Schatzi was carried in 5 months ago due to rear limb paralysis. After a couple weeks, she started walking in on her own, although still weak with stumbles. After she began walking better, her owner was so excited and asked me if I think she’ll ever get to go hiking again. (Schatzi is quite the well-traveled dog who loves to hike.) I replied, “that’s the goal!”
Well, this past weekend, Schatzi did a 2 mile hike, and stayed strong throughout! And then another 3/4 mile hike later that day! 💪🏼 (She’s been working up to this as she responds to care.)
It’s not the easiest road to heal from a disc injury with paralysis at 13. It does take consistent care, time, work, and supportive measures for the dog. However, we see so many cases like Schatzi’s. In fact, on a daily basis, we see dogs that have either recovered from paralysis who come in for “maintenance” or just starting out.
We have to applaud Schatzi’s owner, Mark, as well. As soon as he was told he could start exercises at home with Schatzi, he put in the work, as once we get the neurological deficits restored, we usually have to restore muscle atrophy too.
And yes, our goal is not only to restore or improve function, but also to get the dog, cat, or whatever animal we are working with back to doing the things the love.
We are so happy for Schatzi! ❤️
➡️ For an animal chiro near you, visit thr American Veterinary Chiropractic Association at animalchiropractic.org or International Veterinary Chiropractic Association at IVCA.de.