Today we share the story of Barnaby the Frenchie from Queensland, Australia. Amelie tells us about their experience dealing with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), some of the practical aspects of managing a paralyzed dog, and their recent success with acupuncture. Thanks Amelie! 

In November 2018 we woke one morning to find Barnaby not wanting to move or use his back legs, but not showing any sign of pain. We took him to our local vet who didn't seem too concerned and sent us home with painkillers.

But 24 hours later there was no improvement, so back into the vet we went again and this time it was deemed dire. They diagnosed that he had a ruptured disc and a bruised spine and surgery was needed. Surgery went smoothly and Barnaby was recovering well. We were given an 8 week window for improvement... if Barnaby didn't show any sign of regaining movement in his hind legs in that time it was highly likely he would be permanently paralyzed.

​In those 8 weeks we did physio, hydrotherapy and acupuncture. But sadly the 8 week mark came and went, and he remained what they called 'Deep pain negative'. Meaning his nerves were not getting the signal to his brain and back down to his bottom. We were extremely upset but Barnaby was his happy self and that spurred us on to research on how to adjust to this big change long term.

​Thanks to Natasha for taking the time to share her experience adopting Winston, a paralyzed French Bulldog who has survived intervertebral disc disease.

#francoisdevine