Jackson has Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) - advice?

[B.j and Jackson]

Hello, 

We are new on this forum and hope that we can get some advice. Jackson is a 4 year old healthy Miniature pincher.  Yesterday around 4 pm he started acting odd, and his body was floppy. I rushed him to the vet who took xrays and checked him out - she diagnosed him as having FCE.  Sent me home with him with steroid medication and told me that its pretty much a waiting game to see if he can pull through this.  He's paralyzed and I can't seem to get him to pee or poop. Although he pee'd his bed in the middle of the night, but can't get him to do otherwise. 

Any suggestions? I'm home with him today, and besides myself because I am so worried for him - I know he's not in pain. But what if I can't get him to go bathroom. 

About 2 hours ago he propped himself up by himself on his two front paws, I made a harness for him and stood him up and he was walking with the help of the harness - but still wont go pee. Which I think has to do with he doesnt know how since he can't feel down there. 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

worried. 

[Wanda P]

hunny go to the vet on this site, under discussions on the main page, Dr Jed is his name, copy and paste your question under discussions. at the vets page my prayers are with you sweetie... I am going to copy and paste his on his page for you ok, see if we get a comment back.. make sure to feed him something BEFORE you give him the steroid as it is hard on the tummy ok.. i am here if you want to talk wandap

[B.j and Jackson]

okay. He pee'd!! All by himself about 2 hours ago. well I held him up with the homemade harness, but he pee'd a really big long one. phew. wow.. this is stressful. His spirits seem better though.

[Wanda P]

We all feel better when we pee lol, stay strong girl ww

[B.j and Jackson]

Thank you so much Suz!

Did the Vet originally tell you the same (wait for 3 weeks and if no recovery has to be put down) ?
Since this just started yesterday do you think its too soon to start some rehab exercizes with him like the water, etc?

Today I had him up out of his bed to make sure the blood is flowing and air in his lungs, so I held him up with a homemade sling leash and he walked around for a tiny bit. He even led me to the back door where he goes to the washroom. Right after that I put him back in his kennel as I don't know how much is too much yet. Earlier when someone came to my door he wanted to do what he usually does, get out and go to the door to greet. I saw an anxious spark in him but he knew he couldn't get up completely.

I cried so much yesterday and more today when the vet called to check up and said If he didn't pee Id have to bring him in to try and express - then if that doesn't work the best thing would be to put him down. But I can't do that, I feel like He's got fight in him.

I look forward to your reply. Thank you so so so much.

Bobbiejo and Jackson

[B.j and Jackson]

Ps. He pee'd and did a little tiny poo today all on his own.

[Wanda P]

fur babies mamas rule!!

[B.j and Jackson]

Thanks Suz. Jackson was sent home an hour after I got him to the vet. They xrayed, and assessed him and diagnosed it FCE right away. I asked if he should stay and get proper care and all the vet said was "Its Expensive"!!

I took him home and here we are on day 2.5. He Pooped today all by himself, had a bit of trouble holding himself up - but he did it. He also pee'd another big pee in the middle of the night. He's not going as much as he should be, but the plus side is he's proved he's able to do both movements on his own. I was so happy today. I did the bath this morning - filled it up and put him in it. At first he was like "what you doing to me".. but then i could tell he was kind of enjoying it. He went poo right after he got out too.

Today I will try the bicycles and a bit of excersizes, I can't take him outside like I want to because we have snow up to our knee's and its freezing out. But I am determined to do what I can inside.

Thank you so much for your words, to hear from someone else who has gone through this takes a weight off my shoulder.I feel the support already has helped me to understand more and to know we're not the only ones. I'm young and have my first house and a professional career (I took off for this week) But I dont have alot of money - although at this point im willing to do anything.

The vet that I take him too mentions the "put down" word all the time, I know she's just trying to get me mentally prepared, but I really think Jackson can pull through this.

I will send another update soon. thank you so so so much

[B.j and Jackson]

Update:
Today Jackson was quite Lathargic but can't say I blame the lil guy. We did bicycles and a couple others that I read to do, Jackson stood up completely on his own on all fours (but quickly had to sit back down) I took that as his sign to go pee. I helped him outside (he walked with me holding a harness thing under him) he went pee and even lifted his hind leg to urinate on the snow.
This is good right? ahhh wowee, 2 days ago I wouldn't think he could do this.

[Wanda P]

so glad he is progressing honey, u said you have snow already, so far we have had a few flakes but nothing on the ground..
keeping you in my thoughts wanda p

[Wanda P]

thinking of you girl, keep us up dated big hug wandap

[B.j and Jackson]

Update: Here's a picture of Jackson walking today - we did four laps around my main floor (through kitchen, through den, through dining room, living room and main foyer) and he didn't fall once. Just a bit wobbly but otherwise, walking like a champ.
He gets too excited and wants to take off running, so I am still confining him to his crate to keep him somewhat chilled out and not so hyper. We been doing excersizes on the legs every couple of hours - at night before bed I've been giving him a warm bath to swim around in and he really likes it - plus it relaxes him to get him to go to sleep so I can sleep. I'm going to change the baths to every 3 days now as I don't want to dry his skin out to bad.

I think he's gained a good pound or two but apparently thats normal for the prednisone he's one. The vet called Friday to check up on him and when I told her he's walking, peeing, pooing, all on his own without help - she was quite surprised. YAY! He goes for a neurology check up on Tuesday.

cheers to both of you for all the support.

[Wanda P]

glad to hear he is getting better girl, what good mommy you are, many would of given up.. big hug wandap