Ryback Shares Heartbreaking Update After His Dog's Medical Emergency

The former Intercontinental Champion opens up about his dog's health scare.© Image via : WWE Network

Ryback's dog Popcorn may have ruptured two discs in her back, and the former WWE star is asking people to keep her in their thoughts and prayers. The former Intercontinental Champion posted the update on Instagram after taking her to an emergency veterinarian for tests. Scans and examinations raised concerns about the two discs, and a possible hernia is being looked at too. Popcorn can still walk, but her back legs have weakened and normal movements have been a struggle for her. Now Ryback is waiting on an MRI to see how serious the damage is.

Ryback shares a worrying update after Popcorn's condition worsens over two difficult days

Ryback said Popcorn had been dealing with pain and discomfort for several days. He suspected something was wrong, so the first emergency vet visit started with constipation and dehydration being considered.

She got fluids and was sent home for monitoring, but she couldn't settle down or sleep through the night. He took her back early next morning for bloodwork and X-rays, to check for a possible intestinal obstruction. The results pointed toward a different concern involving her spine.

“What we discovered was something I was really hoping we wouldn't have to deal with again,” Ryback wrote on Instagram.

Popcorn passed her physical neurological examination, but more testing is still needed. An MRI gives a much closer look at the spine and discs than X-rays do, and it should show the extent of the suspected damage and what treatment she might require.

The former Intercontinental Champion hopes Popcorn can recover without needing surgery

Ryback also talked about caring for his other French Bulldog, Sophie, who has had similar spinal problems. Sophie turns 11 at end of November, and her back legs have grown weaker over the years, which affects her mobility.

That history makes Popcorn's situation especially hard for him. He said she can still walk, but she has slowed down, can't jump anymore and is unable to climb stairs.

So the hope right now is that medication and rest will be enough to manage Popcorn's pain and inflammation, and she can recover without an operation. 

In his words, “We're praying for the best-case scenario, where we can avoid surgery, manage her pain and inflammation with medication and rest, and hopefully see her make a full recovery.”

Ryback made it clear he plans to do everything possible to help Popcorn, just like he has done for Sophie. He described the younger dog as loving, full of personality and having plenty of life ahead of her.

He also asked people to send positive energy while the family waits for more answers. The MRI is the next step in finding out how much damage Popcorn has suffered.