be a major trigger.

Chief investigator Dr Matthias le Chevoir said consuming raw chicken necks was an important risk factor for developing APN.

“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.

“We would recommend that owners choose regular dog food rather than chicken necks until we know more about this debilitating condition,” Dr le Chevoir said.

Dr Byrne said that during his time as a veterinarian, he has never seen a dog afflicted by the condition. 

“I’ve seen thousands of dogs eat raw chicken necks, and I’ve never heard of it happening,” Dr Byrne said.

“Personally I would keep feeding chicken necks to my dogs … it’s a discrecional thing. I would say to be careful, but I think you’d be very unlucky [for your pet to be get APN],” he said.

Dr Byrne said there other foods that dog owners should be more wary of, such as grapes or chocolate.

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