Francesca was Diagnosed at Animal Specialty Center
If you follow me on Twitter, or if you read The Daily Wag, you may have heard that Francesca, one of my two French Bulldogs, has been confined to a crate while a bulging disc in her neck is allowed to heal. Quite suddenly, Francesca appeared to be having seizures and at first, my veterinarian thought she was suffering from epilepsy or even a brain tumor. My vet sent us to Dr. Richard Joseph, one of the co-founders of Animal Specialty Center, located in Yonkers, New York. Dr. Joseph is medical director, a staff neurologist, and veterinary acupuncturist. After examining Francesca and noticing that she was carrying her head low, he was quite certain that the problem was in her neck, which an MRI confirmed. He explained that between each pair of vertebrae there is an intervertebral disc, which he likened to a jelly donut. The outer ring is the cake part, which is filled with a thick, shock-absorbing material, the jelly. If that jelly dries up, it loses its ability to absorb and the calcified material can start to bulge into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord. That pressure on the spinal cord was causing great pain and Francesca would fall over with spasms, which we thought were seizures. Dr. Joseph feels that Francesca can make a full recovery, if she remains confined in a crate for a total of thirty days.
Animal Specialty Center is an amazing place, built in 2007. It is a comprehensive, purpose-built, specialty veterinary center that provides clients, veterinarians, and specialists with the most innovative diagnostic tools and advanced treatments available. It is truly cutting edge!
1 We brought Francesca here to the Animal Specialty Center located in Yonkers, New York.
2 This is Dr. Richard Joseph, the medical director, staff neurologist, and veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Specialty Center. He took one look at Francesca and determined that she had a bulging neck disc.
3 Dr. Joseph has seen many cases like Francesca's. This is an MRI of a 10-year-old Rhodesian with a degenerative neck disc.
4 A cross section shows how the spine is being compressed.
5 On this picture of another dog, the arrow is pointing to a similar bulging disc, which is compressing the spinal cord, causing great pain.
6 Again, a cross section reveals just how much trauma there is.
7 Francesca's MRI slides are on the bottom of the screen. They appear very similar to the dog's above.
8 A bulging disc is a form of degenerative intervertebral disk disease. The bulging and related symptoms usually build up over time and eventually worsen because of the pressure on the spinal cord.
9 A closer look at Francesca's problem area. Dr. Joseph pointed out that there are other lesser bulges along Francesca's spine.
10 Those other areas may or may not develop into full-blown issues.
11 Dr. Joseph brought out the dog skeleton for a more tangible explanation.
12 He's pointing to C2, the second vertebra, which is where Francesca is bulging.
13 His treatment for this is anti-inflamatory medicine, pain pills, and rest, which is the most important practice.
14 He is a firm believer in first, doing no harm. He explores and tries a natural healing process before jumping into surgery.
15 Dr. Joseph has performed acupuncture for more 20 years, primarily on patients with epilepsy and pain-related disorders, such as arthritis and intervertebral disc disease. He sees great results with acupuncture.
16 Here he is showing an acupuncture needle and a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit, which sends soothing pulses through electrodes during the acupuncture process.
17 This state-of-the-art center is open for emergencies 24 hours and no appointment is needed.
18 This is one of three operating rooms in this busy facility.
19 They see and treat all sorts of trauma patients.
20 Pet owners are provided with comfortable waiting areas during times of crisis.
21 This is the recovery area where patients are closely monitored.
22 There is a rehabilitation room, where patients are exercised back to health. Linda McMahon is the Director of Rehabilitation. Many pets recovering from surgery, injury, or other trauma benefit significantly from a specialized rehabilitation program.
23 The rehab room is equipped with two underwater treadmills. Water provides resistance while its buoyancy reduces gravity and joint pain. Warm water assists in pain reduction and increases blood flow.
24 This is a Fluoroscope, a type of X-ray machine that combines an X-ray source and a fluorescent screen to enable direct observation of an organ while it is functioning.
25 The chemotherapy room
26 This is an Aquilion 16 CT Scanner. During a CT exam, a patient lies on the table and is slowly moved into the large donut-shaped opening of the scanner, where X-ray beams create hundreds of cross sectional pictures of the patient's body.
27 Dr. Joseph is extremely proud of having this cutting-edge piece of equipment, a CyberKnife® Radiosurgery System for pets with cancer.
28 This is one of the very few veterinary facilities in the world that utilizes the CyberKnife®. This system uses a high-tech, image-guided and computerized robotic control system to deliver radiation with unprecedented sub-millimeter accuracy with fewer treatments and side effects for your pet.
29 The Center offers ultrasound (sonogram) examinations as a non-invasive procedure to evaluate internal organs. Ultrasound can be used to examine the abdominal organs, reproductive organs, eyes and heart.
30 The Center uses a mobile MRI, which is entered from inside the building. If the MRI needs maintenance or replacement, it's a much easier fix than having a unit installed inside the facility.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha,
I'm so glad to hear Franny can be healed in such a short time. I'm also delighted that you gave us a tour of the hospital that treated her and what a first class facility. Thanks to the skills of Dr. Richard Joseph he knew exactly what her problem was. Here's to wishing her a speedty recovery! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 28th, 2013 at 1:37 am
Hi, there, Martha,
Poor puppy dog! Sounds like she's been miserable, but there's hope for a good recovery. You might also include a Reiki Master who specializes in animals to help in her healing. Some vets work with them, too.
Posted by: Bobbie | January 28th, 2013 at 3:07 am
What great photos of animal specialty work and all the best wishes for Francesca. Katie will interview for position with veterinary pharmaceutical company Tuesday at Stock Show. Will be a fun meet-up with family from area at Hilton. Katie has studied animal husbandry and has a start of her own herd as well even as she seeks to broaden her life at this time. Our lives are blessed with nieces such as Sophie and Katie.
Posted by: ann | January 28th, 2013 at 5:18 am
What an impressive place! With this kind of know-how, Francesca surely is on the right track to recovery.
Angela
Posted by: Angela | January 28th, 2013 at 5:20 am
So glad you got this diagnosed and she will be on the road to recovery! I am sure your relieved! It made me heartsick to hear she was in pain.
Posted by: Brian Kasstle | January 28th, 2013 at 6:16 am
Martha, I'm so glad to hear Francesca has been correctly diagnosed, because that is half the battle, and on her way to a full recovery. Although it's for her own good, I'm sure she doesn't like being crated for so long. She's used to having the run of the farm!
I hope Sharkey hasn't been too worried about his buddy Franny. Hugs to both of them and thank you for introducing us to Dr. Joseph and the wonderful Animal Specialty Center.
Posted by: Cindy F | January 28th, 2013 at 7:15 am
There are specific foods and herbs that can also repair or assist with any nerve damage. It would appear that her muscles will need improving so a great selection of herbs and vegetables will also help with any muscle weakness. Always think outside the circle. Eg: Bioflavonoids will correct most of this pain and nerve damage in humans. Also please read up on Juliette of Herbs as she was a master on herbs when it involved animals. Good Luck Francesca and I hope you go that extra step Martha to look into the benefits of herbs on animals. I can only imagine Francesca thinks she's done something wrong to be in a crate!
Posted by: Corenna Brougham | January 28th, 2013 at 7:17 am
Hi Martha,
I love Animal Specialty Center! My veterinarian sent us there when my cat Jackson was having trouble standing and kept falling over... and just out of the blue it started happening. We of course thought it was something terrible, something neurological, but after an MRI and realizing that Jackson was dizzy and that's why he couldn't keep his balance, Dr. Joseph put him on a blast of two antiobiotics and anti nauseau medicine and watched him closely for three days while his system got back on track. It did cost us an arm and a leg but you know, pets are family, so you go the distance, or at least we do, and we were able to work out a payment plan with ASC who were so easy and delightful to work with. Knowing now about ASC, gives us peace of mind, just knowing such a special place exists.
I'm so glad Francesca is on the mend. And the days are counting down when she will be able to not be caged. Yay!!
Have a great Monday Martha! I'm going to give my cats great big hugs now.
xo
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Gordon-Miller | January 28th, 2013 at 8:03 am
I wonder with such great cutting edge technology attracting many patients if Dr.Joseph not only learns about healing animals but also humans. It would be interesting to know if he has those kinds of observations to share with collagues helping humans. I bet that he does. I have that kind of bulging disc in my lower back. I swim everyday. I wonder Martha if eventually water therapy would be good for Francesca. After all you are considering a new pool in Bedford. I think that I remember you showing usin one issues of the blog, the spot where you are considering construction. My best summer workouts happen at my neighbor's outdoor pool with his dog..a golden retriever who can really swim. Great for my heart rate and just watching how they swim..just incredible really! The stronger my injury becomes on a weakly basis..the more walking and swimming and water work that I do along with good food choices, the more I am amazed at biology. Keeping the mantra that caring for our health is number one is a good constant humbling reminder that our health and happiness is up to us.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | January 28th, 2013 at 8:03 am
My girl, Ruby, is a regular on The Daily Wag, and we were sooooo worried about little Francesca. We are praying and keeping our paws crossed that she will have a speedy recovery and stay well. That disc problem sounds like it will be an ongoing thing. Our love and prayers to the entire family and thanks to the Animal Speciality Center and their doctors and staff. GET WELL SOON FRANNY. Ruby and I miss you.
Posted by: Lynn Wallace | January 28th, 2013 at 9:05 am
Wow, that's a fancy place!
your pal,
Rebel, the chihuahua
Posted by: Rebel | January 28th, 2013 at 9:10 am
Martha,
I'm sorry to hear about Francesca and the pain she's going through. You took her to the best facility (very impressive with it's equipment), so she will get the very best of care. Speedy recovery, Francesca. All the best to you!
Posted by: Judy | January 28th, 2013 at 9:23 am
Hi Martha, wishing Francesca a fast recovery xo
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 28th, 2013 at 9:25 am
Hi Martha, OMG! I can't thank you enough for sharing this important information with us about Francesca going to the Animal Specialty Center to be taken care of so well! Being an animal lover myself, I care very much about Francesca and all of your animals and how unusual that Francesca has been confined to that crate for exactly 30 days to get that bulging disc to heal! I was able to see your tweets about her and have been praying everyday for her to get better! Thank God The Daily Wag has been able to show photos of her again and she does look pretty good so far! I love seeing the website of The Animal Specialty Center and will view it thoroughly later! The information and photos you shared with us today are superior and I certainly wish we had a similar center where I live! Back in 2005, I had a beautiful dachshund named Cricket that I saved from my sister-in law who was going to put her to sleep because she ate too much. I had her examined by my vet and she had Canine Cushings disease and later, she had a bad disc problem on her back and eventually was unable to use her back legs. I sure wish I had the Animal Specialty Center back then and they could have saved her life because they care much more that regular vets with all of the facilities they have! I was going to go to a special place to have you sign your Baking Handbook, but Cricket died the night before and I couldn't go anywhere because I was too upset and would have cried about my loss. Please hug Francesca, Sharkey, and GK for me, I love them as much as I love Dudley Do Right! My prayers continue! Hope you have a great day and stay warm! Love to you and your animals, Jan the Animallover
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 28th, 2013 at 9:31 am
Hi Martha,
That is definitely a cutting edge place and you have impressed me with Dr. Joseph's techniques and knowledge. I love that he believes in first doing no harm. I feel so bad for little Franny - nerve pain is the worse. My sister has it and of course the first thing anyone mentions is an operation. It would be wonderful to have a 'Dr. Joseph' down here, but one that took care of humans. We weren't very pleased with our vet when the first thing he wanted to do for my son's dog's cancer was operate especially when he could tell she was in an advanced stage. I check out the Daily Wag from time to time and saw some pictures of Francesca out of her cage to exercise and Sharkey was in the cage so the two of them wouldn't play. You always take the best care of your animals and in my opinion, there's no finer people than animal lovers. Thanks for this most informative blog. Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 28th, 2013 at 10:11 am
Praying for the best for Francesca. You are so fortunate to be able to afford to help your animals at the best. I had a Lhasa with a similar problem 25 years ago and we took her to Iowa State University they were fantastic. The Vet did not think her surgery would be successful, but it was and she went on to live another 10 years.
Posted by: Mickey M | January 28th, 2013 at 10:14 am
With this specialized care, Francesca's health will be restored soon, and she will no longer suffer such pain.
I never realized how modern our veterinary science can be today! How happy I am to know that robotic surgery is being used, too!
A few years ago, I had excellent results in my health from a robotic surgery done at my local hospital. The healing time was unbelievable, and I was feeling better than ever in a very short time!
My best wishes for Francesca's recovery, along with the hope that this type of care becomes more widespread in the near future!
Posted by: Barbara Mayer | January 28th, 2013 at 10:38 am
Get well soon, Francesca!
Posted by: susan jones | January 28th, 2013 at 11:11 am
Poor Francesca. As you are aware from my blog, we went through a similar situation with little Baxter in December 2011. His surgeon explained to us that one of the "jelly donuts" in his spine had burst and the pinched nerve was causing him paralysis in his rear legs. Heartbreaking to watch. He had surgery to repair the disc and was on cage rest for many weeks afterward. We were very happy to have found Dr. Neravanda at Dogs and Cats Veterinary Hospital in Bowie, MD. He eventually made a full recovery. We try to keep jumping to a minimum these days to avoid another incident. Please let us know how Francesca is making out over the coming weeks.
Posted by: John Newman | January 28th, 2013 at 11:17 am
I am so glad that Francesca is getting the care she needs to get well. Veterinary specialists are a blessing. Years ago, my cat Ralph was diagnosed with diabetes. I was taught how to give him insulin and for 5 1/2 years, I gave Ralph an insulin injection every morning. Another of my cats, Tippy, was diagnosed with cancer in one of his ear glands. He went through radiation and did very well. The veterinary specialists were extremely skilled and all the techs were so kind and caring. They do good and meaningful work. I am glad Franny is being cared for so well.
Posted by: Cindy M | January 28th, 2013 at 11:25 am
Sending prayers and the best wishes for Francesca. So wonderful that there are facilities like this that can provide such specialized services. I know she's in wonderful care.
Posted by: Sonya | January 28th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Having three Frenchies and one with a spinal birth defect with our 6 year old brindle Bocce, we know all about this. We rescued him using the people at FBRN (http://www.frenchbulldogrescue.org). I highly recommend these people if you're interested in helping these lovely dogs out or adopting one for yourself.
We have taken him to the vet after getting him and they say it's a miracle he's walking, albeit with a slight limp in the rear left leg. He drags it a bit.
Do you know of any simliar facility that specializes in MRI and back issues located nearby Northern California?
Good luck to Francesca! X
Posted by: John Rutherford | January 28th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
For John Rutherford,
Thanks for commenting on my blog. Check out http://www.vcaspecialtyvets.com/main/directory to find a similar facility in your corner of the country. Good luck with your three Frenchies!
Posted by: Martha Stewart | January 28th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Hi Martha! So glad there are specialists for our pets. They are like little humans! My dog who has since passed away had to see a specialist for health issues. Those doctors are definitely angels. So glad Francesca is on the mend. It helps that she has a lot of tender loving care.
Posted by: Lisa | January 28th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
My heart goes out to little Franchesca! and my prayers for all of you. I am sure her companion and you are highly upset. You are truely blessed that you have the means by which to look into the needed medical procedures .Pet insurance while it may seeem like a frivelous investment can be such a blessing. My own Roger dodger ( the duke of Luton Lane is busy sending up prayers on Francesca's behalf {yes, he understands and does pray fervently for many of his doggy friends Roger does like Franchesca and her clothes but wishes that his mommy---me would stop dressing him up! I hope this brings a smile to your face. all our love and prayers the Diamond Diva
Posted by: Debbie Sanders | January 28th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
OMG - I used the same specialty center in Yonkers as Martha!! While all you need is her recommendation, allow me to add my voice. Dr. Joseph and his entire staff from the front desk to the vet techs to the brilliant vets.- they were simply terrific when I brought my two pugs to them. They also have a very effective physical therapist on staff, Linda McMahon. She worked with Willie after his back surgery that removed a bad disc and not only was she a delight to work with, Willie's ability to walk was improved by many degrees.
All the best Francesca - may your recovery be as painless as possible.
Posted by: Laurie | January 28th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Hi
Hope the "puppy" gets well soon.
HELP I can not get The martha Steart Show in the area of NC I live. We have Charter Cable and we could get her on the Hallmark Channel but since the end of Sept. I have not found the program on any channel. I miss the show so much. please HELP!!!!
Thanks so much
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Greenough | January 28th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
for John Rutherford-you may also want to check to see if there is a Vet School anywhere near you. We had the most wonderful experience at the Vet School at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) when my daughter's mini dachshund also experienced IVDD. They also take a conservative approach (less invasive treatments first), although our girl had reached a point of needing surgery despite bouts of crate rest and other therapies. We had twice daily phone calls from the students assigned to care for Stanzi. We were so very impressed with care she received, both with her surgery and follow-up. Incidentally, Stanzi's "primary care" vet had kindly investigated several options for us talked about where to look for the specialized care she would need. The cost for Stanzi's care at Cornell was significantly less than we would have paid at the private care vet.
Posted by: Katherine Schaffer | January 28th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
I highly recommend light therapy. I'm surprised you haven't tried it, given you have horses. I know many people have had GREAT success speeding the healing of a variety of different injuries. I also have a human friend who vastly speeded the healing of a severe shoulder injury, using light therapy. Her doctor was floored at her healing success.
Do check it out!
Posted by: Tamara | January 28th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
Does she have soothing music or videos to hear and see while being confined to her crate for all these days? Is acupuncture part of her treatment?
Posted by: Jane Miller | January 28th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Poor Francesca! My little Doxie had this exact same thing last fall. We tried crate rest but unfortunately it was not successful. A canine neurologist at a Vet Specialty Center much like this one performed her surgery and three months later she is 100% back to normal and then some! Hope the crate rest works for Francesca! These specialists do amazing work!
Posted by: Dee | January 28th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Poor dear dog. Thank goodness you figured it out fast. Now, i think that wonderful animal hospital needs a huge, generous martha style donation so other pups with parents of modest means can get the care they need. Call it the "Fran Fund."
Posted by: ellie | January 28th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Martha,
Poor, Francesca! I've never met Francesca and Sharkey, but I just love them! I wish her a very speedy and restful recovery. I'm sure her pal Sharkey will miss her terribly as well, since they are always on the go together. You are a wonderful role model for pet owners! Best wishes, and get well soon, Francesca!
Posted by: Alex | January 28th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Dear Martha,
I'm so sorry that you had such a scare. I am glad you have such a great group of doctors to help you. I have 5 Frenchies myself and am aware of their disc and breathing problems. Thinking of you...
Posted by: Molly | January 28th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Poor puppy....
Posted by: Holiday Baker Man | January 28th, 2013 at 10:31 pm
I'm with Teresa Touey . As I was reading this, I wondered if this vet could help my son get back to a normal life.
Very interesting.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | January 28th, 2013 at 10:58 pm
Dear Martha, & Francesca
So glad that Francesca is going to be well soon, just reading about her
diagnosis brought tears to my eyes! I enjoy pinning her antics, along with
Sharkey, and she does bring such joy! Many kisses to her booboo for a speedy healing!!
Posted by: @Charmdeyes | January 28th, 2013 at 11:26 pm
This hospital looks wonderful - thanks for the information and the tour. I hope Francesca gets well soon.
Posted by: Roxann Fraser | January 29th, 2013 at 12:57 am
Thank you Martha so much for sharing your story! I am very glad that Francesca was in the wonderful hands of board certified veterinary neurologist Dr. Joseph! I visited ASC last year and met with Dr. Joseph! How lucky we are to have veterinary specialists like Dr. Joseph and specialty hospitals like ASC! My little malte-poo Tinks needed the care of an internist to save his life and I found out about this option with literally only minutes to spare in his sweet little life. This greatly influenced my life and passion! I'm now a business owner and visionary in the veterinary specialty industry and am a pet owner on mission to create awareness about veterinary specialty!!! I would LOVE to phone/webcam interview you for my new blog series about how specialists have impacted our lives and the quality of our pet's lives! When are you available? Or - I will be in NYC in early May for a women's entrepreneur conference and can interview you in person! Let me know what works for you! Please check out my community awareness page at facebook.com/karenbostickawareness and I'm following you on Twitter! Yay Francesca!!
Posted by: Karen Bostick | January 29th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
I guess the “jelly doughnut” metaphor is a popular one, because our veterinarian utilized the same descriptor when explaining our dog's disk issue last year. We send Francesca many well-wishes for a quick and lasting recovery!
Posted by: J.K. Feltri-George | January 30th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
I came home from a Christmas party to find my weenie, Sister, paralyzed in the back end. I found out her disc had ruptured and late on a Saturday night, through the snow, and a river of tears, took her to the University veternary hospital for surgery. It was extremely expensive and she had to remain crated for a month. She has never been crated before and cried, so I sat with her next to me for a month, making sure she didn't jump off the couch etc. Oh what we do for our animals. She is like a child to me.
Posted by: Donna Baker | January 30th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I hope Francesca is recovering okay. Love your blog... prayers for Francesca!
Posted by: Scott | January 30th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
I also found that a chiropractor for dogs can be a great relief for spinal issues. He kept my doxie well after a back injury for many yrs, Dill passed at age 17 and was a joy to me to the last moment i looked into his beautiful brown eyes. Its been a year since he left me and I love him so still...and will miss him forever.
Posted by: plc | January 30th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
I am so happy that Francesca found a veterinarian who was able to help her with her problem. It is a common issue for animals with complex pain problems not to find someone that is knowledgeable in a wide variety of modalities and that ultimately do not get the treatment they need and deserve.
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, is a group of veterinary professionals, teachers, researchers and physical therapists that are dedicated to advancing the field of pain management in animals.It is important to find a veterinary professional that can help with issues like this. Anyone that is not local to Dr. Joseph's clinic can find someone to help by going to our organization's website, http://www.ivapm.org and clicking on the button that says search for a certified pain management professional. These people have undergone rigorous testing, education and examination in order to get their certification, and you can rest assured of finding the right veterinarian for your painful pet!
Dr. Michael Petty
Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management
President, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
Posted by: Michael C Petty, DVM | February 6th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
how she is better quickly we had a similar problem with our 15 year old maltease when they hurt it is hard to think of anything else!
Posted by: susan schaeffer | February 7th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Martha:
So sorry to hear about Franny but it seems like you found the right vet! She won't like being quiet for a month but she will be so much better in a month and back to her spunky self. Don't worry. You are doing everything you can and she appreciates it.
Posted by: Elise Jean Lancrain | February 17th, 2013 at 12:12 am
I love your Frenchies and I am happy that The Lady Francesca is getting better:)
I am sure your dogs are eating right food but i have a reminder for your readers : Fresh and natural food is the best way to make sure our dogs have a happy and healthy life!
All the best from me and Winston ( English bulldog )
Posted by: Peter | March 21st, 2013 at 12:57 am