Zoe’s FCE Journey

by **cgraf** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 3:43 pm

Let me preface this by saying I am no writer, just an owner of an FCE impacted dog wanting to document and share this experience as she recovers...maybe others can take something from it.

Our Zoe is an 8 year old min pin mix my wife picked up at a rescue in 2005 (she was pregnant when we got her so we ended up with 3 dogs for the price of 1). She was healthy and active until last Friday 6/1/2012. I came home from work around 5:30pm and found her, on the porch just outside the dog door, nearly unresponsive. I immediately loaded her into the car and raced to our vet. I don’t know how much of the day she spent alone in that condition, and I feel sick thinking about it even now days later. Seeing her on the seat in the car not able to move with wild scared looking eyes was just awful. The Doctor took her right away and kept her in the back for about 20 minutes or so. During that time I spoke and exchanged panicked texts with my wife who was still at her job. When the Doctor finally came back she told me she suspected disk, stroke, or tumor pressing against the spinal cord in her neck, but couldn’t confirm. She referred me to a veterinary specialty hospital with emergency animal back and brain services...I have to admit I probably wouldn’t have guessed an office like this existed without having been told to take her there. I did and after a speedy emergency check in I sat down and waited. By now my wife arrived to wait with me.

The Emergency Doctor came to the same conclusion then recommended an MRI that couldn’t be done until Saturday. They let us visit with Zoe for a few minutes then sent us home to wait for the MRI and results. During our visit with her Zoe was completely lethargic and had no ability to move her left front leg and very limited use of her left rear. MRI results were given to us late Saturday with confirmation of the FCE (spinal stroke). They estimated very slow recovery, months or more, with no guarantee of full recovery...we’ll see. Of course my wife and I had a 100 questions we asked and spent hours on the internet looking for info and trying to figure out how we would be able to help Zoe the best. They let us pick her up Sunday afternoon and this is where the recovery story begins.

Zoe at home:

We were told by the Doctor that we needed to get a few things to make taking care of her at home easier. The first was a crate to keep her in to prevent her from moving around too much and the second was some form of harness for us to use holding her upright while she takes care her natural businesses. The crate was easy enough to obtain, but let me say this about it - we bought it, set it up, and once home with her we couldn’t bring ourselves to put her in it...instead we have been making pillow nests wherever in the house we are and sitting with her constantly. That’s no statement for/against crates, we just prefer to be comforting her continually. Anyway, the harness was a more difficult thing to get because she is left side paralyzed front and back. We needed to find something that we could get under her whole belly for full body support. None of the local stores had a harness that seemed like it would do so we got a doggie lifejacket that has full belly support and a nice handle on top middle back.

This is only a temporary solution since I was able to find/order online a harness designed for her type of issue. I can’t wait for it to arrive because even though the lifejacket is working just fine it is killing mine and my wife’s backs being stooped over supporting Zoe’s 14lbs. so frequently.

From Sunday through today, Wednesday 6/6/2012, we have been providing continual care and have seen some good progress both physically and with her general mood. Her left rear leg is much more responsive and seems to be able to support her hind end for a few minutes and some short distance steps. Her front is also starting to show some improvement, she still is dragging the leg but more and more we see her getting her paw down under her rather than the top of her foot as she pushes forward...granted we have most of her weight off the ground as we guide her around in the life jacket. Honestly, just seeing some recovery so soon after the 'event' is exciting.

More updates to come. Thanks for reading.

by **Christine** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:54 pm

Welcome and thank you for sharing your story. It will help you and others facing the same situation. There are many FCE happy endings here - several with dogs much larger than Zoe - the most famous and beloved is Bully, a bull mastiff. Search his story and be inspired. there is an abundance of good information, advice and support here - don't hesitate to ask and share anything - even if you just need a cyber hug...we are here for you.

:group:

by **cgraf** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:23 pm

6/7/2012
Thanks for the welcome to the board.

Zoe has made great progress with her mobility the last 2 days. We have graduated her from the doggie lifejacket we were supporting her body with to a new harness we had ordered online. It’s great, easy to put on, and easy on our backs since now we can support her while standing up fully. She’s adjusted to it nicely.

Also, Zoe is getting stronger and more confident and will try to follow if one of us leaves the room, especially if headed towards the kitchen...she kind of flops herself off of the dog bed trying to get her legs underneath herself and more and more is successful. I actually saw her this morning wobbling in front of the water bowl without having been helped over to it.

It is exciting and worrisome that she is pushing herself, we don’t want her to lose progress.

Thanks again for reading...

by **flagreyhound** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 8:51 am

What a wonderful way to keep family and friends updated and informed about Zoe's progress.

Looking forward to seeing her transition back to normal status and both Cathy and I wish her a quick recovery.

Dad

by **cgraf** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:08 pm

6/8/2012

Recovery is continuing even better/faster than we could have imagined...Zoe wants so badly to keep up with our other dogs now. Last night she insisted on being included when we leashed everyone up for a walk. We took her out into the front yard and let her guide us around at her own pace. She seemed so happy and had a big doggy smile on. It didn’t take long for her to get tired and we noticed this morning that she seems a little shakier on her legs than yesterday - it’s hard to slow her down though we’ll try to limit her today the best we can.

Sleepy Zoe:

Physical therapy:

I’m starting to see our next problem to overcome will be the spoiling and undivided attention she is getting lately...this is a small thing I guess.

by **Christine** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:16 pm

I’m starting to see our next problem to overcome will be the spoiling and undivided attention she is getting lately...this is a small thing I guess.

Spoiling her helps you even more than it helps her....trust me I know! :wub:

by **flagreyhound** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 9:40 am

I wonder if having the other pups around, gives Zoe the extra drive to get out there and participate with them. It can only be another part of the total package of getting her healthy again. It sounds like she is making very good progress in a short time. I love the idea of the life vest and the harness you purchased to make things easier for her and for you guys. We wish her continued success. We both here know she will be back soon to her old self.

by **cgraf** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:29 pm

6/10/2012

It’s been a full week now since Zoe came home from the emergency vet and the difference is amazing. Based on what the Doctor had told us my wife and I expected to be nursing Zoe back for weeks if not months. For the last couple days she has become pretty mobile on her own. She still has weakness and stumbles a lot, but getting up and getting around is going pretty good for her...just a little bit wears her out and us too.

flagreyhound wrote:I wonder if having the other pups around, gives Zoe the extra drive to get out there and participate with them. It can only be another part of the total package of getting her healthy again.

I think the other pups really motivate her, we have to watch her constantly to prevent her from attempting to jump up onto the couch and from moving too quickly if the other pups are playing or getting excited about something.

Christine wrote:Spoiling her helps you even more than it helps her....trust me I know!

She's surely getting spoiled and she is now walking to the pantry to let us know when she wants a treat - and we tend to give them to her...

Here is a link to a video of her walking outside in front of the house.
[Youtube]http://youtu.be/x_iIJAVLXUc[/Youtube]
*Note: The preview post feature didn’t show it embedded so go directly to the link if needed.

by **flagreyhound** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:18 pm

The video was amazing to see of Zoe walking in such a short time from the incident. I am totally astonished of how well she is doing, so I suggest what ever you are doing, just keep doing it. You guys have found the right key to get her healthy again and it is working. Dad

by **cgraf** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 1:34 pm

6/13/2012

Zoe is doing so great! She is getting noticeably stronger every day and has got her personality back...being able to move around on her own so well has definitely lifted her spirits.

I have been reading other stories on this forum and wish that everyone with FCE pups could be as lucky as we have been. Please know that our hearts are with all of you. That said, she is still recovering and we worry that she might hurt herself again trying to do so much on her own.

More updates to come. For now here is a picture of her sunbathing with one of our other pups.

by **cgraf** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 3:13 pm

6/17/2012

Zoe continues to improve and we're thrilled with her progress. She still is trying to do too much, but more and more we are letting her. She is now going in and out through the dog door on her own and we have been taking her for short walks with the other dogs. Zoe leads and sets the pace and once tired or struggling some, I pick her up and carry her back to the house...15lbs is a lot to carry, but worth it. Her limp is there still, mostly in the front left leg which is recovering strength much slower than the rear left. Her front foot swings out and ahead of her while walking to keep her toes from dragging. Hopefully this will improve more soon.

Zoe takes a walk:

by **Christine** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 7:17 pm

"The Little Engine That Could!" This is so wonderful..... :trophy:

by **lyndeyloo** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:49 pm

I am so pleased your dog "Zoe" is doing so well after her FCE. I have just posted re my dog, Henry. What a rollar-coaster of emotions...

Like Zoe, I am pleased to report Henry is doing very well indeed (early days though) - my thoughts are with you and others who are going through similar experiences.

by **cgraf** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:25 pm

6/19/2012

Zoe breaks into the treat cabinet! I think now she is milking this FCE event for some special TREATment...it is hard to believe a week ago she couldn’t walk.

Here's a link to her attempted heist:
[Youtube]http://youtu.be/vyzmFstmERs[/Youtube]
*Note: Again, I couldn't get the video to embed in the forum...click the link go to directly to the video.

by **Christine** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:34 pm

What a little bandit! She has not let this condition stop her for one minute! The other two cannot believe their eyes!

I tried to get your video to show up here and did not have any luck either. Carol did some great instructions under Technical Problems and it looks like you followed them - I did too and can't get it to show up. She's been really busy lately, but perhaps when she has the time, she can tell us what we are doing wrong, but in the meantime, the link works.