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Post by Tori & Rosa on Dec 14, 2014 9:19:15 GMT -7
Hi there! I am holding on to hope that finding this site might be able to help us!
My Rosa is a 14lb long haired dachshund. This week she started having an episode, but I had no idea what I was seeing. I thought she had maybe started with some arthritis because she was just walking a little stiff. She is 8 and that same day we had a cold snap here. I waited 2 days to take her to the vet, and by that time the vet said she had a herniated disk and surgery would be my only option. If we chose not to do the surgery he wanted me to call him on Monday to discuss putting her down. I didn't like that option either. I got a second opinion yesterday. This vet essentially had the same diagnosis, but said he thought it would be ok for me to try to see if my husband and I could live with the paralysis for as long as the three of us all had a good quality of life. So in the process of researching living with a dachshund with paralysis I found this site!
Rosa is starting strict cage rest today. She does have some shivering and trembling still. She started tramadol and robaxin on Friday and prednisone last night. She can't walk at all and both vets advised she has no deep pain sensation. She has been able to move her feet a little, and her tail gives a little wag every now and then. She urinates pretty much every time I pick her up. She is eating and drinking fine.
I am really holding on to some hope that the herniated disk might still be able to heal. And any help and support you all may be able to provide would be so greatly appreciated!
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 14, 2014 9:45:28 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Tori. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your dog to get back to enjoying life, whether immediately walking or waiting on more nerve repair - IVDD is not a death sentence. Find out why that is true: www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmGood for you not to listen to the vet who recommended that your little Rosa be put to sleep. Conservative care is an alternative treatment and we have seen dogs recover from paralysis. Please know, too, that it's very difficult for vets, even specialists, to determine deep pain sensation. 1. Pain. Since you've reported that there is still some shivering and trembling, please contact your vet ASAP to let them know so the pain meds can be adjusted. Have no patience with pain as pain hinders healing and must be brought completely under control. 2. Meds. How much does your dog weigh? Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given? What was the start dose if a steroid, date of taper? Please include the all-important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory. 3. Bladder control. If Rosa is urinating when being picked up or you're finding wet bedding, she most likely has lost bladder control. The urine that she's releasing when being picked up is due to a over flowing bladder, which is not healthy for the bladder. The bladder can stretch out of shape and also urine lying in the bladder can lead to a urinary tract infection. You'll need to express her every 2-3 hours while she's on Prednisone, as Prednisone increased thirst and urination. You should get a hands on your hands demonstration on expressing. Here's our page on expressing to help you get an understanding of what needs to be done: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmThe only way to tell if she has bladder control is to carry her to a place outside where she's peed before, let her sniff and see if she can release urine. If she can, then she has bladder control. If not, then she will need to be expressed. 4. Crate rest: The crate rest needs to be strict 100% 24/7 for a full 8 weeks - only carried in and out to potty. STRICT means No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No PT, no baths, no chiro (aka VOM) 5. Tail wag: If Rosa can wag her tail when spoken to in a happy voice or when offered a treat, then you know that her brain is connecting with the nerves of the tail. Otherwise, the movement may be from reflex. If she's wagging her tail when happy, then she would have to have deep pain sensation. Also, what type of movement are you seeing with her legs? If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. With this disease self-education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The goal of our Forum is to support you, to teach you how to look up things at the original source point (a credible and authoritative resource), question everything and read so you become the most important part of your dog's health care team. The unknown is simply too scary a place to stay in. Are your ready to get up to speed on all things IVDD and fight the IVDD enemy? Excellent page to start with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDord.htm Tape this flyer to your fridge so the whole family knows what things are emergencies: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfLet us know how you found us, your vet, search engine, friend, etc? We're here for you and Rosa and will help you through this. Healing prayers for Rosa. |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Dec 14, 2014 11:56:05 GMT -7
Thank you so much for responding! I will definitely talk to vet about her pain meds. She seems to be shivering less since I gave her meds this morning, but it increases if I take her out of the crate to try to potty. She is currently taking
14 lbs
1/2 of tramadol 50mg 3x a day and
1/8 of robaxin 500mg 3x a day. I started the
prednisone last night, 1/2 of 5mg 2x a day, and it will taper in 7 days. I had to wait until last night because I had given rimadyl on Thursday night. I will ask about the Pepcid and start it asap! The vet did show me how to express her bladder so I will do that as well. I am not sure if I am actually seeing any movement. It might be more reflex and wishful thinking. I tried to get a tag wailing response out of her earlier and wasn't able to, and she is a big tail wagger! The strict crate rest will be tough but I know I'm up for it. Is there any concern for bed sores from it, any suggestions to prevent that possibility?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 14, 2014 13:15:57 GMT -7
Vets usually look for a 4-7 day washout before switching between the two classes of anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids and NSAIDs) It has only been about 2.5 days since Rimadyl. Please get Pepcid AC on board today if you believe your dog does not have liver, kidney or heart issues and keep your vet in the loop on Monday. It is over the counter at your local grocery store. Look for the only active ingredient in the package listing to be famotidine. A 10mg tablet is easy to split down to 5mg. Give Pepcid asap now and thereafter every 12 hours. Give prednisone with a meal. Please do some homework on both Pepcid AC and Sucralfate: www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.htmlwww.petplace.com/drug-library/famotidine-pepcid/page1.aspxDogs get stressed just like people and can have stomach issues, then on top of that adding anti-inflammatory drugs, short washout can be too much. This combination of Rimadyl/Prednisone increases the chances of severe gastrointestinal complications such as early red flag signs of nausea, vomiting moving to bleeding ulcers and life threatening stomach perforations. With such a short washout double stomach protection is something you need to ask for on Monday. Sucralfate is an Rx item. For a 14 pound dog, the pain meds are being prescribed at a rather light dose for the aggressiveness that a disc episode demands. You can't properly care for her needs if she is pained by your lifting her to potty. While on predisone you will likely have to express every 2-3 hours to keep her bladder from overflowing and her bed dry. Pain slows the entire healing process not to mention it is just plain torturous. Discuss with an ER vet today if possible or phone your vet first thing in the earliest am: -- Tramadol has room to move up from 25 mg @ 3x/day -- Robaxin has room to move up from 62.5 mg @3x/day -- Gabapentin is can be added. A combo of pain meds works better and vets are finding very good success with pain control as Gabapentin works synergistically with Tramadol. When pain meds have been properly prescribed for Rosa's needs, pain will be in control in one hour and stay that way dose to dose thereafter. Can she move to change positions in the crate? If yes bed sores should not be a problem. Have you also set up the recovery suite with either egg crate or memory foam mattress. The details of using fleece, garbage bag for the recovery suite are covered here along with alot of other very good tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmLet us know that you have Pepcid AC on board and if you were able to see ER today to get the pain meds adjusted. |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Dec 16, 2014 9:27:24 GMT -7
Sorry for the delayed reply! It has been a rough 2 days. I got Rosa's meds adjusted slightly. Just the
Robaxin increased to 125mg 3 times a day. She seemed to do ok, but last night the pain increased later in the evening after her last dose. I have a call into the vet today. She also started the Pepcid AC on Sunday and seems to be ok with that.
I am lucky enough to have a vet tech friend who came to check on her and gave me more specifics on expressing her bladder so that is going better.
We got her crate fully set up using the guidance you have posted. She seems comfortable, when she is not in pain. My husband even made a dolly for it so she can be moved from room to room and be with us!
I thought she had given up on me on Sunday night. Just one day into crate rest and all I could think was how am I going to do this for 8 weeks? She wasn't happy to be in the crate, she fought me to take meds and I could tell she was in pain. She refused to eat or drink anything. But yesterday was better. I won't let her give up yet! I also shared your page and info on my Facebook page. I want my friends, specifically my fellow dachshund lovers, to know what to look for and how to deal with this situation! I feel like if I had been more educated it would not have gotten so bad. Thanks for your help!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 16, 2014 9:37:39 GMT -7
Tori, most clearly the pain meds are not yet right. Your vet is being very tentative on using pain meds. A disc problem really needs aggressive use of pain meds. Please adovocate strongly for a 3 way combo of pain meds (Tramadol for a 14 lbs dog can easily go much higher than 25mgs 3x/day, methocarbamol is working on muscle spasm pain, adding gabapentin makes tramadol more effective as vets are seeing better success with pain control by adding in gabapentin) Please up date Rosa's meds list so we have a current understanding: Is Rosa now staying dry in between expressing sessions. Are you expressing every 2-3 hours? Thank you so much to help educate about disc disease. Excellent free handouts to share: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm ı |
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Post by Lisa & Tucker on Dec 16, 2014 12:22:34 GMT -7
Hi Tori,
I know this is a scary time for you. I felt the same way when Tucker had his episode. But just remember everyone on here is and has been through the same thing you are going through now. We are all here to support you any way we can. The moderators on are have been through this more than once and are very knowledgable, helpful and supportive. They will be here for you every step of the way.
One of the most important things for you to do is become knowledgable with this disease yourself so when you are confronted with vets like you have encountered that you are prepared to stand up for Rosa. Just because they have a degree in vetinarian medicine does not mean they are knowledgable in dealing with IVDD (this where you having the knowledge becomes the weapon that you will need to care for Rosa comes in to play). Don't allow them to intimidate you. Even though our moderators are not vetinarians, they are much more up to speed on this disease than some of the vets that people on here have encountered. And they will help you throught this.
Just make sure to keep Rosa's pain controlled and no matter how hard it is keep her crated. Tucker was a bear while being crated because he was not use to it. I just ignored the puppy dog eyes, the barking and whining (even though it killed me) because I knew that's what he needed to get better. Also, if she is having a hard time taking medicine try putting it in a piece of hot dog or a piece of cheese. Tucker doesn't like to take medicine either and this worked well for him.
Try to remain calm and strong because Rosa needs you right now. I know this is hard but you have support here. I will keep you and Rosa in my prayers.
Lisa and Tucker
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Dec 18, 2014 14:25:52 GMT -7
Thank you so much! Rosa is doing much better. I think we have the pain fully managed. Here is an updated list of meds:
14 lbs
tramadol 25mg 3x/day
robaxin 125mg 3x/day
gabapentin 10mg 2x/day
prednisone 2.5mg 2x/day for 7 days (taper starting Saturday)
pepcid ac 5mg 2x/day
She is finally eating more normally and expressing her bladder is going well. At this point, I think my next worry is poop. How often should she be going? She hasn't gone since Sunday, but she also wasn't eating normally until yesterday. I was waiting to see if she would go on her own, but I realize I may need to learn to express her bowels too.
She appears to be annoyed with being in the crate and begs to come out...I am taking that as a good sign! She seems to be much more herself the last two days!
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 19, 2014 6:44:11 GMT -7
Don't worry about the poop. Reflex will take care of that. You can learn to express poop just for convenience sake and to prevent accidents from happening. Has she had a bowel movement yet? Sometimes the medication can cause constipation. Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato.
When the taper of the Prednisone starts on Saturday, it will be your job to keep a close watch for pain returning. Should signs of pain return, contact your vet ASAP so Rosa can be returned to the original dosage of all meds. Pain = swelling = more time on all meds. Continue giving the Pepcid AC 2x/day for as long as she is on any Pred. Did the vet also discuss tapering or stopping the pain meds so a true test for pain can be made? If not, you should discuss that with him. And be sure to have a back-up plan with the vet since this taper is starting on a weekend as to what he wants you to do should pain return.
I'm glad Rosa is feeling so much better. Keep up the good work!
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 6, 2015 14:12:33 GMT -7
I hope everyone had a happy holiday! We are doing well. Rosa had a minor set back the Monday before Christmas when she developed a UTI. That added extra strain with more meds and me realizing I hadn't been expressing her properly.
All is well now! She had 10 days of Keflex and has been rechecked twice. I also got a few more hands on lessons on expressing and am much more confident that I have it down.
Today was her last dose of Prednisone. We have tapered it over the last 2 weeks which she has done fine with. We are also slowly taking her off of pain meds, so she is currently taking:
25 mg Tramadol 2x/day
125 mg Robaxin 2x/day
10 mg Gabapentin 2x/day
Everything is going great! But I know now we are on to the hardest and most important part. We are in week 4 of crate rest. And I am going to have a hard time keeping her resting! She just wants to move around and play with my other 2 doxies. We make sure to take the crate outside when we sit outside, and in front of the tv with us. But she gets restless sometimes. 5 weeks to go...one day at a time!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 6, 2015 15:41:16 GMT -7
Tori, what a good report. Glad to hear you have honed your expressing skills...that does come with practice. Once off of all pains med you will have proof of whether the painful swelling in the spinal cord is really gone. We hope at the stop of all pain meds you will not see any hint of pain. Then it will be time for you to do some very, very, light least aggressive range of motion (ROM) and massage for her legs. What is the date all the piain meds will end? Check out the ROM and massage that is highlighted in pink for when she is off all meds to keep the joints flexible and muscles circulation up. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 10, 2015 9:48:47 GMT -7
I don't have a specific date. The vet just advised to slowly take her off of the pain meds one dose at a time, one med at a time. So the only difference to date is that the Robaxin has been reduced to one time per day. I am estimating about two more weeks?
Thank you for the ROM advice! I was wondering about that and will start as soon as we are done with pain meds. I will report back as to how it's going when I start!
I was wondering if anyone has used Vetri Disc? I have done some reading and see it gets rave reviews. I was thinking a supplement may be good once she is off of all meds, but I'd like to start my other two doxies right away if it may help with disc health!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 10, 2015 10:29:28 GMT -7
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 14, 2015 21:16:56 GMT -7
Rosa is doing so well that I can't help but notice all the little things! I am wondering how much is a real sign that some nerve function is coming back. This morning she wagged her tail while I was talking to her. But of course I can't get her to do it again! And every now and then she moves her legs. Specifically when she rolls on her back and begs for a belly rub while stretching out her legs. What kind of movements actually may be indicative that she might be getting some feeling back? How can I check for potential bladder control if she can't stand up?
I am also super paranoid about another UTI. I express her about every 5 hours (except overnight) and everything has been perfect, no leaks in between. The vet had me change to a high fiber diet so that her poop would be firm. While I understand how sitting in mushy poop could be harmful, the hard poop seems just as bad because poop crumbles! How worried should I be? Any tips?? Thanks so much! I really appreciate all of the advice when I feel lost (and don't want to call the vet for every little thing....).
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Post by Pauliana on Jan 14, 2015 22:18:54 GMT -7
Hi Tori, A great sign is that she responded to you talking to her with a tail wag. That means her brain told her tail to wag and it did. That's a real sign of feeling returning.  Once nerves have repaired then muscles will also have to be retrained to relearn proper placement of the paws. Some muscles will need to regain strength for walking. Consider learning to walk again as it would be for a stroke victim or a baby learning to walk. At first, the steps will be weak and a bit unstable. Relearning to walk takes coordination, building up strength, and lots of patience. There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks to more like a year or even longer. However, it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag! 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk. <<<Rosa is here3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test. Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine. 4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. This is Dr Olby's page on UTI's. Lots of great info here. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/uti.htm |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 15, 2015 8:09:08 GMT -7
Tori what is the name of the high fiber food? Sounds like Rosa is not getting enough water with the extra fiber. Too much fiber and not enough water makes for constipation (too hard stools) If it is a kibble food, soak the kibble is some water over night in the fridge. You will have to experiment on how much water as you see evaluate the poop. Start with half the amount of water as there is kibble and adjust according to the poop firmness Normal poop can be #2 a firm segmented piece, caterpillar shaped, that feels like Play-Doh when pressed. or #3 photo Pictures here: thefamilyvet.net/storage/Purina%20Fecal%20Scoring%20Chart%20REALLY%20FINAL.pdfAll movement signs that are brain controlled will have some head level involvement. So look for hearing, seeing, vocalizing, smelling to go with leg movements. Stretching legs can often be a reflex. Where as leg movement during a dream (head level) is the brain telling the legs to move. Sniffing and then squatting or lifting a leg is another head level involvement with leg movement. |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 18, 2015 12:41:23 GMT -7
The vet prescribed Prescription Diet w/d kibble. But I have been mixing it with the Beneful she has always eaten because I was worried about too much fiber and quite frankly it's a little pricey for long term. I have been adding water too her food since she went down, but not soaking it overnight. Does that make a big difference? I would say it's definitely too hard based on the pictures.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 18, 2015 16:07:07 GMT -7
Tori, I would say just to do a test. Soak equal part liquid as kibble for each meal overnight in the fridge. Beneful is a very high fiber food (Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal) and so is the Hill's Science w/d kibble (Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose, Corn Gluten Meal). You can read more about Beneful so that once off ALL medications, you can see if a different food would be better for Rosa and fits your pocketbook. Dog Food Advisor has good reviews of various foods: www.dogfoodadvisor.comIs Rosa still on any meds? If no longer on any meds and you do not observe any pain, it would be time to begin some very, very light PT for paralyzed legs The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk . www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 18, 2015 20:10:22 GMT -7
Thank you! That website is super helpful. I will be doing some experimenting!
She should be off all meds by Wednesday so I will be starting the recommended PT this week.
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 24, 2015 19:03:31 GMT -7
Rosa is off all meds and we are finishing up week 6 of crate rest! She's doing great. And I can tell she will be just fine whether she can walk again or not. I am working on the PT but sometimes she fights me a little by wiggling around (she'd rather be having her belly rubbed), so I don't force it. I am also noticing more leg movement but I still can't tell if it's her or reflex. The last couple of days she has started kicking her legs behind her, almost like a horse bucking. It almost seems like she is trying to stand, but I can't tell if it's deliberate. Any thoughts?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 24, 2015 19:15:21 GMT -7
The only way for us humans to know if there is purposeful leg movement directed by the brain vs. reflexes is to observe for head level involvement. Smelling, looking, vocalizing, hearing with movement. Right now of course we want little movement to the back. If you observe her moving up into a standing position because she smelled something yummy in her bowel that would likely be something her brain directs the legs to do. Isn't it so hard to have patience? Yet, this is our job, pretty much only focus on letting the disc heal during these 8 weeks with limited movement of the back. Nerve repairs may or may not come this soon as nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal.
When she lies on her side, do try to push gently on the back of the knee to get that joint to flex/bend. Even just the touch of stroking down her legs can be good for the muscles when she is too wiggly.
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Jan 25, 2015 13:11:42 GMT -7
You are so right. It's very difficult to be patient. But that's what I have to do! And it is nice to still have hope for recovery...so I will keep watching and hoping!
I am pretty constantly massaging her legs and gently moving the joint. So even we I can't do the PT she is still getting some movement. And I patiently try to get through the exercises throughout the day.
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Feb 9, 2015 19:58:45 GMT -7
We made it through 8 weeks!!! Rosa is still doing great. She started acupuncture on Saturday morning and responded great to the first session. The vet is very hopeful that we will have some positive progress! She moved a lot and even stood on her on for a few seconds. We are still working on PT every day and her next acupuncture session is Friday. I want to thank Dodgerslist list from the bottom of my heart for saving my Rosa's life!! I do know where we would've been without this site and I don't like to think about it. Thank you for giving me hope and teaching me how to take care of my special baby. I will post some pictures to your Facebook page so everyone can see how happy she is! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 9, 2015 20:52:43 GMT -7
Tori, I see the pictures you posted in the private message section of Facebook. Not everyone can see them. Would you repost to our Dodgerslist Photo Gallery with a bit of a caption too! Here is how: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendarCongratulations on all 8 weeks! At the acupuncture was Rosa able to move up into a standing position by herself or was she able to remain in a standing position for a few seconds once helped to stand? We are so happy that our support helped you in caring for Rosa. |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Feb 9, 2015 21:58:00 GMT -7
Thank you! I will post them there. She needed help to stand, but she often tries to stand up on her own. I really liked the acupuncture vet a lot and I am anxious to see the progress she makes!   |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 10, 2015 9:26:44 GMT -7
Tori, that is good news on the ability to move up into a standing position with those back legs. Has bladder control returned or are you still expressing? You will want to start a slow introduction back to physical activities around the house, such as scooting until Rosa has enough nerve repair to learn to walk again. This page will give you information on protective scooting garments, sample schedule of slowy allowing activity: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmThank you for adding photos to the DodgersList Photo Gallery: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/index.php |
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Post by Tori & Rosa on Mar 2, 2015 19:33:36 GMT -7
Rosa has been make such great progress! She walked on the underwater treadmill for 9 minutes on Saturday. We are hoping now to build back muscle.
I have still been expressing her bladder. But I have a question. Is it possible for her to start getting bladder function back but be incontinent? Starting this morning, her kennel was wet when I got up. Then as soon as I put her on the ground she urinated. I made sure her bladder was empty but she still urinated a little more. This happened at all potty times today. I am terrified of another UTI, but it seems very different from last time which was obviously overflow. I'm hoping this may actually be positive news.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 3, 2015 2:19:56 GMT -7
Wonderful news about Rosa walking on the treadmill, Tori! Yes, she could be regaining her bladder control but still have a problem controlling it, especially after not going all night. If she can sniff an old pee spot and release urine on her own, then she has some bladder control. Continue to express her after she goes on her own to be sure she empties her bladder completely until you're sure she can empty it completely on her own. It's always a good idea when a dog has bladder control issues to occasionally take in a urine sample to the vet to check for a UTI just to be sure that's not what's happening. Don't give her water for several hours before bedtime and express her right before bedtime to help prevent accidents overnight.
Keep up the good work and keep us updated.
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