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Dog with FCE

Species: Dog
Breed: bulldog terrier mix
Age: 11-15 years
Dr. M,
We have a 40 pound bulldog terrier mix. Eight days ago he was fighting with a non-venomous snake in our yard. Seven days ago he started to wobble on his back legs. He now is able to use a weak back right paw and leg. The left back paw is knuckled under and is pretty much useless. We have had our vet check him and referred to a specialist for x-rays and a mylogram. He was diagnosed with FCE. We have spent over $2000 in a week. The back right leg seems to be a little stronger, but the left back leg is still useless. Should we now buy the "boots" for his unusable paw, and at what point do we purchase a wheelchair? He has a good appetite and is going to the bathroom normally. We love this dog so much, please help us! He has an interesting history that we would be glad to share with you-just ask. Also, where can we purchase your book?

Thanks!

Debral and Bob


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Debral and Bob, thanks for sharing with me about Stuart. I'm so sorry to hear that he has FCE. FCE is so frustrating because we are helpless to do anything for the poor little guy.

Whether or not you get booties, or a chair for him depends really on how he is doing. If you find that he is knuckling and dragging his foot to the point of causing damage to the tops of his toes, then a bootie is a great idea. This would be to protect his foot from getting scraped and injured.

If he is able to walk and get around well then you likely won't need a wheelchair. One thing about FCE is that the symptoms don't tend to get worse over time. So, it sounds to me like he won't need a wheelchair.

I used to tell folks that a dog could never recover from FCE, but I have heard MANY stories of dogs making a full or partial recovery, so it is still possible that things will improve for him. The important thing to know is that dogs with FCE usually aren't painful.

Thanks for asking about my book! I am still collecting stories, so I would love to have your little man's story. You can email it to me at info@askavetquestion.com. If you have pictures of Stuart that would be wonderful as well.

Thank you for taking such good care of Stuart. I'm looking forward to reading his story!

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Dr. Marie,
Thank you so much for your reply and information. We are glad to hear that he won't be worse and there is a possibility he will improve. We'll be ordering the booties for his foot now. We will email you our favorite photo of Stuart and his story.

Thank you again for being there and helping us!

Bob and Debral


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.