What is a Fibrocartilagenous Embolism?
Fibrocartilagenous emboli (FCE) are a form of disc rupture that act like vascular events. The disc material ruptures into spinal vessels (arteries or veins or both!) and blocks blood flow to a specific segment of the spinal cord. We think these are bits of degenerative nucleus pulposus (the jelly of the jelly donuts).
Large breed, young-middle aged dogs and Miniature Schnauzers are most commonly affected. Typical presentation is an acute onset lateralized spinal cord injury. Pain is atypical after 24 hours, as is clinical progression.
What about Irish Wolfhounds?
Eight Irish Wolfhounds between 8-13 weeks of age were reported to have FCE, 5 of whom had a necropsy confirmation. (Vet Quart 2000:22;154-156.) Although rarely seen, I thought it was worth picking on this unusual presentation as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day today.
Treatment for FCE in juvenile Wolfhounds is similar to other dogs diagnosed with FCE. Treatment includes physical therapy, nursing care if unable to stand or turn shoulders/hips, and adequate nutrition support.
What is the prognosis for Irish Wolfhound puppies with FCE?
This paper was a small group of dogs so it's hard generalize the information to the broader population. HOWEVER I might suggest it is similar to other large breed dogs. Get the dogs moving with physical therapy, manage the bladder and diet, and they probably have about a 70% chance of recovery. If the FCE is located in a plexus (the spot in the spinal cord where the cell bodies for the lower motor neurons to the front or back legs are) the prognosis is likely to be less than 70%.
Have a wonderful, safe St. Patty's day and stay healthy!
On that note - I'm closed for consults over the next 14 days as I get over a cold (just a common cold I suspect, no reason to panic) and then appointments will be made via email or telephone contact ONLY. My online scheduler is blocked until mid April because I'm homeschooling my three awesome kiddos.
Silver lining?? I'm available Monday through Friday (yep through Friday!) for telephone or video consults because my awesome hubby has a mildly flexible work-from-home job so he can step in if we need to schedule a call.