Animal Therapy Center « Lehigh Valley, PA

Charlie- IVDD

Charlie is a spunky 15 pound six year old Dachshund who scampers around happily to the delight of his owners, but he was not always so. On August 19, 2010 Charlie (who weighed 21 pounds at the time!) was taken to his veterinarian because his belly was tense and painful and he cried when touched. He was admitted to the hospital for bloodwork, X-rays, pain medication and IV fluids. However, despite these efforts, the next day he was worse: he could not stand and could barely move his hind legs. Charlie was promptly sent for an MRI, was diagnosed with thoraco-lumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD, a “blown disc”) and underwent surgery later that same evening.

Charlie received range of motion exercises and massage starting immediately after surgery. He began therapy at the ATC on August 23^rd, 2010. His excess weight, lack of feeling in his hind legs and proprioceptive deficits were daunting at first but the team (rehab staff, primary care veterinarian and Charlie’s dedicated family) persevered. The first time Charlie’s hind legs started moving in the deepwater pool was a great day!  Through a regimen of neuro-pathway and balance retraining, acupuncture, aquatherapy, gait patterning and muscle building activities, Charlie slowly gained strength and ability. The combination of prompt surgery, excellent nursing care, early rehab and Charlie’s indomitable spirit brought him to the point where he is now, still a bit wobbly but walking well and gaining strength and coordination all the time.