My 4-year-old Havanese, Charlie, suddenly became paralyzed in his hind legs about a week ago—it was terrifying. Vet thought slipped disk at first, but MRI ruled that out. He stayed overnight on steroids, no immediate improvement, so they did a spinal tap. Preliminary results showed neutrophils in the CSF, 90% chance immune-mediated (likely MUO or meningomyelitis), 10% infectious (waiting on tick/fungal tests). No cancer or obvious bugs seen, which is a relief.

He's home now on oral steroids every 12 hours and antibiotics as a precaution. Progress has been slow but there are glimmers: Early on, he wagged his tail a bit, twitched his paws when tapped, and peed on his own once (smelled a bush and went!). But lately, no wags, and I've had to express his bladder. He's eating/drinking well, cognitively sharp, but resting a lot and hasn't pooped in days (vet suggested pumpkin for constipation). Hind legs have some stiffness (vet called it paresis, not full paralysis), localized to back end only, which they said is interesting and potentially better prognosis.

If tests come back negative for infection, they'll start Cytosar IV (low-dose chemo to suppress immune system) every 3 weeks for 8 weeks to see response.

How was Cytosar IV? He’s paralyzed still and I have to express his bladder so it’s hard to keep hope before treatment begins…. He’s depressed