Myelogram xray

A myelogram is a specialized form of an xray that helps a veterinarian to determine if there is damage to the spinal cord.

If your vet is suspecting that your dog has intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), sometimes we can see the answer on a plain radiograph of the spine.  However, [...]

Do you have a paralyzed or disabled dog?

If so, Dr. Marie would like to hear your dog’s story.  She is compiling a book about dogs with disabilities.  This book will help many people learn what is involved in caring for and owning a paralyzed dog.   Our hope is that many dogs will be saved from [...]

It can be very difficult to decide whether it is time for euthanasia

It is often difficult to tell whether a dog is in pain or suffering.  If your dog has been diagnosed with a spinal condition such as intervertebral disc disease, fibrocartilaginous embolism or degenerative myelopathy you may be faced with the possibility of [...]

While many dogs with some degree of paralysis can still control their bladder or bowels, some have a difficult time.  Not only is incontinence inconvenient for you, the owner, but it can be a health hazard to your dog.  Urinary or fecal incontinence can cause skin problems such as scalding lesions and infections.

If you are [...]

Dog Wheelchairs and carts come in all sizes.

It can be devastating to have a diagnosis of paralysis or partial paralysis for your dog. However, this diagnosis does not have to lead to euthanasia! A good number of dogs have lived healthy and happy lives with the help of a dog wheelchair.

Dog wheelchairs are typically [...]

Degenerative Myelopathy is a condition that affects mostly German Shepherds, but can also be seen in German Shepherd mixed breeds, Siberian Huskies, Corgis and sometimes other breeds.  It is generally seen in middle to older aged dogs.

The condition starts with weakness in the hind end.  Sometimes dog owners will notice that their dog is occasionally [...]

Support for owners of paralyzed dogs.

It can be frightening to have your dog diagnosed with spinal disease.  There are so many decisions to be made.  We have created a discussion forum where owners of injured dogs can connect.

There is a special section for dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) or [...]

A fibrocartilaginous embolism is an uncommon problem seen in dogs. 

An “embolism” means that a blood vessel is obstructed by a foreign substance.  In this case, the blood vessel is one that feeds the spinal cord.  The foreign substance is a small amount of material that came from inside of one of the intervertebral discs [...]

Intervertebral disc disease is a relatively common condition in dogs.  Fortunately, most dogs who have this condition, do not end up paralyzed, but rather have pain that can be treated with either non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as Metacam, Rimadyl or Previcox) or steroids (such as Prednisone or Dexamethasone).  However, some dogs can be very seriously affected [...]