Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:29 pm Post subject: My lab just had a Spinal Stroke (FCE)
Hi everyone, I don't post on here very often but I thought I would share my recent experience.
My Lab had an Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy (FCE) on Christmas Eve. This occured right on cue when OOH vet fees start and the insurance companies are closed for a few days.
We was playing/running around about 4.30pm... when he made the most horrible series of screams/yelps and collapsed. His hind legs were paralysed. We went to the emergency vet straightaway.
At first we thought it could be related to his Hip Displaysia but after some X rays and a physical examination the vet thought it was pretty likely to be a neurological condition.
He was transferred to the Royal Vet College Queen Mother Hospital for animals on Christmas Day.. which I must say is like a hotel for animals! we left feeling like he could be in no better place.
The Vet there thought it could be two things... a Spinal Stroke (FCE) or something wrong with one of his discs which would have likely needed surgery.
He had an MRI scan (sooo expensive!) and thankfully the better of the two conditions (FCE) was confirmed.
He is now home after spending 3 nights there & he can just hobble around on 3 legs, his back right is still paralysed. There is hope though! the vets said that the majority of dogs regain 90% of their motor function.. it will need time and physio.
so far we have paid out 2,700 our insurance goes up to 3k... wish I had taken out one with more cover but I guess at least we had something. We are concerned that they may link his pre existing conditions (Hip Displaysia & occasional fits) with the FCE.. but the Neurologist assured us that he can see no 'link'.... I just hope the insurance company views it the same way.
Anway thanks for reading.. if you have got this far! his outlook looks bright and I am so happy that he is still with us.. it really gave us a scare for a while.
That must have been a real fright for you and the family, I`m so pleased to hear the vet feels Sam can make an almost full recovery, I think with loads of TLC and help with his mobility Sam will do very well.
Insurance is such a minefield, with the vet backing you up the ins co will hopefully accept his opinion that there`s no link to past problems.
I am sorry you have been through all of this if it is going to happen it is always in the holidays. Glad your vets can see a way forward for sam sounds like he has had some great care. Fingers crossed with the insurance but with your vet behind you makes things a lot easier.
Cheryl
____________
Max my shadow
Luther 1994-2008 I will see you at the bridge sweetie
One life Live it
How awful to have that happen and so suddenly. I'm pleased to hear he is slowly recovering and hopefully he will get back to the 90% mobility the vets have mentioned
____________ Owned by Bella, Shadow & Cats ....
Never forgetting Harry : 18/01/11 - 14/05/11 RIP
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear this has happened to Sam and can totally sympathise with how scary it is.
The very same has just happened to us with Millie, also on Christmas week. She was possible FCE or disc too but for her it was the disc and at the moment she's in hospital recovering from spinal surgery.
So glad it didn't come to that for you and that Sam is back home with you and recovering.
Hope he keeps improving. Lots of hugs from our camp.
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when OOH vet fees start and the insurance companies are closed for a few days.
Sending good thoughts for a full recovery for Sam 
