K9 Carts Glossary
The bones or vertebra of the spinal column are cushioned by intervertebral discs. These discs are composed of a soft material. If this disc material dislodges, this fragment or emboli can block the blood supply to the spinal cord and, thereby, affect a segment of the spinal cord or nerve conduction to the muscles. Paralysis from an FCE typically has a sudden onset. Unlike discs that impinge on the spinal cord, FCE is usually not painful. Diagnosis is performed by a process of elimination of other potential causes of sudden paralysis. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) can be used to identify the embolus. Since the blood supply is blocked, the damage to the spinal cord is usually permanent. Some animals may regain some function over time, but often these animals will be permanently paralyzed and benefit from a K9 Cart.
