About Sophie

Sophie was an owner surrender 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. She will remain on Medical Hold until such time as she is released medically by both the Neurologist and her regular Veterinarian. 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. 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 5/24/17: Nelly 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 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 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 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. 11/2/17: Sophie has been released by her Neurologist and regular Veterinarian and is now available for adoption. Sophie will still have restrictions with regard to climbing stairs, jumping on and off furniture, beds etc. She will remain on Tacrolimus for the remainder of her life. Sophie has begun to show some weakness in her hind end again. She saw the Neurologist on 2/14/18 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. Sophie was again seen by the Neurologist on 2/21/18. 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. Sophie was seen again by the Neurologist on 2/28. There is nothing that can be done for the weakness in the hind legs. This can happen even after the corrective surgery. If you can assist with a donation to help with her medical bills it would be appreciated. For all updates on Sophie's condition, go to michiganpugrescue.com, click on the Browse Available Pugs tab and click on Sophie's page. If you are interested in adopting any of the Pugs currently residing with Pug Luv, go to michiganpugrescue.com and click on the Adopt/Foster tab to download, print, complete and mail in an Application for Adoption to begin the adoption process.

Oakland County
Farmington, Michigan 48335