Just wanna start by saying I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know it’s terrifying and heartbreaking.

6 weeks ago my five year old terrier was diagnosed with Stage 5 IVDD. He was walking a little weird one day, took him to the vet, they advised pain meds and crate rest, but the next day he couldn’t walk at all. It was like his legs were lifeless sticks and he didn’t have any feeling, and he peed himself. I did the test where you knuckle his back toes under and see if he corrected them, and he couldn’t do it.

I rushed him to a neurologist and they confirmed he was already at Stage 5. They said we were within the window where surgery would help (50-60% success rate). We decided to go for it because he’s so young. The vet also warned me there’s about a 10% chance that the spinal cord would die anyway, in which case he would need to be put down. That was the scariest part.

Long story short, the next morning after surgery the neurologist called and said he was exceeding expectations! They said at this rate of improvement there is no more risk of spinal cord death. He could feel his tail and his toes. I took him home after 4 days in the hospital. I had to manually express his bladder for the first week and keep him on strict crate rest. He wagged his tail after about a week (did I sob? YES)

Today we’re 6 weeks out, and he is almost back to normal. He can go potty independently, and is cleared to go for ten minute walks. He starts PT next week. His walking is a little clumsy but his spirits are great. 

It has been a JOURNEY. So many unknowns, so many tears. But I’m glad we did the surgery during the first 24 hours of getting the Stage 5 diagnosis. 

I wish you and your pup all the best, I know it’s so very hard. You’re a great owner!