When Lucy first came into care, we noticed that her mobility was a bit unsteady and that her fine motor skills weren’t quite right. To find out what was going on, we scheduled an MRI and spinal tap to get a better idea of the cause behind Lucy’s coordination issues.
The MRI showed some brighter-than-normal areas in her brain, suggesting possible inflammation (encephalitis). Scans of her neck and spine confirmed it – there was significant inflammation (meningomyelitis).
Lucy’s spinal tap results then confirmed the suspicion of meningoencephalitis. Thankfully, there were no cancerous cells or infectious organisms present, so she’s been diagnosed with an auto-immune form of meningitis/encephalitis called MUE (meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology). This means Lucy’s immune system mistakenly attacks parts of her brain, neck, and spinal cord, causing inflammation where there shouldn’t be any.
The good news: this condition is treatable, and many dogs with MUE live full, happy lives! Treatment is typically long-term (sometimes lifelong), but most dogs respond very well to a combination of steroid medication and anti-inflammatory injections that help calm the immune system.
Even better, Lucy is already showing improvement! Her foster parents have noticed she’s stronger, steadier, and has more endurance, all wonderful signs that her treatment is working. ❤️
Over the next six months, the goal is to gradually reduce her steroid dose or get her to the lowest effective level. While the hope is to decrease the frequency of injections, she may need ongoing treatment for life, as her condition isn’t curable.
We are so thankful to have a plan in place that allows Lucy to continue to thrive. Her foster family has been incredible – keeping her active with gentle exercise, including private hydrotherapy sessions now that beach season is over.
She’s also got the perfect mentor – her foster brother Frodo, a BTRC alum who has neurological challenges of his own and knows just how to cheer her on. Along with their two other canine housemates, they make the most of every play session! A favourite is a massive ball chase in the dog run…four dogs + four balls = lots of fun!
Lucy – you are one brave girl, and we are so proud of you.
Lucy is being fostered in Edmonton, AB and is not yet ready for adoption.
When BTRC foster Lucy’s mom made this video, we knew it had to be shared with Lucy’s fans!<//p>
Lucy is adorable, snuggly and full of energy – especially when her look-a-like foster brother, Frodo, is in tow. These two are matched in fur, friendship and fun!
When we introduced Lucy, we noted she was a bit wobbly on her feet, so we have her scheduled to see a neurologist soon, with hopes to get some insight into her mobility issues. In the meantime, her incredible foster parents, who have experience caring for dogs with special needs, sprang into action when they noticed her paws dragging and scraping during walks. They purchased her 10 (yes, 10) different boots so Lucy could find the perfect fit – Cinderella style!
After testing each pair (and a quick consultation with her foster pal Mya in Ontario), Lucy chose a pair of pink boots – apparently, Mya said the option of blue was not up for discussion. So, her parents bought her a matching harness, and she now trots in comfort AND style.
With love, patience, commitment (and some cute boots), Lucy's story with BTRC is still quite new, but it’s already a heartwarming one. ❤️
Lucy is being fostered in Edmonton, AB, and is not yet ready for adoption.
A big, warm welcome to Little Miss Lucy!
This adorable two-year-old girl is already stealing hearts in her foster home. She was surrendered to BTRC because her owner was unable to give her the specialized medical care she needed. And while we aren’t exactly sure what those needs are just yet, we know Lucy is a little wobbly on her feet.
Lucy will be seeing a vet soon; she has also gone into heat, so her spay surgery will be delayed. She doesn’t mind, though, because her purple underwear has made quite the fashion statement – so much so that her foster brother, BTRC alum, Frodo, has asked his mom if he can have a pair!
We’re eager to find out more about Lucy and know you are too! We will share an update soon.
Lucy is being fostered in Edmonton, AB, and is not yet ready for adoption.
