Ellie’s story – intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE)
The smallest gestures by our animal friends, like the wag of their tail, may seem insignificant, but for little Dachshund Ellie here, it signals hope for her future on four legs.
Five-year-old Ellie was admitted to our neurology service as an emergency unable to walk with grade 5 paraplegia and deep pain negative, which following a neurological examination and MRI scan, Neurologist Max Foreman diagnosed with an intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE).
Dachshund Ellie’s MRI scan showing Hansen Type 1 intervertebral disc extrusion at T12-L1. There is also an intervertebral disc protrusion at T12-13, which was not causing any problems for Ellie.
One day after her emergency spinal surgery – T12-L2 hemilaminectomy and T13-L5 fenestrations – Ellie did just that and wagged her tail! Much to the delight of her Physiotherapist Laura who carried out her post-op physiotherapy assessment and created a tailored plan for Ellie’s recovery.
Dachshund Ellie having her physiotherapy assessment, one day after intervertebral disc extrusion surgery (IVDE).
We’re pleased to share that eight weeks on from surgery, Ellie is making great progress with her recovery and currently enjoying short walks as she gradually returns to her previous exercise levels, as well as starting hydrotherapy to support her rehabilitation.
Dachshund Ellie enjoying a short walk, eight weeks after spinal surgery for IVDD.