21/01/2025
Rocky presented to GARS in October following an episode of acute collapse.
With no prior history of lameness, ataxia or reduced mobility, the acute change was a major concern to Rocky’s owners & the GARS specialist team.
CT & MRI reports confirmed a diagnosis of FCE (Fibrocartilagenous
Embolism), a condition that can result in a range of neurological disorders. FCE occurs when a small piece of cartilage enters the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord & creates a blockage.
Blood cannot reach an area of the spinal cord & therefore cannot deliver oxygen to the nervous tissue, resulting in the nerves no longer being able to transmit messages effectively from the brain to the rest of the body. The location of the embolism determines the neurological signs observed.
In Rocky’s case, the FCE had occurred in his cervical spine (neck), so the signs of weakness & absence of motor function were present in all 4 limbs.
Recovery from an FCE is a long process which can take many weeks.
Rocky remained in hospital for a number of weeks for ongoing physiotherapy & supportive care, which included bladder expression (until he could urinate voluntarily), frequent turning to avoid pressure sores, monitoring his fluid intake & regularly changing his bedding. He showed significant improvement during his stay & could even get himself up from laying down!
Our team fell in love with Rocky & took him to the Barwon River in the hospital buggy for fresh air & a change of scenery. He was picked up from GARS for weekly rehabilitation & hydrotherapy sessions at Geelong Canine Fitness, which played an enormous role in his recovery.
Gradually Rocky showed improvement & he continues to gain more & more strength!
There is still a little way to go for Rocky, but his dedicated family is cheering him on along with the GARS hospital team and !
We are all so proud of you, Rocky!
