[MaxsLifeIsAtStake]

We have an almost seven year old Rottweiler who has been healthy his entire life except for two shoulder surgeries at age 2 and 3. He has been a very active dog who also requires mental stimulation given to him by his adoptive parents. He has had a well-considered and researched diet his entire life. He is absolutely the centerpiece of our lives.

Recently, one day he suffered an unusual gait in his left hind leg. Overnight, his leg became non-weight bearing. The next day it occurred in the right hind leg to the extent that both hind legs were non-weight bearing. They remained sensitive to reflex and pain testing but he did not know where his legs were and tried to walk on the knuckles of his hind legs. He could voluntarily move his hind legs.

MRI’s, blood work, and spinal tap were basically clean. Normal degeneration of the spine has occurred, with no compression noted on the spinal cord. He appears to have a smaller than normal spinal cord for a dog his size, 112 pounds. There are no other apparent deficiencies.

He has been diagnosed with possible FCE (stroke) on an exclusionary basis only as there is no concrete medical evidence as to yes or no. Medical management, confinement to a restricted area, short necessary walks, massage, range of motion physical therapy, acupuncture and water therapy have all been s***ested and are underway.

Water therapy and passive physical therapy seem to assist appreciably in his rehabilitation. After one week, he has progressed from no walking ability in his hind legs (his hind was carried in a sling) to walking over 100 yards on each walk (with the sling for stability only). He is close to being able to stand without help. He is totally cooperative with his therapy and clearly wants to get better. His vet, water therapist, and Washington State Veterinary Hospital have been absolutely wonderful in every way possible.

Our Questions:
Are there experimental or otherwise medical or surgical intervention possibilities available to veterinary science today for this condition and if so, what?

Secondly, are there other non-medical procedures that should be considered or have been successful with other patients having similar conditions?

We are willing to try anything reasonable.

[Jen&Emmie]

I really wish I knew something for certain! All I know is they have doggie walkers that may help him live more comfortably. Dogs bare 70% of the weight on their front legs so it likely wouldn't be too difficult for him to adjust, many dogs do it. Even if that does not cure him, I'm sure it would ease him.
I did work with a dalmation over x-mas at the kennel I work at who had brain deteriaration and walked on her knuckles, but while we took her out we used blankets like a sling around her stomach to hold her hindquarters up and that helped her get off her knuckles, but that's not easy to do all the time and (she was very, very old) as her other health problems caused her condition to decline we stopped being able to do so, and just held her still, but luckily your guy is under half the age she was!!

Just a few ideas. Hope I helped, at least a little! If you learn more I'd like to hear so keep us posted. Good luck!!