This is the story of me and my human mother. I am a loving, 10-year-old Bichon Frise. I am white in color as all Bichons are. We are descendants of water dogs and poodles.
I presented to my human mother with right paw raised, in a flexed position. I do not know why but I could not walk on it. My mother thought it was broken and took me to the veterinarian hospital. Leg x-rays showed no breaks. The neck x-ray was questionable as it showed some constriction.
A few days passed and I was able to walk on three legs but then something else happened. My right rear paw was becoming useless. I only had my left paws to walk with and I could not. I could not stand and was falling over. My veterinarian was away so my mother took me to Tufts Emergency Clinic in Massachusetts. (Tufts is one of the premier veterinary hospitals in the country).
I had an MRI of my neck which showed a cervical disc herniation that was compressing my spinal nerve column. I had cervical neck surgery that very day as the paralysis was spreading. I was put on an intravenous infusion and medication to decrease pain and swelling of the spine. Three days later I was able to go home. I had to be crated 24/7. My appetite was terrible, so mother fed me beef baby food and scrambled eggs. Mother carried me about so I would not slip on the uncarpeted floors or do stairs.
Here I am three weeks later and I can walk! My right front paw is not quite normal. I keep it in a partially bent position but it is somewhat usable.
I have a fenced in grass back yard so mother takes me out twice a day for 30-minute breaks or out to relieve myself.
Well—what was outside my fence today but a female deer. Mother decided to take me for my break in the front yard so I would not bark at the deer. I was becoming spunky! Mother put me down and I took off at an awkward run on my unreliable paws. So, there’s mother running down the street in her PJs. Mother called my name but I would not stop. (Bichon Frises are known to be disobedient). She did catch me as I did not go all that far.
My body is mending. I will likely not be 100 percent, more like 80-90 percent of my old self. I am very lucky to eat, walk, run and play almost like a normal dog.
Needless to say, I am loved very much by my human mother. I too, love her to bits.