PFC Milton

In April 2019 at 6 months old,  Milton came into BSR’s care as what his veterinary neurologist referred to as a “riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”  He presented as a pup with “swimmer’s syndrome,” but the latter on-set of his splayed arms and spastic movements suggested the condition was something other than that.  Hard work with his foster who is a physical therapist gave him more strength and coordination than anyone had thought possible; and a stay with a temporary foster led to the final key in the puzzle.  Her vet clinic had a neurologist who asked to do further studies on Milton, and it was determined that he had a very rare congenital defect more common in Rhodesian Ridgebacks where a point in his back failed to close at birth and a tube developed with a cyst at the end pressing on his spinal column.  He underwent surgery in the summer of 2020 resulting in some increased mobility. Currently his progress has plateaued, and his condition is maintained through medications. Given the tremendous developmental delays due to his defect and his need for life-long care and therapy, Milton will remain with BSR as a Permanent Foster Care dog.

Click the photo below to watch a video of Milton's Journey.