Puppy shows signs of rear paralysis...Why did the Vet give him a Steroid Shot for his spine?

Question

My 6 month puppy Cockapoo that is in very good health got hit with a broom on his backside by my crazy old neighbor. He went limp and I bathed him with cold water to revive him a bit. He was dazed for the first day and the day after that he was completly normal, waggin his tail and show no signs of pain.
The day after, which was yesterday, he woke up and did not use his rear legs. He shifted his weight to his front legs and barely put weight on his rear legs. He also peed on himself all day.
He was able to urinate and poop on his own when i took him outside, with no problem. Also, he's able to move his back legs and if they're pinched he feels the pain. He is able to wag his tail and i've tried to feel around for a painful spot but he hasn't responded to anything.
I took him to the vet this morning. He said that it might be a spinal disk and he gave him pain meds and a steroid injection. I was wondering what the steroid shot was for?

My puppy gets excited and happy when he see other people so when he saw my neighbor he went up to her wagging his tail wanting to play. This is an eight pound puppy. My neighbor didn't like that so she hit him with her broom.

Answer 1

If a disk is damaged it can reduce the swelling which is possibly hindering his spinal cord. From the dog sports field first Aid, I know it may be the single most important thing that can be done. Good nursing care is probably #2...

Answer 2

Steroids are used to reduce swelling. If he has swelling in the spinal column, it could be pressing on a nerve, and this would explain the paralysis. It will probably take at least a few days for the swelling to go down. It's a great sign that he was able to go potty outside when you took him out.

Why in God's name, would your neighbor have hit a defenseless puppy with a broom???. If I were you , I would confront this neighbor, and tell him that if there are any long term problems with your puppy he has to pay for the vet bills, or you will take him to small claims court. And at the very least, I would call the police and file a report, so it is on the record. That is animal abuse...plain and simple!!!!