Dexter was diagnosed with Stage 4 IVDD after we took him to the emergency vet on April 4th this year.   He was paralyzed in his back legs and lost bladder/bowel control. 

We ended up taking him to Iowa State University the next day confirm the diagnosis and with MRI/CT scans and then do surgery. Surgery went well. Dexter stayed at Iowa State for a few extra days to do physical therapy as well. 

We brought him home on April 10th. Strict crate rest, medication, and physical therapy exercises while he healed. By April 13th he was already moving his back legs in his sling. By April 16th he was able to support his own weight with his back legs. On April 18th he was able to stand up on his own without assistance.

On June 2nd Dexter had his 8 week follow up neurological exam and the doctor was very excited to see him up and walking on his own unassisted. All looked great.

That night at about 1 AM Dexter begins panting like he is hot or thirsty. We was able to stand on his own but didn’t want walk. Not sure exactly what happened, but we assume the excitement of being in the car and being able to walk around the vet must have irritated another spot on his back. Wife and I were absolutely terrified but stayed as calm as possible and got him back on medication we had left over from the surgery. Back to strict crate rest again. 

But here we are 1 week later and Dexter is already acting like he was after the 8 week mark. A very terrifying and ironic timing for this flare up. But we are so so grateful that he is already getting back to his old self.

Dexter is very mad that he is back on crate rest