Fibrocartilaginous embolism in dogs

There is hope.
Your dog had a spinal stroke.
Here's what to do.

A comprehensive recovery resource — written by the owner of Max, a Maltipoo who went from paralyzed to 98% recovered. Everything I learned, in one place.

Start here: What is FCE? First 72 hours →
Add Max's photo here
Lavender field or peonies — either is perfect
Max — September 2023 to today, 98% recovered.
Max close-up —
the peonies photo works great here
Max's story

"Your dog had a
spinal stroke."

On September 23rd, 2023, Max was walking back from our morning walk when he started stumbling. By the time we got home, he was on the floor. He looked up at me like nothing was wrong.

I couldn't find anything that told me what to do next. So I built it myself — over two and a half years of research, rehab, and stubborn refusal to give up.

Read Max's full recovery story →
Where to start

The guides that matter most

Photo: Max at PT / in the sling
First 72 hours

What to do immediately after diagnosis

What questions to ask. What tests matter. What Max did on day one — and what I wish someone had told me before I left the vet's office.

Read the guide →
Photo: hydrotherapy / underwater treadmill
Rehabilitation

Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, laser & more

28 PT sessions over 6 months. The honest breakdown — what worked, what didn't, and what the first improvement looked like.

Read the guide →
Photo: Max's supplements / fresh food meal
Supplements

The evidence-based supplement protocol

Omega-3, B12, MYOS, curcumin, Voltrex, Lumbrex — what the research says and what Max actually took, starting on day one.

Read the guide →
You and Max in the lavender field
this photo is perfect here
"
The ones that didn't recover were the ones with owners who gave up. This experience will challenge you. It'll make you cry, want to give up. But if you're lucky, your dog's resilience will amaze you.
— FCEDogs.com · Max's owner
Everything on this site

Find what you need

01
FCE vs. IVDD vs. ANNPE
The critical distinction that changes the entire treatment approach.
 02
Acupuncture
What the research shows — and Max's honest experience with 7 sessions.
 03
Chiropractic (VSMT)
The therapy we added at 14 months that made a measurable difference.
 04
Cold laser therapy
Device recommendations from budget to professional, with evidence.
 05
TENS & NMES
Preventing muscle atrophy while the nervous system heals.
 06
Hydrotherapy
Why water was the backbone of Max's early recovery program.
 07
Bladder & bowel care
The guide nobody gives you before you leave the hospital.
 08
Wheelchairs & mobility
Walkin' Wheels vs. Eddie's Wheels — honest comparison.
 09
Supplements
Omega-3, B12, MYOS, curcumin — what the research says and what Max took.
 10
PEMF therapy
The electromagnetic therapy used at ARC Rehab — and at home.
 11
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT)
The acute therapy most owners never hear about in time.
 12
Max's recovery story
From paralyzed to 98% — the full story, month by month.