Chester - 9yr male labrador with cervical disc degeneration

CHESTER

Chester is a 9 year old black labrador who had an acute episode of tetraparesis (off all 4 legs), after a disc rupture in his neck, on the 26th June 2009. An MRI scan showed that there was a disc injured and associated haemorrhage at the base of his neck (C5-6 worse on the left side). He needed immediate surgery to decompress the spinal cord, and at the time it was advised that he would need further preventative surgery. This was because several other discs in his neck were degenerate, and this increased chance of this happening again.

Assessment: Chester was referred to Linhay on the 6th July 2009, as his owners felt they could not mange him at home, due to the degree of disability, as well as the problem with likely recurrence with one of the other discs. He was able to sit up by that stage and had voluntary movement in all four limbs, but was unable to stand without assistance. He had reduced neurological function (very slow reflexes), and knuckled on all four limbs. He also had the complication of having hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

Treatment: After increasing Chester’s pain relief using acupuncture, we were able to begin an intensive 3 week rehabilitation programme, where we effectively taught Chester to walk again. He was fitted with a special harness and we started work on our hydrotherapy treadmill, as well as other therapeutic exercises, to improve his ability to place his limbs and build strength. He improved on a daily basis and was discharged from Linhay on 23/7/09. His ongoing care was then carried on by another ACPAT physiotherapist closer to his home where he was seen as an outpatient.

Follow-up: Chester had recovered sufficiently to have his second lot of surgery on 15th September 2009. This was a ventral slot (fenestration of discs with an approach from under the neck) where the degenerate discs were removed. This prevents further disc problems occurring in the neck. He did well post operatively, but the owners felt that the specialist care he could receive at Linhay would be ideal to maximize his recovery. He was re admitted for further rehabilitation, including acupuncture and physiotherapy, both in the hydrotherapy treadmill, as well as with land based exercises. Chester progressed very well, and was discharged on October the 20th 2009.



His owners will continue at home with a controlled exercise programme, under the supervision of their own Chartered physiotherapist, and with our advice and ongoing support as required.