Cosmo is a 2-year, 11-month-old fun-loving Labrador who was referred to Langford Vets following a sudden yelping episode, which instantly resulted in the inability to use his hind legs.
On admission, Cosmo underwent a clinical examination by a Neurologist, followed by an MRI scan, which confirmed he had suffered an Acute Non-Compressible Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (ANNPE). This was located at spinal level T12-13. The clinical signs of an ANNPE normally present suddenly and can be linked to trauma such as a road traffic accident, or from jumping, twisting, and landing with force. In Cosmo’s case, he had simply been enjoying an off-lead walk with his family in the local park when he yelped and suddenly lost movement in both of his back legs.
An ANNPE occurs when a small particle from the middle of the disc is released and suddenly fires out at high speed, causing damage and bruising to the spinal cord. It is only once this bruising and swelling subsides that normal function begins to return.
Surgical management is not usually required following an ANNPE and is instead managed with plenty of restricted rest as the body begins to heal itself. However, prolonged rest can cause rapid global muscle weakening, limit both short-term and long-term rehabilitation outcomes, and negatively impact a patient’s overall wellbeing. To avoid this, Cosmo was referred for Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy. He began treatment as an inpatient before continuing with weekly sessions after returning home.
On initial review, Cosmo was unable to stand without hind limb support, with very limited movement in his left hind limb and absent movement in his right. The Hydrotherapist and Physiotherapist worked closely together, alongside his family, to provide a holistic, patient-centred approach. His treatment plan included static standing exercises, proprioceptive work, and facilitated hind limb movement with the Hydrotherapist while walking in the underwater treadmill. The Physiotherapist advised on home adaptations and developed an exercise programme for the family to continue between sessions.
Cosmo has recently attended his fifth hydrotherapy session and is making steady progress each week. Although he remains weak, he has retained a good level of muscle bulk, which is essential for his recovery. While still restricted in the amount of exercise he is allowed, he is now able to get up from a sitting position and maintain standing independently. He currently requires light support from a hind limb harness for short walks but has achieved a good level of stepping movement in both hind limbs.
Although he still has a way to go, Cosmo’s steady progress is a real testament to his spirit and the dedication of everyone supporting him.
On initial review, Cosmo was unable to stand without hind limb support, with very limited movement in his left hind limb and absent movement in his right. The Hydrotherapist and Physiotherapist worked closely together, alongside his family, to provide a holistic, patient-centred approach. His treatment plan included static standing exercises, proprioceptive work, and facilitated hind limb movement with the Hydrotherapist while walking in the underwater treadmill. The Physiotherapist advised on home adaptations and developed an exercise programme for the family to continue between sessions.
Cosmo has recently attended his fifth hydrotherapy session and is making steady progress each week. Although he remains weak, he has retained a good level of muscle bulk, which is essential for his recovery. While still restricted in the amount of exercise he is allowed, he is now able to get up from a sitting position and maintain standing independently. He currently requires light support from a hind limb harness for short walks but has achieved a good level of stepping movement in both hind limbs.
Although he still has a way to go, Cosmo’s steady progress is a real testament to his spirit and the dedication of everyone supporting him.
Supporting pets on their road to recovery
