Cadence, a sweet and spirited dog, faced one of the most challenging moments any pet owner can imagine. Her story began mid October when her owner noticed she was stiff, uncomfortable, and moving with difficulty. By that evening, Cadence was dragging her hind legs, and her family made the heart-wrenching decision to rush her to the emergency vet.
The suspected medical diagnosis: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Cadence’s condition worsened rapidly, leaving her hind limbs completely non-weight-bearing. Her neurologic deficits were severe, and her once vibrant energy was replaced with lethargy and pain. For her family, the unthinkable loomed—was it time to say goodbye?
But Cadence’s family wasn’t ready to give up. They turned to the rehabilitation team at Lombard Veterinary Hospital, hoping for a miracle.
The Journey Begins
Cadence’s initial rehabilitation evaluation revealed significant challenges:
- Hind limb paraplegia with no conscious paw placement.
- Limited responses to other sensory tests.
- Pain and tension from overloading her front limbs to compensate for her weak hind legs.
- Functional impairments including being unable to stand, walk, or perform basic activities of daily living.
Her condition was daunting, but her rehab team saw potential. With a customized treatment plan that included advanced therapeutic laser, cryotherapy, therapeutic massage, passive range of motion, and a carefully designed home exercise program provided to Cadence’s owner, they set out to restore Cadence’s strength, neurologic function, and overall mobility.
Small Steps Big Wins
The road to recovery hasn’t been easy, but Cadence has shown incredible determination. Week by week, her progress has amazed us all. Through:
- Significant restriction in activity to improve her body’s ability to heal with rest.
- Fitting for harness to assist with functional activities like going to the bathroom.
- Neurologic stimulation and sensory re-education, she began to find her footing again.
- Postural-based exercises and gait training to improve her standing stability and gait pattern as she walked.
- Custom dorsiflexion assist wraps that helped her achieve proper paw placement independently.
On November 19th, Cadence reached a milestone that brought tears of joy to the rehab and veterinary team: she stood and walked for the first time, completing five laps with only minimal assistance! Her strides were steady, her paws placed with newfound precision, and her tail wagged with excitement.
A Story Of Hope
Today, Cadence can bear weight on her hind legs and is well on her way to walking independently. Her remarkable progress is a testament to the power of dedicated teamwork between veterinary doctors, the rehabilitation team, and her loving family.
For her family, who once faced the heart-wrenching decision of euthanasia, Cadence’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. They’ve expressed their deepest gratitude for the support, care, and expertise that turned a moment of despair into one of hope.
Looking Ahead
Cadence’s journey isn’t over. She’ll continue her rehabilitation to address strength, range of motion, and endurance, ensuring her quality of life only improves from here. We can’t wait to see her walking, playing, and thriving once more.
Cadence’s story reminds us why we do what we do—to give pets like her a second chance and to support families during their most difficult moments. Stay tuned for updates on Cadence’s inspiring journey.
To Cadence, her family, and all who support the power of rehabilitation, thank you for trusting us with your care. You inspire us every day.