Patient Profile: "Mellow", an 8-year old, spayed female yellow Labrador Retriever.

History: "Mellow" was chasing a frisbee when the owner heard her yelp and then saw her collapse in the hind end.  The owner took her home for the night but in the morning, she was still paralyzed and was not urinating.  She presented to the emergency service on 7/11.

Physical Examination:  Heart rate = 64/minute.  Pulse rate = 64/minute.  Respiratory rate = panting.  Body weight = 32.7 kg. "Mellow's" attitude was normal. Capillary refill time and hydration status were normal.  Chest auscultation and abdominal palpation were normal.   She was unable to stand and did not seem to be in any pain.  She exhibited upper motor neuron signs to the hindlimbs, worse on the left.  Notice in the picture above the lack of conscious proprioception in her hindlimbs.

Laboratory Findings:   Stress leukogram (Nucleated cells = 21,100; Segmented neutrophils = 19,800; Lymphocytes = 200). AST = 100 IU/L; total bilirubin = 0.6 mg/dL; sodium = 161 meq/L.  CSF tap was normal.

Radiographs:  A myelogram was performed.  It was completely normal.

Questions:   

• Describe the typical presentation (signalment, history, etc.) associated with an FCE.
• What differential diagnoses should you consider in this case and what diagnostics would you perform?
• If "Mellow" had presented to you within 8 hours of the incident, which drug would you have given for spinal cord injury?
• Describe the nursing care procedures "Mellow" needs while she is paralyzed.
• What is "Mellow's" prognosis?

Answers and Discussion:

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Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, DVM, and Brenda McClelland, DVM, Colorado State University, 2000. All rights reserved.
This page was last edited:  08/24/00