When Maizey came to BTRC, all we knew about her health was that she had neurological concerns that affected her back legs and bladder. We wanted to get answers to fully understand Maizey’s needs, so we booked an ultrasound and MRI.
Fortunately, Maizey’s ultrasound was normal. However, the MRI confirmed Spinal Arachnoid Diverticulum (SAD), a buildup of fluid along her spine, causing compression of the spinal cord. Findings also included a congenital vertebral malformation and thickened vertebrae. This means she was born with bones in her spine that didn’t form typically, and some are denser or thicker than normal.
Maizey completed a trial of steroids to see if reducing inflammation and fluid buildup would help. After a full month on medication, she remained stable but showed no real improvement. The steroids also increased her thirst and urination – not exactly ideal for a girl who already spends much of her time in diapers – so the decision was made to slowly wean her off them.
While surgery can be the right choice for some dogs, it was not recommended for Maizey. Even with invasive spinal surgery, it’s unlikely her day-to-day symptoms would improve.
For Maizey, the focus is lifelong management: keeping her comfortable, happy, and mobile. That may include physiotherapy to help strengthen her back legs, a prescription urinary diet, and yes – diapers. On the bright side, her foster dad reports that since coming off the steroids, diaper changes have become much less frequent!
Her future family will need to be open to managing and understanding her needs, and in return, she will give them unconditional love. Her foster dad says she is the absolute sweetest, and she is living a full life – it’s trailer time after all – and Maizey loves a good vacation. ❤️
Maizey is being fostered in Kitchener, ON and is not yet ready for adoption.
This sweet three-year-old girl is Maizey. And while she may not be a Boston Terrier, when a dog is facing potential neurological challenges, waiting is not an option. So, we stepped in to help, and Maizey’s now being spoiled rotten in her foster home. ❤️
Maizey has already had her first vet appointment, where it was confirmed that she’s not fully using her hind legs and she’s lost some control of her bladder. A neurology appointment has been scheduled for next week, so we can better understand what’s going on and how to support her moving forward.
We’ll continue to share updates as we learn more about Maizey’s condition – please send positive vibes her way! Right now, Maizey’s only concern is how many snuggles she can get and how to make them last as long as possible. (Her foster dad describes her as an absolute sweetheart, so he’s more than willing to participate!)
Maizey is being fostered in Kitchener, ON and is not yet ready for adoption.
