Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) in Dogs

If your dog suddenly starts limping, dragging a leg, or showing weakness in the back end, it can be quite alarming. One possible cause is fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), a spinal cord condition that affects blood flow and can lead to sudden lameness, knuckling paws, or even leg paralysis.

At Bayside Animal Hospital, we know how frightening it is to see your pet struggle to stand or walk. Understanding this condition and how it’s treated can help you respond quickly and support your dog’s recovery with confidence and compassion.

What Is FCE?

FCE occurs when a small piece of fibrocartilage (the cushioning material found between spinal discs) enters a blood vessel and blocks blood flow to part of the spinal cord. This blockage causes a spinal “stroke,” damaging nerve cells and affecting the signals that control movement and coordination.

Unlike traumatic spinal injuries, FCE isn’t usually painful after the initial event. It tends to appear suddenly—often during play, running, or jumping—and most commonly affects large or giant breed dogs, though any dog can be affected.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Dogs experiencing an FCE episode may show one or more of the following symptoms, typically within minutes or hours:

• Sudden lameness in one or more limbs
• Knuckling paws or dragging the toes when walking
• Partial or complete leg paralysis on one side of the body
• Loss of balance or difficulty standing
• Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)

Because FCE can look similar to other neurological conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), prompt veterinary evaluation is essential.

Diagnosing FCE

Diagnosis often begins with a detailed physical and neurological exam. Your veterinarian may recommend advanced imaging—like MRI—to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of spinal cord injury. Blood work and X-rays can also help provide a clearer picture of your dog’s overall health.

What to Expect from Treatment

There is no surgical cure for FCE, but with time and supportive therapy, many dogs improve significantly. Treatment focuses on helping the spinal cord heal and retraining the body to move correctly again.

Rehabilitation often includes:

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and restore mobility
• Hydrotherapy to reduce pressure on joints while improving motion
• Acupuncture, which has shown promise in supporting nerve recovery, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation in dogs with FCE. Acupuncture can help reawaken nerve pathways and encourage smoother, more coordinated movement during recovery.

With consistent care, patience, and positive reinforcement, many dogs regain much or all of their mobility within weeks to months.

A Path Toward Healing

While an FCE diagnosis can sound scary, it doesn’t have to define your dog’s future. With proper care and integrative support like acupuncture, dogs can return to active, happy lives.

If your pet shows sudden lameness, knuckling paws, leg paralysis, or incontinence, contact Bayside Animal Hospital at (916) 791-8387. Our team will help you determine the cause, guide your dog’s treatment, and support every step of your pet’s recovery.