update on Isabel's spine issues

[Sarah and CC]

I vistied the site today and I noticed I've been gone a while so I wanted to update you all on Isabel's issues. Originally, Isabel's vet diagnosed her with spina bifida. We took her in after her trainer noticed a slight oddity with her gait and stride. Our vet is somewhat of a frenchie expert and a really nice man, so he didn't do any x-rays or anything (to save us the cost), but he told us he was 85% sure this is what it was, based on his 30+ years of raising and taking care of french bulldogs. We began educating ourselves immediately and after sharing our story, and getting so much feedback and help from sites like this one, we decided we'd brave whatever storm came our little Izze's way. We picked her out, placed her in our home, and in doing so, formed an unspoken pact that we would always love and take care of her. She is ours, and we are hers, forever and no matter what.

With that decision made, we decided to take her to a neurologist to find out the extent of the damage, and just learn as much as we could about her affliction. It was there we learned that Isabel does not actually have spina bifida, but a T3-L3 myleopathy, with a congenital vertebral malformation of T7. Basically, she was born with a malformed vertebrae, commonly called hemivertebrae, and it's affecting her thoracic (or middle) back. She only has one misshapen vertebrae and its' a very common diagnosis in this breed, but her's is unfortunately in a place that can cause weakness in her back legs (which she exhibits now), and can ultimately cause a lot of pressure on her spine causing paralysis, trouble breathing, and things like kyphosis and scoliosis.

Not pretty. Understandably, we were devestated. Just when we were getting comfortable with the diagnosis of spina bifida, we were dealt a new blow. Our beautiful little puppy, who blesses every one of our days with some new form of happiness, was staring at the possibilty of having her precious life cut short. It seemed (and still does seem) so unfair. After several days of sadness and fear and frustration and anger, we realized once again that there is a silver lining in every experience. Isabel is happy as a clam right now. She can run and play and roll around and frolic RIGHT NOW. She looks at us with the same love and devotion and curiosity that we do her RIGHT NOW. She is in no pain, and she could live on for years and years and not have this affect her. And for us, RIGHT NOW, that's all that matters.

So, thank you all for your kind words. Your posts and comments and anecdotes can move mountains and offer a lot of peace to someone who is new to all the love and fear and responsibilty that comes with owning a dog. I look forward to sharing with you tidbits of our beloved Isabel's life and adventures as much as I look forward to hearing about all of your wonderful pets.

[Molly]

Hi there! I read your post about Isabel and I decided to sign up and send a comment. One of my frenchies was diagnosed with a mild case of spina bifida by a neurologist I took her to see. He recommended I try doing certified veterinary physical therapy with her to help her to build up and use the muscles she was having difficulty with. He referred me to a physical therapist closer to my home and we have been for 2 sessions and are doing exercises at home from the physical therapist. I must say that I can definitely see a difference in her when I am faithful in doing her exercises. I know it's a great aid in dogs that have undergone spinal surgery,acl surgery and hip issues. I had my acl repaired and underwent physical therapy and it helped me immensely so there's no reason it can't be advantageous to our pets as well. Not only does it help with many issues but it's a great extra bonding aid as well. The exercises are easy and treats and praise are always on hand as we are doing her exercises together. I think sometimes my other 4 dogs are jealous. I figured physical therapy is non-invasive and can't hurt her so I thought we would give it a try- Anything to prolong a doggie cart. The exercises can be tailored as the pet gets older and may have different issues. I know you said she was actually diagnosed with a hemivertebrae but I cant help to feel like it may help some if you are willing to take the time. Also, in conjunction with physical therapy, accupuncture may also help with any inflammation and pressure on the spinal cord. Anyway, you may ask your neurologist about the physical therapy. The neurologist I took Flower to has done many studies on physical therapy and the benefits that come from the exercises. If you have any questions or comments let me know. Good luck with your little Isabel!!!!

[ittybittybullies]

Hi Sarah, I feel your pain and I want you to know that even though words don't do much, your frenchie will live happy till it is time. The one thing that I have learned about the french Bulldog is that they live to keep us happy and emotionally stable. Strange but true, no matter what ails them, they will always be happy go lucky frenchies till the end. i have had lost two of them already and it was so damn difficult to say goodbye but they fear nothing, not even knowing that they are dying or ill. If they see you happy they are happy if they see you sad they try to bring a smile to your face or they will cuddle with you to make you feel better and trust me it works. frenchies were bred for one purpose. To keep us company. They live for it. I lost my little red girl Sunny to cancer and she was full of zest till the last day. She did not care that she was ill, she just wanted to please us till it was all over. She was a little soldier. I miss her, as much as I miss my little boy Niko. He was the love of my heart. The little grouch. I still think of him often. His birthday was on September 27th, I miss him. But anyway my whole point is let them live happy and healthy, love them and they will return that love tenfold.
My little girl Gabby is all I have left now. She is going on 10 next month. She has been showing signs of weakness in her hind legs, When she walks a bit her legs start to shake uncontrollably at the rear. Like she is freezing or something like that. The wife and I bought her a Pet Stroller, for when she gets tired from walking we pick her up and push her around. lol hehehehe funny I know but we love our frenchies and so we treat them as our children and take care of them and love them. I know it must be signs of what you are talking about. There is no other explanation for me. I know the breed and I know what happens to some as they get older. Life is so short with these frenchies, but I would not have any other dog if given a choice. they are an amazing little breed. I know all dogs are special and I love them all, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the frenchies. I hope your baby is doing well and stays that way. Healthy, happy, playful and full of piss and vinegar. lol I hope you do keep us posted on how your baby is doing as time goes by.
Erick

[karin hamlin]

you have a wonderful outlook. and there certainly is something to be said about the power of positive thinking.
i know nothing about what issues isabel has but we all learn alot when our babies have problems. just get as informed as you can and do your best to keep her happy and comfortable and you will never have any regrets! i am sure keeping her at an ideal weight and in good physical condition can only help her strength. you are a great dog mom! keep up the good work!