| A clinical examination demonstrated
that his problems were not orthopaedic, as no bones had been
broken, but an acute neurological disorder. Given the sudden
onset, the lack of pain, his age (3 years) and the involvement
of only one limb it was deemed likely that he had suffered
a fibrocartilaginous embolism.
This is a somewhat bizarre condition where the blood vessels
supplying the spinal cord become clogged up with pieces
of fibrocartilage. This process prevents oxygenated blood
reaching the spinal cord causing it damage. The prospects
for recovery are dependent on the extent of damage to the
spinal cord.
Fortunately, for "Max" it became apparent from
his initial and subsequent assessments that his prognosis
remains excellent. Treatment involves nursing and physiotherapy
whilst, in effect, waiting for the nerves to recover. Asking
a Boxer dog in his prime to take it easy is no mean feat
and in these situations I am more than happy to leave his
recovery in the hands of his owners and my nursing staff.
Through their patience and perseverance "Max"
is almost completely back to his boisterous self!
Terry
Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS
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