Ben the dog and his Spinal Injury

Hi,

My name is Ben and I am a four year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross.  I live in Scotland with my mum and dad (humans) and my sister Toots (a cat).  My mum is not 100% sure what my cross breeds are but she thinks I am part Whippet and part Jack Russell, but whatever I am, I love people and cuddles and being fussed over.

Mum has decided to make my website as one bank holiday weekend in 2009 my back legs suddenly became paralysed and very quickly I lost all feeling and movement and I was rushed to The University Of Glasgow Veterinary School.

The vet said I had a massive compression of the disc in my spine and I had to have an operation to have a bit of my spine cut out (more about that later).  Mum was frantic and spent hours looking on the internet for information but it was all very complicated so I will tell you my story in this website.

Please feel free to use this website for information but also please remember that every dog is individual and every condition is individual. Always be guided by what your vet says and if for any reason you are unsure or unhappy ask for a second opinion. 

Recovery from spinal injury is far more common than people believe but unfortunately there are cases where the damage is too great and it would be unfair to your dog to allow them a poor quality of life based on the fact you "hope" they will get better.

My mum said lots of times on the Monday I was rushed to hospital that it was "better a day too early than a day too late" - what she meant was that she did not want me to suffer to needlessly.  But she was guided by the experts, the vets, who have seen many dogs like me, and worse than me.  They said I was a young, fit dog with good muscle tone who had a chance.  I am glad she listened to them

OK, thats the sad thoughts over with, always be guided by your vet, be encouraged by my story and that of others who have recovered from spinal injury.  Have faith in your dog's surgeon and offer your dog love and support.

Use the links at the top of the page, under the cartoon dogs, or in the mini menu on the right of this page to find your way around and click on the title "Ben the dog and his Spinal Injury" to bring you back to this page if you get stuck

Please enjoy reading my story

Tag words, mum said I had to put loads of words on my front page to help other dogs she says people search for words and that a computer searches the front page so here goes and sorry if it is off putting but if I can help one other dog or owner then it's worth it :- 

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