Editing Paralysis (section)

===Vertebrates===
An example of a vertebrate-produced paralyzing toxin is the [[tetrodotoxin]] of fish species such as ''[[Takifugu rubripes]]'', the famously lethal [[pufferfish]] of Japanese [[fugu]], which works by binding to [[sodium channels]] in nerve cells, inhibiting the cells' proper function. A nonlethal dose of this toxin results in temporary paralysis. This toxin is also present in many other species ranging from toads to [[nemertea]]ns.

Paralysis can be seen in breeds of dogs that are [[chondrodysplastic]]. These dogs have short legs, and may also have short muzzles. Their intervertebral disc material can calcify and become more brittle. In such cases, the disc may rupture, with disc material ending up in the spinal canal, or rupturing more laterally to press on spinal nerves. A minor rupture may only result in [[paresis]], but a major rupture can cause enough damage to cut off circulation. If no signs of pain can be elicited, surgery should be performed within 24&nbsp;hours of the incident, to remove the disc material and relieve pressure on the [[spinal cord]]. After 24&nbsp;hours, the chance of recovery declines rapidly, since with continued pressure, the spinal cord tissue deteriorates and dies.

Another type of paralysis is caused by a fibrocartilaginous embolism. This is a microscopic piece of disc material that breaks off and becomes lodged in a spinal artery. Nerves served by the artery will die when deprived of blood.

The [[German Shepherd Dog]] is especially prone to developing degenerative [[myelopathy]]. This is a deterioration of nerves in the spinal cord, starting in the posterior part of the cord. Affected dogs will become incontinent and gradually weaker in the hind legs as nerves die off. Eventually, their hind legs become useless.  This disease also affects other large breeds of dogs. 

Cats with a [[heart murmur]] may develop blood clots that travel through arteries. If a clot is large enough to block one or both femoral arteries, there may be hind leg paralysis because the major source of blood flow to the hind leg is blocked.

Many snakes and trees exhibit powerful [[neurotoxins]] that can cause nonpermanent paralysis or death.