Lowla - Slipped Disc
Lowla a five year old Miniature Dachshund, was referred to the Neurology and Neurosurgery team at Langford Vets with a four day history of lethargy, and reluctance to move which progressed to a lack of co-ordination in her hindlimbs.
On presentation Lowla was bright, alert and responsive and her general physical examination was unremarkable. Neurological examination identified she was weakly ambulatory, falling every other step and collapsing on her hindlimbs. Her spinal reflexes were intact, and she exhibited a panniculus cut off at L3 on both sides. The problem was localised to an issue affecting the spinal cord in the middle of her back, with the most likely cause being a slipped disc.
Lowla was admitted and an MRI showed a slipped disc between the last two thoracic vertebrae (T12/T13). Our Neurology Team performed a hemilaminectomy to remove the disc material and reduce pressure on the spinal cord. The surgery went well and holes were put in the surrounding discs to help prevent recurrence.
On presentation Lowla was bright, alert and responsive and her general physical examination was unremarkable. Neurological examination identified she was weakly ambulatory, falling every other step and collapsing on her hindlimbs. Her spinal reflexes were intact, and she exhibited a panniculus cut off at L3 on both sides. The problem was localised to an issue affecting the spinal cord in the middle of her back, with the most likely cause being a slipped disc.
Lowla was admitted and an MRI showed a slipped disc between the last two thoracic vertebrae (T12/T13). Our Neurology Team performed a hemilaminectomy to remove the disc material and reduce pressure on the spinal cord. The surgery went well and holes were put in the surrounding discs to help prevent recurrence.
At the time of discharge Lowla was able to walk unassisted and was able to urinate and defecate on her own. She was discharged on strict rest (no running, jumping, playing roughly or climbing stairs) and several five minute breaks for the first four weeks.
Her owners carefully monitored her skin and feet for scuffed paws and sores during her recovery period. Our physiotherapy team provided instructions on how to gently and slowly exercise Lowla to aid her recovery.
In an update in December 2017 the owner reported that Lowla had recovered well and was back to her old self.
Now eight years old Lowla’s owner recently got in touch again with the following update to let us know about her amazing achievements:
Hello Langford Vets.
A few years ago you performed spinal surgery on Lowla our Miniature dachshund. She was in a terrible way... and we were told she might not walk again. It was a very traumatic time for us. Your vets, nurses and support staff did a wonderful job on the surgery and after care, and looked after us too.
I wanted you to know that last Sunday Lowla did a very hilly 20 mile sponsored walk with me, for Julian House. We have trained for this, and she is in great shape, but before Sunday 12 miles was about the most she walked in training. It took us 11 hours.
Lowla had a great day out! With Lowla's help my team of three humans and three dogs raised £750.
We will be forever grateful for your expertise, skill and kindness.
