PET OF THE MONTH

April 2010

Rusty

Rusty is a 6 year old Longhaired Dachshund who in January of 2010 lost use of his back legs and became paralyzed due to Invertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). IVDD is the condition where the discs between the vertebra can become calcified which can cause a decrease in mobility and potential lameness. It also can rupture and cause permanent damage to the spinal cord resulting in paralysis which is most likely what happened in Rusty’s case.

 

 

He was diagnosed with IVDD in February of 2009 and put on Prednisone which is a steroid that can help decrease inflammation around the disc and prevent any damage to the Spinal Cord. Unfortunately the steroid started to not be enough and after being on it for about a year, Rusty’s condition worsened and he ended up losing the use of his back legs, and all feeling of his rear body including his extremities. His owner brought him in, we took several Radiographs and confirmed the increased calcification of several discs in Rusty’s back.

We admitted him to the hospital for several days on IV fluids and increased steroids. Rusty’s paralysis also caused him to lose control of his bladder and colon which can cause infections and obvious discomfort along with distension. He was put on a Muscle Relaxer, Pain Medication, and Lactulose to help with constipation. A urinary catheter was also placed as needed to relieve his bladder.

He was recommended for a very costly surgery but due to financial constraints his owner opted for alternative treatment through Acupuncture. Dr. Akawi started treating Rusty with acupuncture and electro-acupuncture combined with herbs at the end of January 2010.

 

 

 

- After only 2 weeks of treatment Rusty’s attitude was already greatly increased. Dogs and cats will often feel depressed and frustrated just like humans when they aren’t feeling well and can’t do the things they love.

- Within 4 weeks he started to regain feeling in his back legs and would twitch his feet when electro stimulation was given which was a great sign! This means the message was able to travel from the foot to the brain and back again.

- 5 weeks into treatment Rusty, with help, was able to stand again!

- Week 6 he was able to walk with help placing his feet and he was now able to move around on his own, not always gracefully but he was determined!

- Within 8 weeks Rusty is now able to walk all on his own with little inability to coordinate his legs but continues to improve everyday! He has regained all feeling in his back legs and is able to go outside to go to the bathroom again!

 

 

Of course Rusty could never have made it this far without the love, care and determination of his owner, Patti. While we were treating him weekly at the hospital, Patti would massage his lower body including his legs and feet to help stimulate them, she even set up her own hydrotherapy in the bathtub where he could swim the best he could, while being held up, to prevent any muscle mass from being lost! She was even willing to learn how to express his bladder and help him go to the bathroom! Great job! We're so happy to see Rusty back up on his feet!

 

Just 3 months ago Rusty's back end was completely paralyzed, now look at him go!

 

 

If you are a client and would like to share your pet's photo with us on our website, please e-mail sara@ballstonspavet.com to be included on our pet of the month page. Please include some information about the photo, pet's name and owner's name (we will only use first names on the website).