Raw chicken necks are often recommended to pet owners for dental health. They are a popular treat for smaller dogs and are readily available in supermarkets.

Yet after research by the University of Melbourne came to light in February 2018, vets now warn against feeding this raw meat to dogs. In particular, they warn against chicken necks.

The study found that dogs who eat raw chicken have a 70-fold increased risk of developing Acute PolyradiculoNeuritis (APN). This disease can lead to a fatal form of paralysis in dogs.

The study suggests the risk of paralysis is due to a link between the bacteria Campylobacter (found in raw chicken) and the development of APN.

Out of the 70 dogs in the study with symptoms of APN, 48% of them had the Campylobacter infection too. The study’s lead author links Campylobacter to changes in a dog’s immune system, which may then lead to paralysis.

It is important to remember that questions still remain about the results found by this study. In particular, how strong the link is between Campylobacter and APN. In fact, the majority of dogs in the study who developed APN did not have Campylobacter. Campylobacter is actually a common bacterium that sits in the gut of dogs with no obvious symptoms.

The key point here is that dogs can develop APN without eating raw chicken. Apart from Campylobacter, another cause of APN can be gastrointestinal infections.

The symptoms of APN can be quite debilitating and distressing for owners. We often see the disease amongst smaller dogs. The progression is usually as follows:

• Hind legs first become weak
• The weakness then progresses to the front legs
• Finally, weakness to the face, neck and head

There is currently no medication available to treat APN in dogs. The good news is that most dogs recover without treatment, although it may take up to six months. To assist recovery, owners should feed their dog plenty of water and nutritious food.

I stress that this is a very rare disease, which in some cases can be fatal.

Matthias le Chevoir, the chief investigator of the study, said the cause of APN has long been unknown. Yet the results are concerning, given the growing trend to feed dogs raw meat diets.

“We would recommend that owners choose regular dog food rather than chicken necks until we know more about this debilitating condition”

And although debate continues amongst vets and pet owners about whether to feed any raw food to dogs, I would personally recommend a healthy diet consisting mostly of wet dog food, with raw food kept to a minimum.

If you’re still not sure what’s the right food for your dog, contact us, and a mobile vet can come to your home to discuss the risks and benefits of various diets and help you assess what’s best for your pet.

There are risks involved with feeding your dog any raw food, and the potential for infectious diseases, which sometimes can be zoonotic…in other words, you can potentially catch these diseases from your dog.

So, yes, there are some benefits, in my opinion, to feeding your dog raw or “non-processed” foods, but it is important you are also aware of the potential risks so you can make an informed choice.

Contact us to find out more.

• Raw chicken may be linked to a rare neurological condition
  Some studies suggest a possible association between raw chicken consumption and acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN).
• The evidence is still evolving
  Not all affected dogs had the associated bacteria, and APN can occur without exposure to raw chicken.
• APN can cause progressive weakness but recovery is possible
  Symptoms may begin in the hind legs and progress, with many dogs recovering over time.
• Diet decisions should balance risks and benefits
  Understanding potential risks of raw feeding helps owners make informed choices about their dog’s diet.