Fibrocartilaginous Embolism

A fibrocartilaginous embolism (or FCE) is characterised by a sudden blockage to the blood vessels that supply a certain area of the spinal cord. The onset is sudden and severity can vary from weakness or complete paralysis. It can affect one limb or several, which, again, depends on severity.

Hydrotherapy or physiotherapy are essential to the recovery of dogs with this condition as inactivity will affect joint range of motion and promote stiffness and muscle weakness. As this is a spinal condition, a key part of recovery is rebuilding and maintaining your dog's sensory awareness and propioception, which water can play a huge role in,