Abstract
Electromuscular incapacitating devices (EMDs) are electronic immobilization weapons that have been available for over 30 years. The purpose of these non-lethal weapons is to incapacitate humans or animals using high-voltage electricity. Research on the effects of EMDs concluded that while EMDs may increase heart rate, they have no effect on cardiac rhythm or morphology in normal subjects.3,6,11 Other studies investigated the changes in blood factors following single or repeated taser exposure and reported transient increases in acidosis, lactate, hematocrit, and other factors.2,4,10 Potential injuries may include thoracic spine compression fractures.9,12 However, no studies were found to suggest that EMDs cause paralysis or paresis of limbs in humans or animals. This is a case report of a 9-month-old bobcat that was tasered at the T10 spinal level resulting in temporary hind limb paralysis and residual paresis. Routine rehabilitation of muscle weakness includes exercise and electrical stimulation. Research demonstrated mixed results on the effectiveness of these methods.1,5,7,8,13 The bobcat received daily treatments consisting of range-of-motion exercises and sensory stimulation. One year post-incident, electro-acupuncture and rehabilitation techniques (spinal and soft tissue mobilization) were implemented. Environmental modifications were designed and changed periodically to encourage pelvic limb muscle strengthening and to facilitate muscle re-education. After four months of treatment, the bobcat could ascend/descend stairs and initiate walking. Although the movement patterns were not consistent, the bobcat continues to demonstrate progressive improvement.
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