December Pet of the Month -Webster ("Webby")

Back in April of this year Webby, a 5 year old Staffordshire Terrier, was paralyzed in the rear legs and unable to move or feel his back legs or tail. He suffered from fibrorocartilaginous embolism (FCE), or a blockage in a blood vessel in the spinal cord. When such a blockage occurs, an area of the spinal cord dies. Webby's owner, Alex, was told that her dog might never walk again.

Through the generous help of family and friends nearly $4,000 was raised for Webby's treatment. Webby's treatment began with physical therapy. Here is a photo from May 2nd of the start of his PT. Although he was unable to move his legs he was in good spirits!

Physcial Therapy

By May 5th Webby's tail was moving. On May 7th he got a wheelchair, but was already moving his hips - a good sign. He also started going to Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital for Aquatherapy sessions and laser treatments.

Webby came to see Dr. David Lindsay here at Alternative Veterinary Services to begin acupuncture treatments and Nutrition Response Testing. He had a new diet and was now taking supplements and Chinese herbs. Alex cooks all of Webby's food so he eats nothing processed. She also decided to stop medicating with Gabapentin and Pretnizone, as she felt it was "keeping him down".

Alex's update on Facebook at the end of May read:

"One month after Webby’s paralysis we have some movements goin on.. he wags his tail, can flip himself and move around, he has reflexes and can feel deep pain, he even propped one leg up in perfect form sitting in the car. A month ago the vets were saying this is impossible... but with physical therapy and acupuncture we’re on the road to hopefully a full recovery...

Webby is also on a strict whole food, grass fed meat diet. He also takes supplements and herbs that are for sure helping him, even tho he fights me everyday taking them...

We got his wheelchair in. It was weird for him at first but i think he’s getting the hang of it. We walked a whole mile yesterday and he enjoyed every second of it...

Webby for the win!"

Within 6 weeks Webster was walking again! Today, a little more than half a year later, he continues to walk- even along the beach! :)

Webster Walks!

Here at AVS we love our success stories, our amazing pet guardians and their supportive communities. We look forward to sharing more stories in the New Year!

Photographs Courtesy of Alex Schulte via her Facebook Page, with Permission.

#Pets #Dogs #AlternativeMedicine #Acupuncture #NutritionResponseTesting