F.E.C. in Dogs (Spinal Cord Stroke)

Our research shows the following:

 

Any dog can be a victim of FEC though half of the victims are large dogs. Most FEC dogs are between the ages of 3 and 6. In one study, 61% were presented for evaluation after some kind exercise injury or trauma. There may be a yelp at the time of the trauma, but the injury is generally not painful. There is about a 50:50 chance that the lumbar area of the spinal cord will be affected...which means only the rear legs will be involved. Because the embolism is not generally a symmetrical event, both left and right may not be equally affected. 

 

The good news is that the loss of function will not get worse; after the first 24 hours, the maximum function loss has occurred. The dog may or may not be able to improve (about 74% of dogs in one study showed some improvement ultimately) but be prepared for no improvement and ask yourself what kind of care will be needed and can your dog get around. Maximum improvement has generally occurred by 3 weeks after the time of the injury, with some dogs showing some additional very slow improvement over months.

 

Many dogs are simply weak in the affected limbs. They may or may not need assistance in getting around. It all depends on how severe the embolism was and where in the spinal cord it occurred.  The pressure may be relieved with medication or surgery may be needed. In either case, the spot where the disk is pressing is very painful. 

 

Physical therapy may be helpful in improving return of function. Exercises are geared towards building muscle strength and improving nerve function to at least [in part] compensate for the loss of function from the embolism.

 

 

 - Many thanks to Dr. Bud and Dr. Jim