Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81 
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 19, 2013 8:54:43 GMT -7
Clarita had her staples out yesterday and is doing well. She lets me know when she has to pee and has had some good normal poos. I am so encouraged and can finally sleep well. Today I am going to put her in the tub and see how she does. Friday we have an evaluation for elec accupuncture and LL laser.. I can prop her little legs so that she can squat for a pee and (sometimes) for a poo.. As always thanks for the other "patient's" stories and all your help. Pat
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 19, 2013 10:34:46 GMT -7
Pat, thanks for the update on Clarita. She will continue to have nerve healing. Let us know have you seen any increase in leg movements?
Let us know how the water therapy goes. Pretty soon you will be adding Clarita's story to help a new member.... we all help one another on this support group. So anticipate graduation day on Apr 15 by keeping some notes of your own journey to share with others.
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 22, 2013 7:16:56 GMT -7
Took Clarita for a rehab evaluation this a.m. and she had "dry" accupuncture.. At first she was nervous when going into the clinic, but she didn't even seem to notice when the needles went in and is resting from her big ordeal now. Rehab Dr. tells me that she will add the elec. accu. after this introduction and then do some laser. Dr. says her response is good in her legs.. (coulda fooled me!) We'll keep trying whatever is available to get this girl walking again. So happy that Clarita is sleeping through the night and waking up dry.. We are grateful for every obstacle overcome!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 22, 2013 8:09:22 GMT -7
Pat, sounds like the acupuncture will help to kick start Clarita's nerves to self repair... Keep us posted. New members like to read just what happens at an acupuncture session and what you see as results. Often it does take several sessions to assess.
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 23, 2013 5:55:37 GMT -7
I forgot to tell you that I sent for literature from Dodgers and gave some to the Doc at Rehab yesterday. Spreading the word about your lifesaving site!
Even though Clarita is still dragging her back legs, MY days are getting better with her bladder and bowels improving. I hope my back holds up - she is 23 lbs - I hope to get her under 20. Today is her last Dexa pill!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Mar 23, 2013 9:55:10 GMT -7
Pat, thanks for handing out our literature.
Clarita should start to loose some of that weight once off of the steroid.
Keep us updated on how she does with her Rehab and healing.
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 25, 2013 6:16:33 GMT -7
Clarita is doing well and off all meds.. She seems comfortable in her crate and today I saw her attempting to use her hind legs a little when we were out this a.m... She hasn't had a BM since saturday and that concerns me a little, so I gave her a tsp of pumpkin this a.m. (She chewed up some of her pee pad in her crate! so I hope that isn't binding her). Jeez.. always something!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 25, 2013 7:29:57 GMT -7
Good news on observing attempts to use her legs!
Make sure that 1 teaspoon of pumpkin 1x a day is accompanied by each kibble meal being soaked in equal parts of liquid. It is the extra liquid that make the fiber rich pumpkin help with constipation. No extra water added to the diet will cause firming up of stools.
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 27, 2013 12:35:55 GMT -7
OK - Clarita's bowels are working great.. And, she is off all meds.. She is trying to get around a little with her back legs so I am optimistic. I try to limit what she does as it is only 3 1/2 weeks since surgery. But, we did elec acupuncture yesterday and she was pretty relaxed. I saw no changes but hope something is happening to her nerves.. Today I took her for a walk in her pet stroller and although she seemed to be o.k. with it she did chew through the zipper! I think she wanted to get out with the other 3 doggies.. I let her out on the lawn for a few minutes and her little back legs were really trying! Friday we go to water PT and acupuncture again.. I'll keep you posted.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 27, 2013 13:44:22 GMT -7
I think Clarita will find the water therapy to be very helpful in learning the art of walking again. Is it water treadmill or? We look forward to your update on Friday's PT visit.
If you have the ability to take some video and Youtube it, you can then link it to your post for us all to see.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Mar 27, 2013 13:56:24 GMT -7
Clarita, it all sounds good and yes the water treadmill will really help. It is early yet. As Paula said, do get some video if possible.
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 29, 2013 15:08:44 GMT -7
Took Clarita to Animotion in Stoughton, Ma. today and was thrilled at her Superstar performance. Of course, when she was out of the water she still struggled to keep her legs/feet in the right place, but she sure is trying. I saw the sign for the Sr. Discount so saved a few $ on the acupuncture! A good day! |
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 29, 2013 15:31:04 GMT -7
I have no idea what I am doing.. took a video, put it on You Tube, tried to upload it.. don't know where it is..
too bad, it is so cute and encouraging.. I try to keep up with 2013 technology, but I guess I suck! Pat
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Post by natureluva on Mar 29, 2013 15:46:20 GMT -7
Aww Pat -- would love to see that video!! :-) Glad to hear that Clarita is doing SUPER and that Animotion is working out well. Please keep us updated on her progress. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 29, 2013 15:58:22 GMT -7
Hey, I kept trying and here it is!! Look at that face! |
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Post by natureluva on Mar 29, 2013 16:26:14 GMT -7
OH Pat - she is too CUTE!!! That is a great video, and she has remarkable movement in those rear legs! You should see improvement in her strength and movements with each session. Thanks for posting this video. I hope our other members will watch it, too. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 29, 2013 16:59:10 GMT -7
Thanks Lisa, I am very excited about that session. Although I know that mobility is easier in water, it does give me hope that she WILL walk again. After that session we had dry acupuncture and then she was pretty tired. We go again 2 X next week. I will have to see how her progress is and see if we have to refinance the house. (kidding..) This is a full time job. I don't know how people that have a job and a real life can do it! Will keep you posted.. Pat
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Post by natureluva on Mar 29, 2013 17:20:00 GMT -7
Pat, it gets easier, trust me. :-) With all the mobility I saw in the video, she's got a great chance of walking again. Keep up the acupuncture and PT, and try working on her diet. Goosie lost 3 pounds which really helped him hold his weight up more easily. My holistic vet shared a tip to feed one sardine (packed in water only) per day for lunch. The omegas in sardines help control inflammation and are great for the heart and coat. Also be sure her food is good quality. Here is a link to help you: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/Talk soon, ~L |
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Mar 31, 2013 13:02:25 GMT -7
Hello, I will pick up the sardines and we (Clarita & dogs & I) can share..
Got an exercise pen today from Craigs's List and it is going to work out well. Put Clarita in it for a while and she sat in the sun but did get up on her back legs while there.. She is coming along. Going to therapy again on Tues. Thanks Dodgerslist for all the help you have given us. Pat
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Post by natureluva on Mar 31, 2013 15:56:46 GMT -7
Hi Pat! Ex-pens really are handy, aren't they? Glad to hear Clarita enjoyed some time in the sun today and stood up!
I do feel that Clarita has an excellent chance at walking again, especially after seeing the water treadmill video. She has leg movement in that video. When I did water therapy with Goosie at 3 weeks post-op, he had no leg movement whatsoever. It wasn't until 11 months later that he was able to partially make those "swimming" movements with his rear legs. You should be very encouraged.
Love hearing your updates. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 1, 2013 6:41:14 GMT -7
Hi Lisa, Yes, I am looking forward to having Clarita in the ex. pen as I can rake while she is in there.. That good girl is getting back into the routine of staying dry overnight and I take her out right away in the a.m. Tomorrow we go to acupuncture (or request LL laser?) and water PT. I am really looking forward to it again as it was so uplifting to see Clarita move! She has to keep up with Goosie! Pat
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Post by natureluva on Apr 1, 2013 7:28:45 GMT -7
Pat, my holistic vet did acupuncture and laser in the same session. I think he did the laser first? Can't quite remember. The laser was only done for a few minutes, then he put the acupuncture needles in for the remainder of the session. Hope you're enjoying this beautiful Spring day in Mass. ~L
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 2, 2013 5:20:02 GMT -7
Thanks Lisa, Today when I go to the Vet I will ask about the laser. I am thinking that I may just opt for the water/treadmill PT in the future as I can SEE good things happening. I suppose the acupuncture is doing something, but we can't actually see it! Pat
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 6, 2013 7:11:50 GMT -7
Took Clarita to water/treadmill yesterday and she did well. Slept a lot afterwards.. Today she still seems tired. I think I have to limit what she does until her full 6 weeks are up.
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 7, 2013 8:29:25 GMT -7
I was concerned about Clarita yesterday as she was reluctant to walk and seemed to have no energy. I am going to be very cautious with her and not let her do as much as she has been. Tomorrow will start our 6th week since surgery. Today she seems quite well - I think maybe she did too much on friday.. treadmill for 11 mins and walking/running around the yard.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 7, 2013 9:22:00 GMT -7
April 15th is Clarita's graduation day. Until that date there should be no running around the yard. Our sweet one just have no concept about "not overdoing things" so we have to be strict on their behalf. All PT is slow, deliberate, supervised and fully in control of speed via a sling, harness and leash. When not fully under your control then she needs to be in her recovery suite, recovering. You can see an incremental plan to reintroduce her back to physical activity after graduating also great ideas to help you make your home more back friendly in this series of articles: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm#aftercrate |
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 7, 2013 11:49:59 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Thank you! Yes, I can see I have to hold the girl back even though she is doing well. Yesterday showed me that she wants to do more but that could harm her. I must be vigilant. I just read about after crate care and will follow it carefully so we don't have any set backs.. I am not going to water PT this week - just the acupuncture. Thanks for all you do. Pat |
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 12, 2013 15:09:55 GMT -7
Clarita had elec acupuncture and 6 minutes of water/treadmill this week. She is coming along nicely. I am so glad she finds comfort in her crates and ex pen - that makes it easier on me when she is happy. Monday will be the beginning of her 7th week since surgery. Yippee! She is wobbly, but walking. And, she is peeing and pooping on her own when I take her out. She ate a poop the other day (In her crate) YUCK!
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Post by natureluva on Apr 13, 2013 6:06:02 GMT -7
Hi Pat, Clarita is doing so well! Sorry to hear she ate a "snack" in her crate - yuck. Dogs hate to be near their own pee/poop, and sometimes they have to get rid of it the hard way, lol. Now that it has been 7 weeks since Clarita's surgery, you can slowly reintroduce her into activities. The link that Paula gave you above will help. Not sure if I shared this link with you on how to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm Once Clarita gains more strength - if you're ever in the Plymouth area, shoot me an email - perhaps we can take our pups for a walk in the park near my home. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Pat & Clarita
New Member
8/28 conserv, 2 prior surgeries
Posts: 81
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Post by Pat & Clarita on Apr 13, 2013 8:50:44 GMT -7
Thanks Lisa! Yes - I will encourage her to move around a little. I think I will continue water/treadmill maybe once a week too. Someday I will get to Plymouth, but maybe I'll bring Clarita to BSU so you can meet sometime. With Dodgers help I am so encouraged about Clarita's future.. As my daughter is rebuilding her house in NY, she is going to put a dog door in the wall so there will be no threshold to hop over.
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