Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy (FCE)

[BSieving]

It looks like my 9 year old Dobbie mix has the subj injury. The injury happened this morning (07/29). She has severe weakness on the back left side, but can move her leg some. She is knuckling over. Anyone have suggestions of a harness or something I can purchase to assist her. It is our hope she will recover. Any info you can pass on I would appreciate.
Thank you,

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

I am so very sorry, here is a link to a lot of info on the topic, I found by going to search above, and typing fce:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/gallery/belle1105/index.htm

Be sure to go to bottom of page for link to FCE, which is here as well:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_fi ... olism.html

[CarolC]

Hi Barbara,

Here is a link to the HandicappedPets harness page. I think they can overnight one to you if they have it in stock.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/Mobility ... arness.htm

My dog's physical therapist said the 85% of dogs with FCE will recover. One of the main recommendations with FCE is to keep a positive attitude in front of your dog, even if you are really worried and upset. Let your dog know he is going to get better!

With most spinal injures crate rest is recommended, but with FCE they recommend aggressive physical therapy. When you get the harness you will be able to help your dog practice walking, etc. For now, you could try looping a bath towel or baby crib sheet under his abdomen. If he does not need a lot of help, something like a karate belt might work.

Here is a simple rear leash that might be useful for toileting if he is having trouble squatting:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/resleash/

You said he is knuckling. If he starts to scrape up his toes you might want to consider a splint or bootie. Here are links for those:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/splints/index.htm

http://www.petboots.com/

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!