Spinal Stroke in Canines
A spinal stroke, or fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), in dogs can lead to decreased mobility and even complete paralysis. While most common in large breeds, this condition can occur in any dog. Fortunately, with treatment, most dogs will regain use of their limbs over time.
-
What is a Spinal Stroke?
-
Similar to a stroke in the brain, a spinal stroke occurs when an obstruction or clot chokes the blood supply to a portion of the spinal cord, which affects the neurological function of limbs. Where the stroke occurs determines which limbs show symptoms and the severity of the injury. The extent of the obstruction, which may be a small fragment of a spinal disc or clot, also increases the degree of severity of the FCE.
Comparison of Disc Injuries
-
When a dog's disc ruptures, it usually ruptures up or laterally causing an overall compression on the spinal cord and nerves; this is called a Type 1 Disc Herniation. Unlike more common disc herniation in dogs, with FCE, the disc material ruptures laterally and penetrates the spinal artery or vein which blocks the flow of blood.
-
Causes of Spinal Stroke
-
While the true cause of FCE is unknown, the obstruction or clot may have been caused by trauma or injury. You may notice your dog yelp after an outburst of energy or excessive exercise, followed by weakness in the limbs. While your dog may yelp, the injury is not usually painful.
Commonality in Dogs
-
Giant and large breed dogs more often develop FCE than smaller dogs, with the exception of Shetland Sheepdogs and Miniature Schnauzers. Spinal strokes occur more frequently in males dogs than females, and usually happen between 3 and 6 years of age. However, FCE can occur in all dogs at any age.
Diagnosis
-
Diagnosis is usually first determined by symptoms and breed disposition with myelography, CT scans and MRI used to eliminate other injuries. X-rays rarely show the true nature of a spinal injury, even with myelography, so an MRI may be the best way to get a diagnosis. Without surgery (or an autopsy) FCE cannot be fully confirmed.
Treatment
-
Some dogs may recover on their own with a little rest, but physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and steroids will help your dog rebuild strength. Treatment started in the first few hours of the onset of FCE has the most pronounced effect, however, physical therapy and complementary care (acupuncture, chiropractic care) performed even months later may help in recovering use of the limbs. Unlike many disc herniations, a spinal stroke is not as conducive to surgical treatment, however, it is an option in cases where the FCE is not the only spinal condition affecting your dog.
Suggestions
-
With any spinal or back injury in your dog, you should seek an animal neurosurgeon or similar specialist in your area as soon as possible to diagnose the condition. Most vets will not have access to diagnostic machines beyond X-rays, and will simply prescribe a steroid and confinement. With all spinal injuries in dogs, especially FCE, treatment should be done shortly after the onset of the symptoms in order to promote a full recovery.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
Comments
View all 26 Comments-
my argentino mastiff, Vega was diagnosed at Univ Penn 6 days ago with FCE. No use of left hind leg at all, minimal with the right. We have already started swim therapy and are hoping for any improvements. Thank you so much for all the posts below. It gives me hope and encouragement.
-
My 8 yr old miniature schnauzer Toby was just diagnosed with this last night. I had never heard of this before yesterday. We are all hoping he makes a full recovery. We are taking him to his vet as soon as we can. In the meantime we have started massaging and stretching the left hind leg. All of your comments have been helpful and encouraging!
-
I looked up this on youtube videos of people that went thru the same thing and it was positive, we took ours to Iowa State University and got her in Physical Therapy, swimming helped her use her back legs again, with them supporting her of course, a school knows more about this stuff because they deal with it everyday...might check into that if there is one nearby, mine was 2 and half hours away one way. But she is worth it! And I fired my Vet at home over this! They had no clue!
-
We started when she couldnt even walk on her own - still had to use support harness, her 1st week they suprised me and she was walking on her own when I picked her up at end of week, they swimming helps so much, it will be 3 months Oct 19th and they say that will show the perm damage, she has very little now, she can do steps on her own which that was just her last improvement...keep us informed but def do the PT!!!
-
REST her for awhile, like confined to a area where she wont slip, I had to use a harness to take Zoey outside to potty, the used meds the 1st day then stopped, you just have to wait for inflamation to go down, then they did physical therapy on mine- story is above, it made her walk again- it took her 14 days before she walked on her own because she had surgery on both knees a couple years ago, so healing was slower. I went to Iowa State University and they deal with this everyday, the vets here dont, and I fired my local vet because of there stupidity on this. I was very discouraged but dont give up on her! Time and patience....and lots of love...
