Here is the original post re: BHRR’s Carlsberg and having a FCE – A fibrocartilaginous embolism – on December 10th, 2017

https://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada/posts/1582629415137217…

It is NOT known what causes a FCE and BHRR’s Carlsberg is the youngest that the rehabilitation department at Alta Vista’s Speciality Services has ever seen.

There has been some thought amongst r/q Irish Wolfhound Breeders that there is a possible strong genetic link with very young IW pups & FCE. In reaching out to several in my own show network, this has been a strong consensus that there is much merit in this thought.

Also one article:

http://www.iwfoundation.org/articles_detail.html?item_id=37

‘A fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a fairly common disorder in which a piece of fibrous cartilage obstructs the blood supply to the spinal cord. It is suspected that fibrocartilage from the soft gel like center (the nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc enters a vertebral blood vessel, blocks the vessel and causes a “stroke” to the spinal cord. When the flow of blood is reduced or stopped, that part of the spinal cord goes without oxygen and nutrients and the neurons in the spinal cord become dysfunctional and can die off.’

There are no surgical procedures in existence that can remove the blockage.

We have been working side by side with his incredible Neurologist. Dr. Chauvet at Alta Vista Animal Emergency Hospital/Specialty Services since the spinal stroke on December 10th as well as with the wonderful home he had been approved to be adopted to (had been scheduled to be adopted to this home December 11th). In addition, we are working closely with Nancy, the rehabilitation fabu woman extraordinaire at Alta Vista’s Animal Hospitals Specialty Services.

In short – all four legs were affected – paralysed – and this was what was called an ‘ascending stroke’, the worst kind to have.

I happily make the 3 hour roundtrip drive, three times weekly to make sure that BHRR’s Carlsberg receives his intensive rehab.

As of January 3rd, we have had confirmation that there is no possiblity of saving that right front leg and his rehab team/us continue to work hard on getting him ambulatory to walk on his other three legs for QOL. . If that can be done, then we will amputate the right front leg.

We also continue to wait patiently for the hyperbaric chamber to get up and running at Alta Vista for him.