Ella is a 9-year-old FS chocolate lab that had an IVDD event at T12-T13 in June 2014. Within 48 hrs of the event, Ella had a left hemilaminectomy. She has been severely paraparetic since June, using only her forelimbs for walking. Her owners purchased a wheelchair to help her get around.

When we first saw Ella, she had severely atrophied hindlimb muscles and delayed reflexes in her left hindlimb. Her right hindlimb reflexes were normal. Both limbs exhibited very strong extensor tone. Her shoulder muscles were very tense and hypertrophied. She suffered from frequent urinary tract infections due to upper motor neuron bladder complications. She was able to maintain a standing position if we placed her hindlimbs for her, but only for approximately 15 seconds before falling over.  More info >>