|
Click on the video and listen as Vicki and Kirk talk about the way Henry is walking.
This is what the Neurologist at VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital said about our boy. (Henry, not Kirk.)
ASSESSMENT:
1. Ambulatory mild paraparetic T3-L3 myelopathy with mild cranial lumbar pain – r/o intervertebral
disc herniation vs. inflammatory/infectious vs. neoplasia vs. prior trauma vs. other
2. Cryptorchidism
MEDICATION
1. Gabapentin recommended dosage – 50mg by mouth every 8-12 hours for pain management.
Nerve pain medication that is safe for long term use. May cause sedation or wobbliness.
DISCUSSION
Henry was presented to VCA Dallas Neurology for an abnormal gait int he pelvic limbs since being rescued in
January 2026. On evaluation today, Henry was strongly ambulatory with mild degree of weakness and
incoordination in his pelvic limbs, which was more noticeable in the left pelvic limb. His
proprioception/awareness response was decreased in the left pelvic limb. He was mostly comfortable as he
walked, but he was painful with firm pressure over the cranial lumbar spine. His exam findings are consistent
with a spinal cord lesion in his thoracolumbar spine (T3-L3 myelopathy).
As discussed, potential underlying causes for Henry ’s neurological symptoms include:
– Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) – disc herniation causing spinal cord compression
– Previous non-compressive spinal cord trauma
– Infectious disorders such as discospondylitis
– Inflammatory disorders such as myelitis/meningitis
– Neoplasia (tumor/cancer) of the spinal cord
To investigate further, advanced imaging (MRI) of Henry’s back would be recommended. MRI is performed
under general anesthesia which carries an inherent risk. Pre-anesthetic testing (i.e. bloodwork) will help
assess for concurrent disease that may affect anesthesia or change our diagnostic/treatment plan.
Depending on the MRI results, we may collect a sample of spinal fluid (which is also done while your pet is
under anesthesia). Treatment options and prognosis is dependent on the results of the MRI +/- spinal fluid.
We will send a cost estimate for the MRI +/- spinal fluid for your information – please call us to schedule if
you are interested in moving forward. We discussed that since Henry’s quality of life and day-to-day activities
are not majorly impacted at this time, the MRI may not change the recommendations for Henry. However,
the MRI can still provide us with useful information regarding Henry’s spinal cord.
Since Henry was painful on palpation of his cranial lumbar spine, gabapentin is recommended to help keep
him comfortable (see above recommended dose).
ACTIVITY RESTRICTION:
Henry should not be allowed to play or jump on and off of furniture, and stairs should be avoided. You may
walk him outside on a harness and leash for a short period (5-10 minutes) several times per day to allow the
opportunity to urinate/defecate only. At all other times, Henry should be kept rested and calm. A chest
harness should be used in place of a neck collar.
VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital
17727 Dallas Parkway Suite 150
Dallas, TX 75287
(972) 267-8300
animaldiagnosticclinic-dallas.com
Client: Rescue Small Paws Rescue (128607) • Henry (74894) • Canine (Bichon Mix) • White • Male, Intact • 3y 1m (06-Jan-2023) • 4.80 kg
Referred by: Briana Arroyo at City Vet – Preston Forest • Provider: Stephanie Chang, DVM • Document date: 10-Feb-2026
Page 1 of 5
And this is the estimate. You guys better sit down. (I’m glad I was when I saw it.)
It’s from $5,186.55 – 5,964.53 (GULP)
|
