11/08/2025
This is Bert, a 5 year old Sealyham Terrier. Bert suffered an acute onset paraplegia with intact nociception and urinary and faecal incontinence.
Bert was conservatively managed for suspected T3-L3 myelopathy (eg disc extrusion) alongside veterinary medication and pain management.
It was suspected that Bert had experienced an intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). An intervertebral disc extrusion (Hansen type I) is often due to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This is degenerative condition which more
commonly affects certain breeds such as Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Miniature Poodles or cross-breeds
(chondrodystrophic breeds), during which the nucleus pulposus (core) intervertebral disc experiences early-onset mineralisation,
becoming more brittle and prone to herniation. In cases where a disc herniation does occur, this can cause spinal cord contusion (bruising) sometimes with compression, leading to a range of clinical signs that is graded from grade 1 (spinal pain only) to grade 5 (no movement or pain sensation in affected limbs). On presentation, Bert was graded 4 by his neurologist at onset of his treatment and had dropped to a grade 3/2 some 4 months later.
Bert started with intensive physiotherapy sessions to assist with stimulation of the feet and limbs, compensatory muscle tension and to aid his attempts to stand and weight bear, we also allow time for recovery as far as possible of continence levels. Once this could be managed Bert was moved to the underwater treadmill with full therapist support and he was able to take his first steps to unassisted movement. The therapist works to guide correct movement and encourage correct limb positioning. Pool work was then used to assist with proprioceptive awareness and further strengthening.
Bert continues to grow stronger and is an amazing little patient. Well done Bert!
