February, 2021;  Sophie is now doing her Physical Therapy on a monthly basis.  She is doing well with this.  She continues to do the Water treadmill in addition to various other exercises.

August, 2020;  Sophie continues with her Physical Therapy on a weekly basis in addition to her home therapy that her foster mom and dad provide.  She recently went in the motor home with her 3 brothers.  She enjoyed the travel and the break from her normal routine.

December 18, 2019:  It was recommended that Sophie continue with her Physical Therapy for at least 10 more visits to maintain the stability in her hind legs.

November 27. 2019:  Sophie was seen in Physical Therapy on November 27^th and did very well.  She will begin to have her PT treatments every two weeks and she is to continue with her exercises at home.  If the condition declines, it may be necessary to do a fourth MRI to determine what the next steps should be. 

October 22, 2019;  Sophie was reevaluated by the Neurologist.  Her findings were that she does not appear to be in any pain.  Because her neurologic condition has not drastically deteriorated and she is not painful her condition will continue to be managed supportively.  She will continue on PT but on a weekly basis for one month.  If she remains static or deteriorates a fourth MRI may be considered.

September 21, 2019:  Sophie was scheduled to have her Physical Therapy this week.  The technician observed am increased weakness in one of her hind legs.  She asked the Physical Therapy Physician to look at her.  I was decided not to do her PT this week and see how she is in about a week.  If there is no improvement it was recommended she be referred back to the Neurologist for an evaluation.

March 4, 2019:  Sophie had a third MRI and CT scan to determine why the weakness in her back legs has come back.  The tests revealed there is a new inoperable lesion on her spine.  She began physical therapy which will not improve the condition but will help to defer any further issues..  Unfortunately, some of the symptoms that were present prior to her spinal surgery have begun to reoccur.  An MRI revealed that although the surgery was a success. There are times when scar tissue results in the condition reoccurring. 

Update February 28, 2018: 
Sophie was seen again by the Neurologist.  There is nothing that can be done for the weakness in the hind legs.  This can happen even after the corrective surgery.

Update February 21, 2018:  Sophie was again seen by the Neurologist.  The Radiologist had not yet read the MRI.  She has been on Prednisone for a week and has not shown improvement.  She will be seen again on 2/28/18.

Update February 14, 2018:  Sophie has begun to show some weakness in her hind end again. She saw the Neurologist  after which she had several tests done including another MRI. The MRI has been sent to the Radiologist for his interpretation. After the Radiologist reports his findings a course of treatment will be determined.

Update 8/3/17:  Sophie saw Dr. Wolf, her Neurologist.  He has discharged her from further treatment or Physical Therapy.  He will not release her for adoption for another 3 months to be certain there are no issues that arise.

Update 7/20/17:  Sophie had her teeth cleaned and 3 extractions.  Since her initial evaluation in April, she has passed several small stones that appeared on her X-rays.  She will be seen on August 3rd by her Neurosurgeon to determine if she needs more Physical Therapy or is discharged from his care.

Update 6/21/17;  Sophie continues to make good progress in her Physical Therapy.  Her treatments have been changed to every other week.  The therapist indicated her progress was that of a dog that was 8 weeks post surgery.

Update 5/24/17:  Sophie was seen by Dr. Wolf for her recheck appointment and also met with the Physical Therapy doctor.  She was given new exercises to be done at home and will be seen weekly for Physical Therapy including water treadmill.

Update 5/6/17:  Sophie is doing very well.  Today she walked outside wihout a sling to help her walk, has had her IV removed and only on oral pain medications.  The Neurologists are very pleased with her progress.

Update 5/5/17:  Sophie's surgery went well.  She is recovering comfortably and has taken a couple of steps.  The doctors feel the surgery went well.  Her back legs appear to be strong.  She will remain in the hospital until at least Monday after which she will got o her foster home for care and exercises.

Sophie was an owner surrendered on May 4, 2017 because the family was unable to afford the care that was needed.   She is 7 years old, potty trained, up to date on her Rabies, DHLLP, Bordetella, heart worm, fecal and blood tests completed.  She was seen and examined by the Neurologist, an MRI was performed as well as a Spinal tap. Sophie suffers from a cyst on her spinal cord that is filled with fluid.  This has affected her ability to have full use of her hind legs.  The cyst is filled with fluid pressing on the spinal column.  This causes compression of the spinal cord resulting in weakness and at times fecal incontinence.   He has recommended surgery to correct the issue.  It is a 3.5 - 4.5 hour surgery involving pins and gluing of the spine will be used in this procedure.  The prognosis is guarded, but the doctor feels there is a good chance .at least part of her problem can be resolved.  Her surgery was scheduled for May 4th and there will be a 3-5 day hospitalization after the surgery.  Once she is brought home to her foster family she will be on an exercise routing and will enter a  weekly physical therapy program.