Fibrocatilagenous embol (FCE)

Fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE) & Type 3 IVDD: what it means

Fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE) is a spinal cord condition that happens when a small piece of disc cartilage blocks a blood vessel within the spinal cord. There are several theories about how this cartilage reaches the spinal cord, but the exact cause remains unclear. FCE is often compared to a Type 3 disc rupture, also called an acute non-compressive disc extrusion.

In a Type 3 disc rupture, the intervertebral disc, the cushion between the bones of the spine, experiences a traumatic event. The disc is often described like a jelly doughnut, with a tougher outer portion (annulus) and a jelly-like interior (nucleus pulposus). Trauma, such as a dog mislanding after a jump, can cause a small amount of this “jelly” to be propelled out of the disc and impact the spinal cord. This can lead to bleeding, damage, and bruising within the spinal cord.

This condition is most common in young, large-breed dogs, although small dogs and cats may also be affected. It often happens while pets are exercising or playing. Many pets will cry out when it first occurs, but it doesn’t appear to be painful shortly thereafter.

Signs are often worse on one side of the body and can continue to worsen for up to a day. After that, they should stabilize and begin to improve.

How Remedy diagnoses FCE & Type 3 disc rupture

Diagnosis of FCE and Type 3 disc disease requires an MRI. In some cases, the Remedy neurology team may also recommend a spinal tap or infectious disease testing to help confirm your pet’s problem is not caused by a different condition that can look similar on MRI.

Treatment & home care for FCE & Type 3 IVDD

Much like a bruise on your arm or leg, there’s little to do for this injury other than giving the spinal cord time to heal. The good news is that most dogs regain function over time. Healing often takes weeks to months.

Some pets have particularly severe injuries and may not have as good a prognosis. Your doctor will talk you through what that means for your pet.

Because there may be a small tear in the outer layer of the disc, Remedy recommends strict rest while your pet heals, so more disc material doesn’t come out. This means confinement in a small area and no jumping on furniture. A crate or play pen may be necessary.

Crate rest basics

The crate should be just large enough for your pet to stand up comfortably and turn around.

Your pet should be crated at all times except for three short, 10-minute leash walks and physical therapy. (Walks must be performed on a leash.) If your pet has neck pain, use a harness rather than a neck collar, and attach the leash to the harness.

If your pet is small enough, you may hold them during quiet activities like reading or watching TV, but you must maintain direct physical control at all times. If you need to get up, even for a second, put your pet back in the crate first. Many pets worsen after something as simple as jumping off a couch or bed, and it can happen in a split second.

Most pets with this injury don’t experience pain, so pain medications are not required. Some pets need a sedative to rest comfortably during cage rest. If you think a sedative would help, let your veterinary team know.

Physical therapy & recovery timeline

Some pets, especially those with a significant injury, benefit from a structured physical therapy plan. If you’d like to meet with Remedy’s rehabilitation department, please contact us via the chatbot below to schedule an appointment.

Monitoring & when to contact your veterinarian

If your pet isn’t improving over the course of several weeks, or if you feel at any point they’re starting to get worse, reach out to your veterinarian for advice.

Contact your veterinary immediately if your pet:

  • Loses the ability to walk or attempt standing

  • Hasn’t urinated in over 24 hours

  • Has pain that’s not controlled by medications