BauersMom Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 (edited) My foster suffered a "spinal stroke" last night and lost complete use of his back legs. Got him to the e-vet who gave him steroids and morphine, and I got him into Tufts today. MRI showed that he has an embolism - about mid-back. He still has deep pain senses and some minor motor skills, so the vet is very positive about his prognosis. Has anyone dealt with this sort of rehab before? I don't know if it's the same as FCE, which I did see a bunch of GT posts on - but in those cases, it all seemed one sided. He has total loss on both back legs. So I guess I don't know if we're facing FCE or a different type of stroke or what or if it even matters. The vet will call me at 10am tomorrow to let me know if we can take him home, and I'm working on my list of questions to ask (when I got the call that he was going to recover, the only thing I could think of was "hooray!"). I'm not exactly sure what it is we're in for... he's only been here 2 weeks to boot. Poor guy. Edited October 21, 2009 by BauersMom Quote With Buster Bloof (UCME Razorback 89B-51359) and Gingersnap Ginny (92D-59450). Missing Pepper, Berkeley, Ivy, Princess and Bauer at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethGPAPS Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 It sounds like FCE to me, and the prognosis IS positive. Most dogs make a full or near-full recovery with time. All the dogs I've known had bilateral back end paralysis, not just on one side. Quote Rugrat's Rebel (Simon) 09/03/1995-03/22/2010, Silly Savannah 05/14/1995-02/13/2009, Isabella de Moreau the Sloughi 05/15/1993-10/14/2008, Hammy the IG 06/11/04 and ChiChi the Chihuahua 2003 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 We had a little girl at the kennel that suffered a spinal stroke. Apparently it can happen from them standing for too long or something I know that we just took careful care of her, she was on some meds for a while, and she was not allowed to play in the yard, she had to use the small run for potty time. I don't know much about her treatment other than that but I could find you someone who would know more if you like, just PM me. Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downtownhoundz Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Oh no...poor darling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 (edited) Cora had a one-sided FCE (Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy or Fibrocartilaginous Embolism) which affected the back leg more than the front. It occurred just 3 months after she'd broken the other back leg, so she was basically a one-legged dog for a time. Since his back end is gone, you'll need a sling. I got a fairly inexpensive adjustable one from my vet. When Cora was stronger, I switched to a harness (the Ruffwear Webmaster), which is easier on the human but doesn't support the dog's back end as well as the sling. Cora too had deep pain response and some movement and the vet was encouraging. She has made a remarkable recovery--almost 100%. As I understand it, the causes of FCE are unknown, and recurrence is unlikely. Edited September 26, 2009 by GreyPoopon Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BauersMom Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 Thank you all! I went back and looked at Cora's story. Pretty amazing. My foster is about 80 pounds. Luckily we are set up with no stairs, but I've still got to figure out how to get him support without killing me in the process. Do you think that harness plus a sling for his back end is a possibility? Quote With Buster Bloof (UCME Razorback 89B-51359) and Gingersnap Ginny (92D-59450). Missing Pepper, Berkeley, Ivy, Princess and Bauer at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 (edited) P.m. me your address. I have a specialty sling (that means expensive -- it's GANs) I can let you use. btw - acupuncture will help. Edited September 26, 2009 by Burpdog Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Do you think that harness plus a sling for his back end is a possibility? Yup. I did that for the first few days. I had the harness on Cora 24/7 so I could catch and steady her when she got up, and added the sling for the ramp, stairs, and pottying. When she could stand up without staggering, I took the harness off and just used the sling. When she got steadier still, I switched to the harness, put on as needed. If you're tall/strong enough, you can use the harness to carry the dog as a suitcase. I'm not quite strong enough to lift 66 lbs right off the ground with one arm. I meant to mention in my previous post: here's the PetPlace stuff on FCE: FCE. I don't know how many variations there are of spinal stroke; I don't suppose it matters much in terms of what you have to do to support him as he recovers. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BauersMom Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 P.m. me your address. I have a specialty sling (that means expensive -- it's GANs) I can let you use. btw - acupuncture will help. Thank you!! We already do acupuncture for one of my seniors, so I will totally bring him. We just got him home. He's totally unwieldy on his feet, and once he gets going, it's like steering 80 lbs of drunkenness. He has problems getting up and stable, but when he starts walking, watch out. The official paperwork says "FCE or concussive disk", but that the treatment for both is essentially the same. The MRI found "Focal T11-12 intramedullary hyperintensity, non-compressive myelopathy". So I guess bright spot on the MRI, no compression of the spine? Quote With Buster Bloof (UCME Razorback 89B-51359) and Gingersnap Ginny (92D-59450). Missing Pepper, Berkeley, Ivy, Princess and Bauer at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BauersMom Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 Here we are about 3 weeks post episode... Hunter leaving Tufts, his weight entirely being supported by my husband... Hunter last weekend: He still is a little unwieldy with his back legs not always doing what he wants them to do... but what an improvement! Quote With Buster Bloof (UCME Razorback 89B-51359) and Gingersnap Ginny (92D-59450). Missing Pepper, Berkeley, Ivy, Princess and Bauer at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 That's wonderful! Hunter looks like such a happy boy - I'm so glad he's done so well. Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Hoping for a good complete recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greys2cats Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Here we are about 3 weeks post episode... Hunter leaving Tufts, his weight entirely being supported by my husband... Hunter last weekend: He still is a little unwieldy with his back legs not always doing what he wants them to do... but what an improvement! OMG Emma, he looks great!!!! Quote Roberta & Michael with Furkids- Flower (Shasta Flowers 6/7/06) & Rascal the kitty - Missing our sweet angels - Max(M's Mad Max) 10/12/02 - 12/3/15, Sara (Sara Raves 6/30/01 - 4/13/12) Queenie & Pandora the kitties - gone but never forgotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Wow - he has done amazingly well! Our Bumper has an autoimmune disorder that caused swelling in his spine. Essentially the same impact - ataxia - drunkeness. We are now 9 weeks post "worst" episode and he is about 90% and still has trouble with lateral balance in his back legs. The first video link above looked oh so familiar. Our neurologist explained that healing nerves takes a long long time (not new news) and that recovery, at least in Bumper's case, would be months. We still hope for improvement. I wish I had seen your original post a few weeks ago...I could have commiserated with you So glad to see the improvement in your foster boy. Here is something interesting - we first fostered Bump when he came off the track and he had medical issues. After having to work hard at nursing him back to health (last Jan), we couldn't just let this guy be adopted out, after all, we doted on him so much he became part of the fabric of our family in no time. Maybe the same will happen to Hunter? Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Oh wow, just look at him go! It seems like he has a bit more control the faster he's going Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 (edited) wow, he looks great! Edited October 22, 2009 by robinw Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 WOW! Just watched both video's. Absolutely amazing. Continued prayers at this end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 That is wonderful news. I hope he continues to improve! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BauersMom Posted October 22, 2009 Author Share Posted October 22, 2009 (edited) So glad to see the improvement in your foster boy. Here is something interesting - we first fostered Bump when he came off the track and he had medical issues. After having to work hard at nursing him back to health (last Jan), we couldn't just let this guy be adopted out, after all, we doted on him so much he became part of the fabric of our family in no time. Maybe the same will happen to Hunter? I'd love to keep Hunter. Heck, I'd love to keep all my fosters! But, he deserves a home without two broodies constantly hen-pecking him. He's going to make someone a great pet. He's your typical big, goofy, loveable greyhound male. Not so much in the brains department, but sweet as all heck. Here's another video, from a few days after we brought him home. Edited October 22, 2009 by BauersMom Quote With Buster Bloof (UCME Razorback 89B-51359) and Gingersnap Ginny (92D-59450). Missing Pepper, Berkeley, Ivy, Princess and Bauer at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamngrey Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 wow he has come a long way. kudo to you and your dh for all you have done to help him get over this Quote Cassie: Pikes Clara Bell Swoop: My Man Swoop BRIDGE ANGELS Psi:WD'S Aleford 3/17/00-4/25/10 Snowman: Gable Snowman 1/9/96-2/14/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lynne893 Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Here we are about 3 weeks post episode... Hunter leaving Tufts, his weight entirely being supported by my husband... Hunter last weekend: He still is a little unwieldy with his back legs not always doing what he wants them to do... but what an improvement! Holy smokes, that's amazing! Hugs to you two for seeing him through this with flying colors!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.