Sabrina, a twelve year old Terrier, came to Care in the summer of 2017 for sudden pain and weakness in her hind legs. After examing Sabrina, Our doctor suspected Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). Our doctor placed her on medications to minimize her pain and recommended surgery to relieve the building spinal cord pressure from a suspected intervertebral disc herniation.
Fortunately, Sabrina was able to receive the much needed spinal surgery in time to prevent permanent loss of limb function - but not before substantial damage had occurred to the nerves. Sabrina’s condition had progressed so quickly that she was almost completely paralyzed in the hind legs by the time the the intervertebral disc material could be removed.
Sabrina and her owner aren't quitters, though. They worked with Lori in Care’s rehab department, who developed a plan to use our underwater treadmill to provide the supportive exercise necessary to help Sabrina gain control and strength in her hind legs again. We are happy to see that over several weeks, through the combination of hydrotherapy and rest, Sabrina has regained most of her limb function!
Sabrina’s recovery has been a long journey, but it would not have been possible without her great spirit and the dedication of her owner. We are so happy to see how far Sabrina has come since her initial injury!