Case 1 : Crouton's

📖 Crouton’s Story: A Battle for His Backbone

5 months ago , a young Belgian Malinois was left behind — literally. He was abandoned in front of a pet shop with a visible spinal deformity. That puppy’s name is Crouton.

Luckily, fate intervened. The manager of Intensivet saw him in front of the pet shop, brought him to the clinic and Crouton was got in for evaluation. Despite his curved spine, he was walking. He was alert. And he had the spark of a fighter.

📋 The Diagnosis: A Complex Spinal Malformation

Once in Intensivet's care, Crouton underwent advanced imaging, including a CT scan, which revealed the complexity of his condition:

- Partial absence of the spinous process of T5, the roof of T6 and T7, and the body of T7
- Severe dorsal kyphosis (a sharp upward curve of the spine) from T5 to T9
- A slight “S”-shaped lateral deviation (scoliosis)
- Possible spinal cord stenosis or discontinuity between T6 and T8
- Irregular bony margins in T6, T8, and T9
- No disc herniations noted

These findings confirmed a congenital vertebral anomaly with potential spinal cord compression — a condition that could deteriorate quickly without intervention.

🔧 The Surgery: Decompression and a Chance

Crouton’s only real shot at a pain-free life was surgical decompression — a delicate procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent irreversible damage. He underwent a laminectomy at T5, T6, and T7, followed by intensive monitoring in our ICU.

🐾 Complications: Inflammation and Setbacks

The post-op period was not without challenges. Crouton’s surgical site developed inflammation, delaying his recovery. He required anti-inflammatory medications, daily monitoring, and time — a lot of it.

But slowly, he stabilized.

🙏🏻 The Road Ahead: Hope and Rehabilitation

Once stable, Crouton remained at the clinic, still under observation, while awaiting longer-term hospitalization for rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

His journey is ongoing — but every step is a win. His resilience reminds us that veterinary care is about more than medicine — it's about belief, compassion, and second chances.

📚 Lessons from Crouton:

- Congenital spinal malformations may go unnoticed early on — regular checkups and imaging matter.
- Surgical decompression, when appropriate, can change an animal’s entire future.
- Recovery is not a straight line, especially with spinal patients — patience and monitoring are key.