On July 15, 2025, Buddy was examined by his regular veterinarian in North Carolina after developing back pain. His owners reported that he would yelp when picked up, occasionally cry out while walking, and had stopped jumping. He also had a previous history of back pain.
Examination revealed sensitivity at the thoracolumbar junction, and Buddy was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Conservative treatment was initiated with strict rest, gabapentin, and carprofen.
Three days later, on July 18, Buddy suddenly cried out and became paralyzed in his rear limbs while walking from the kitchen to the living room. Neurologic examination revealed loss of superficial pain but preservation of deep pain sensation. Surgical referral for MRI and spinal decompression was recommended. Because of financial constraints, surgery was declined. Euthanasia was discussed but declined by the owners, who instead elected to pursue conservative treatment.
Initial Evaluation at Cooke Vet
Buddy presented to Cooke Vet on July 22, 2025.
At presentation, he had been paralyzed for four days. His owners reported ongoing pain, excessive panting and drooling, diarrhea, and one episode of vomiting. Despite paralysis, Buddy maintained awareness of urination and defecation.
Neurologic examination localized the lesion to approximately T10–T11. Deep pain sensation remained intact. He was diagnosed with Grade 4 IVDD.
Treatment focused on three immediate goals:
- Pain management
- Resolution of gastrointestinal signs
- Neurologic stimulation
Electroacupuncture was initiated using both pain-modulating and neurologic recovery frequencies. Aqua-acupuncture using Vitamin B12 was performed at multiple acupuncture points. Supportive medications were prescribed for vomiting and diarrhea, while existing pain medications were continued.
Because of the gastrointestinal upset, herbal therapies were intentionally delayed until the digestive tract stabilized.
Early Response
Buddy returned on July 25 for his second electroacupuncture treatment.
His owners reported that pain had improved significantly and he appeared more like himself. Vomiting had resolved and diarrhea was improving. Increased activity had even resulted in him falling off a bed, something that would have been impossible only days earlier.
At this stage, neurologic function remained severely impaired, but his overall comfort and demeanor were markedly improved.
Introduction of Herbal Therapy
With gastrointestinal signs resolved, herbal therapy was introduced.
Double P was added to support paralysis and neurologic recovery, while Bu Yang Huan Wu was prescribed to address weakness, circulation, and neurologic function.
Electroacupuncture and aqua-acupuncture treatments continued while Buddy’s owners remained committed to rehabilitation at home.
Continued Improvement
During August, Buddy demonstrated gradual but consistent gains.
By August 1, he could briefly support his own weight for approximately ten seconds. Rehabilitation exercises including balance challenges, bicycle movements, and assisted standing were added to his treatment plan.
By August 14, Buddy could stand for twenty to thirty seconds at a time. He had regained the ability to scratch his ear with a rear limb and was beginning to posture more normally for elimination.
Throughout this period, electroacupuncture sessions were adjusted according to his neurologic status and response to treatment.
September Progress
By September 1, Buddy had progressed to pulling himself upright and taking several independent steps.
His owners reported that he was behaving more like his former self and becoming increasingly active. Neurologic examinations demonstrated improving sensation and strength, particularly in the left rear limb.
Physical therapy, walking exercises, massage therapy, and continued weight loss efforts remained important components of his recovery plan.
Recovery Plateau
Despite ongoing gains, progress slowed by early October.
Buddy could stand independently and take a few steps on grass and carpet, but neurologic improvement was not progressing as quickly as expected. Conscious proprioception remained absent in the rear limbs, and weakness persisted.
At this stage, prednisone was added to address ongoing spinal cord inflammation.
Significant Improvement Following Prednisone
The response was substantial.
By late October, Buddy’s owners reported that he could stand to eat, walk independently for longer periods, and pull himself upright more easily. Most notably, proprioception had returned. Neurologic examination confirmed that Buddy once again knew where his rear feet were positioned and could place them appropriately.
At this point, he had lost nearly eight pounds since the beginning of treatment.
Transition to Ambulatory Status
During November, Buddy progressed from a Grade 4 patient to a functional Grade 2 patient.
He could stand and walk independently, although some wobbliness and coordination deficits remained. Pain was well controlled, and weakness became the primary remaining concern.
Electroacupuncture, herbal therapy, and rehabilitation continued while prednisone was gradually reduced.
Near Full Recovery
By December, Buddy had reached his ideal body weight of approximately fifteen pounds.
He was using ramps independently, walking throughout the yard, and maintaining normal bathroom habits without assistance. Neurologically, only mild deficits remained.
Prednisone was successfully discontinued while herbal therapy was adjusted to reflect his improved condition.
Long-Term Outcome
By January 2026, Buddy was running, climbing stairs, and functioning at a level that would have been difficult to imagine when he first presented.
At his final documented follow-up on February 26, 2026, he was running without collapsing, appeared comfortable, and maintained excellent mobility.
Only mild residual weakness remained.
Lessons from Buddy’s Case
Several factors likely contributed to Buddy’s successful outcome:
- Preservation of deep pain sensation following injury
- Consistent electroacupuncture treatment
- Strategic use of herbal therapy
- Appropriate introduction of prednisone when progress plateaued
- Dedicated home rehabilitation
- Significant weight loss
- Exceptional owner compliance
Buddy’s case demonstrates how a carefully managed, multimodal treatment plan can help some severe IVDD patients regain meaningful function, even when surgery is not pursued.
