SPINAL CONDITIONS
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome)
Lumbosacral disease
Fibrocartilaginous embolism
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism
Known in the veterinary world as FCE for short, Fibrocartilaginous embolism is a sudden onset spinal cord injury as a result of a sudden blockage of a vessels blood supply to an area of the spinal cord. Spinal strokes occur suddenly, often occurring during physical activity like jumping or running around.
Typically, the first sign is a sudden yelp followed by a dog losing the ability to walk. The sharp, sudden pain from an FCE typically lessens. Often the pain disappears after a few minutes, but it can take up to a few hours. Spinal strokes occur in both dogs and cats, receiving immediate care is vital for your pet’s recovery. At the first sign of a problem, contact your Veterinarian immediately.
Early diagnosis of spinal stroke and receiving immediate medical help, will lead to a more successful recovery Fibrocartilaginous embolization occurs most commonly in the middle part of the spinal cord, affecting only the hind limbs, but it can occur in the neck affecting all four limbs. FCE is commonly asymmetric (i.e. worse on the right or left side).
The prognosis with fibrocartilaginous embolization (FCE) is dependent on the severity of neurologic dysfunction and the amount of spinal cord affected (large areas carry a poorer prognosis).
There is no specific medical or surgical treatment for fibrocartilaginous embolization. Recovery occurs when the spinal cord receives new blood supply from the occluded blood vessel or surrounding blood vessels
The majority of dogs may show signs of improvement within the first one to two weeks, whereas full recovery may take many months.
Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy and K laser is key in the recovery phase, to improve strength and coordination, and working together to achieve a good range of motion and mobility as well as providing mental stimulation and improved wellbeing due to the release of endorphins.
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