YoYo, an 8-year-old French Bulldog, was first diagnosed with multiple intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) at just three years of age. Imaging confirmed the presence of several bulging intervertebral discs, and her owner worked diligently over the years to manage her condition with lifestyle modifications and veterinary guidance, aiming to reduce the risk of progression or acute injury.
Despite these efforts, one of the compromised discs eventually extruded, resulting in significant spinal cord compression and rapidly progressing neurological signs. Faced with a difficult prognosis, YoYo’s owner elected to proceed with urgent spinal decompression surgery.
The procedure was carried out promptly and successfully, with no deterioration in YoYo’s neurological status post-operatively. Given the severity of her presentation, one of the primary concerns was the potential development of ascending or descending myelomalacia – a rare but fatal complication involving progressive necrosis of the spinal cord, which can ultimately lead to respiratory paralysis.
Fortunately, YoYo’s condition remained stable in the days following surgery. She was discharged to her owner for continued nursing care and rehabilitation at home. A few days later, YoYo was readmitted for short-term inpatient care while her family travelled overseas.
During this stay, one of our veterinary nurses, Holly, offered the use of a mobility cart previously fitted for her own dog. This thoughtful gesture proved invaluable. YoYo adapted quickly to the cart and was soon mobile again, engaging with her environment with enthusiasm and renewed confidence.
YoYo’s case highlights the importance of early intervention, collaborative decision-making, and multidisciplinary post-operative support in the management of severe IVDD cases. Her recovery journey serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through timely surgical care, owner dedication, and a compassionate clinical team.