Austin was a rescue labrador who started to develop neurological signs with intermittent episodes of acute neck pain in June 2009. He collapsed one day and was sent immediately by his referring vet to orthopaedic surgeon Damien Bush. C5/6 decompression surgery via a ventral slot approach was perfomed and once stable Damien referred Austin down to Linhay to start his rehabilitation.
Assessment - Austin arrived at Linhay on bonfire night very quiet and unable to stand/walk. He was laterally recumbant and could just about manage to wag his tail and lift his tail albeit briefly. He was assessed by vets Patrick Ridge & Wendy Vere, alongside Chartered Physiotherapist Louise Towl. He had deep pain sensation in all four limbs but very weak withdrawal reflexes. FL/HL reflexes were present in all 4 limbs but Austin initally had diffculties emptying his bladder independently.
Treatment - Austin remained on Vetagesic initally to help manage his post-operative pain, he was also on Metacam daily. Wendy performed several acupuncture sessions to further assist with pain relief. He required frequent postural changes alternating between right and left side-lying as well as supported sternal recumbancy to enable him to interact with his environment. He needed assistance to eat and drink as he wasn't able to maintain an appropriate head and neck position at first. He was fitted with a spinal harness for all physiotherapy sessions to ensure his neck comfort an safety. In addition Austin was stretchered outside for toileting during the first two weeks.
Austin was worked daily over a physio 'peanut roll' in both functional sitting and standing positions. In addition he was positioned in side lying for soft-tissue/joint ROM sessions. At the end of week two Austin attempted to stand and was then progressed onto the hydrotherapy treadmill with the physiotherapist supporting him. He initally needed help with positioning his FL/HL's and maximal trunk support via a sling and theraband system. From that moment on he seemed to suddenly turn a corner and began to progress rapidly on a daily basis. By the end of week three Austin was walking outside for toileting with moderate support from a spinal harness.
He was discharged home after four weeks of intensive rehabilitation to his owners who had been visiting Linhay on a weekly basis. Helen visited Austin at his home last week and is pleased to report that he has progressed even further thanks to his owners input. He is now independently ambulant around the house and garden and is back to his cheerful self.
It must be stressed how cases like this can take weeks to improve and need a significant amount of appropriate, timely physiotherapeutic and nursing input. Owner commitment and compliance on discharge is paramount for successful outcome and not all cases will return to the same level of function.
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