Is there any hope for my boy?

[Baxter Boo]

Last Sat. night, our 7 yr old yellow lab suffered some sort of spinal cord injury, either a spinal stroke or a ruptured disc. He wasn't able to use his back legs at all. We weren't willing to pay the $7K to get the MRI and emergency surgery done, which only had a 50% change of him being able to walk again. He spent the night in the ER on IV's, on prednisone, as well as a painkiller and a muscle relaxant. After the ER, he was able to put weight on his right rear leg, but I had to sling walk him. We then brought him to our vet on Monday, and he is being hospitalized. He is now on all of the same meds orally. He was able to poop and pea on his own, but when urinating, he wasn't emptying his bladder, so they inserted a catheter. He's in great spirits, and moves remarkably well using his front legs. He has some feeling in his right rear leg, but nothing with his left rear leg. We're really praying for a successful recovery. If he can have complete control over his bodily functions, and is able to walk on three legs, we would be very satisfied. Just want to know if anyone else has experienced this sort of thing. The vet is not giving up hope, saying they once had a dog who was completely paralyzed, and made a full recovery.

[tammyhuffman]

I don't have any advice having never experienced something like this but I hope that your dog is able to make as much of a recovery as possible and lives a long life.

[Sophiesmama]

I hope and pray your boy makes a good recovery!

[jnmurphy312]

My lab had something similar in his back end, maybe a blood clot. He ended up passing away- but was never able to regain function of either of his legs. It sounds like your boy is doing alright- keep us posted and i'll be thinking of you!

[Baxter Boo]

Just saw him tonight, and now he's putting weight on his left leg as well, which previously had no feeling in it. So things are looking up. Thanks for your comments.

[gregk9]

Glad he's doing better!!!!

[Sophiesmama]

He could have some swelling that was pushing on the spinal cord. As the swelling goes down, he sarts getting more and more use. I have heard of that happening in dogs and people too.

[kassabella]

I am sorry. Good thoughts coming.