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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 15, 2015 5:41:33 GMT -7
Thanks Paula, today is the dreaded day of Predisone. So curious to see what happens today, after no accidents at all yesterday. I'm still concerned with that squeezing noise she makes when you lift her. I'm already petrified to lift her. I support the back and cup the front, and lift her at once, she gets squirmy, and I'm like oh no it's alright. She's not easy to carry either, my little chubby buddy. I will check on that Monday. She has only got herself up one time, and tried to take off, fell, back up, fell. I felt like she was over doing it, so I've been lifting her. She can stand when you fix her up, walk if you hold her tail, like they showed me. If I let go, she can take a couple steps on her own, then she ends up sitting, falling over, or yesterday almost a split. So I would say we are approaching step 4 in the recovery guidelines, but will be some time before she masters it. I'm very excited of the progress she has made. Her left leg is definitely weaker then the right, but is coming along. So excited for Monday, getting the staples out. They would of been removed today, but her Neuro is on vacation, and I want the 2 wk check up with him. So 2 more days. Best wishes for all the precious pets on here.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 15, 2015 8:49:43 GMT -7
Debbie, if Bailey is not yelping or shivering when you lift her, you are doing it right. It is exciting to witness the body self healing nerves!!! Let us know what your neuro says at the next appt.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 15, 2015 10:38:21 GMT -7
Dear Maggy, and Yvonne, I'm sorry your furry friends aren't feeling well. It's heart breaking. I just began this nightmare 2 weeks ago come Monday. Read everything you can on here to educate yourself, and the girls, and other people like us, will come along and guide you so much. I would be crazy if I didn't have them. Best wishes to you both, and I love dog names, very cute
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 15, 2015 16:57:08 GMT -7
Hi Kellie, so happy your Maggie is doing awesome! I bet when she gets back home with you, she will only improve more.
Hi Monica, thanks for sharing Simons video. He looks terrific! Good job Simon! Very happy for you both.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 16, 2015 16:41:42 GMT -7
Baileys update: Bailey has had no accidents in the crate at all! She is now in complete control of her bladder, and bowels. The doctor had her on a bland diet of chicken & rice, with us adding a little of her food back in. She was doing terrific, and today a little bit loose I'm not sure if it's the pills or what? We are witnessing a miracle with this little butterball of mine. She can now get in a standing position and walk very controlled. Not perfect, still some swaying to the left, but very controlled. It's amazing fully paralized 2 weeks tomorrow, and now walking again. I'm not sure how much is to much, so I only let her go a bit. I've taken videos, of all Bails progress, and I will share it soon. I will get new instructions tomorrow morning, when she gets her staples out. I was a little concerned this morning, when she woke up she was shivering, no cry, no signs of pain, so maybe just cold. She's used to burrowing in her blankets at night, and I've been covering her, but she gets out, and not back in. It's been hot here in Pa. So the air is on. I'll check in tomorrow after doctors, wish all well.
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Aug 17, 2015 5:29:48 GMT -7
Hi Debbi - thanks for the update, it sounds like Bailey is progressing well. Shivering is a sign of pain - Dogs are stoic by instinct and don't show pain until it is really bad. Take action as if it were you who had that much pain, you'd see medical help right away. See if you can get to ER tonight to get the pain in control. We anxiously await hearing back that pain is under control with adjustments to meds. Loose stool: 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. How much is too much: 2 weeks post surgery Bailey should be on 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty and the surgeon directed PT? …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No chiro (aka VOM)? What did your surgeon direct for PT and for post-op crate rest? 6 weeks is the norm post surgery. Hope all goes well when she gets the staples removed and looking forward to an update on new instruction from you vet
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 17, 2015 7:35:46 GMT -7
Debbie what a fabulous report. Isn't it amazing to witness the miracle of the body self healing nerves!!!
What pills is she currently on (dose and frequency)? There can be reasons for loose stools. Fat/oil--- is the chicken defatted..no skin. Changing food too rapidly can cause loose stools.
Put on your dective hat. Let us know if you see another confirming sign of pain with the shivers...such as not wanting to move much, etc. If you cover her with a warm blanket from the dryer dose the shivering stop? If you believe it is pain, then the vet needs to know as it could be a set back since it is now 2 weeks post op when usually the pain caused by the surgery itself would be gone. Let us know what your vet says.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 17, 2015 16:14:34 GMT -7
Thank you Paula, and Roy for your great encouraging advice. Baily is staple free, and very happy. The insicion is perfect. He did a great job! Still resting comfortably. Today was a lot for her. Bailey's Dr. joe Eagleson DVM DACVIM was very pleased at the progress she has made. He has still ordered her to 100 percent crate rest, only going out to potty. When she is out she can try to do some monitored walking on leash, but that's it! she will go back in 2 more weeks. She still remains on
[20 lbs] Predisone 5 mg, 1/2 tablet, every other day, that will end Friday. She will still take Tramadol, 50 mg, 1/2 tablet just once a day now. She was taking 2 a day, and it was to end, until I asked if she could remain, due to mornings seems rough, then she's fine. Pepcid AC 10 mg 2 times a day, and she has about a week left on the Cephalexin 250 mg Caps twice a day.
My girl was really in bad shape T11-T12 disc herniation;T10-L1 hemilaminectomy/fenestrations performed. That's more then 1 section, poor baby. How did I not see this? I can't believe she's walking! I thought it was a little odd today, that they took her, and did everything, then brought her back to us. BUT you know me by now, I speak up when it comes to this dog, and I had questions. I realize the Doctor just got back from vacation, but Bailey is not just a number, she's a patient. I did get all my answers, and I will see him personally in 2 weeks. I sound like a big brat, but I'm really not, I just love this Dog. I'm not sure if I brought up, or not that she now has a bump by her private area, I made them take her back, and look at it. They had an Oncologist look at it, and now in 2 wks, it will have to be aspirated, to see what it is, and look at the cells under a scope. Maybe another surgery in poor Bailey' s future. Praying not! They didn't want to do it today, being only 2 wks from her surgery. They called it a Lipoma, definetly not spelled right, but it's a fatty tumor. Ughhhh I don't think I can take anymore, and Bailey either! So I'll keep praying that it's nothing. Wishing well to all
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Aug 17, 2015 20:58:57 GMT -7
Hi Debbi and thanks for the comprehensive update, Bailey is progressing really well! When Abbie had her surgery they fenestrated the discs either side of the herniation, I think this is pretty standard procedure. Fenestration is done to reduce the possibility of the surrounding discs from herniating and causing the animal problems in the future. Doctors orders = 100% crate rest - totally agree, here is why "All patients with spinal cord injury whether they have had surgery or not, need to be on strict cage confinement. Rest allows for the healing of surgical incisions and will allow for scar tissue to form over the disrupted annulus. Many clients are confused as to why exercise restriction is often necessary after spinal cord injury in veterinary patients. Vertebral column injury and surgery can disrupt the normal stabilizing structures of the spine such as muscles, bone, joint capsules, and the intervertebral disk. Excessive, unrestricted activity after surgery or certain injuries can lead to vertebral column destabilization and prolonged healing of the injury site. The intervetebral disk, in particular, is very slow to heal and healing may be incomplete; excessive vertebral column motion after disk surgery may therefore lead to recurrence of disk herniation. Additionally, animals that are weak or uncoordinated may accidentally traumatize themselves, leading to orthopedic and soft tissue injuries." Sorry to here Bailey has a Lipoma - I did a quick Google and read these are typically benign however if it grows really fast then it is a cause for concern. www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/lipoma-and-liposarcoma-in-the-dog-fatty-tumors/Hang in there Debbi - the light is on and you are part way down the tunnel
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 18, 2015 4:46:18 GMT -7
Dear Roy what a sweet person you are, to go the extra mile, and out of your comfort zone, to get that link, is unbelievable! You are a true blessing to me. I can't thank you enough. Thank you for letting me know your Abby's spine was a similar procedure to Bailey, and that its normal for them to do all that makes me more comfortable about this. I will give Bail all the rest she needs, I'm in no rush to take her off crate rest. Personally I don't even think Baileys ready. I'm lucky she has been a great patient. I Switch her from crate at night, to ex-pen during the day. She can see everything. I bought new toys and switch them out daily, so everyday is Christmas! Her bed and blankets are so cozy, I'd sleep in there. So I think having all her needs met, and lots of love, she has excepted this well so far. It's only been 2 weeks though, we'll see in 4 if it goes well. Thank you so much, how lucky am I to have you Roy
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Aug 18, 2015 15:12:48 GMT -7
Thank you for those kind words Debbi - when Abbie went down in January this year I was fortunate to have the support of the dachshund rescue people I volunteer with and they guided me to straight to Dodgerslist and I have to say that the help, support and knowledge of the fantastic moderators got me through all this. I can't praise them enough. I am just trying to pay if forward and share what I know with other owners who are overwhelmed when confronted with IVDD. Continued healing wishes to Bailey
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 18, 2015 18:03:02 GMT -7
Dear Roy, you are doing a fantastic job, I adore you, and your Abbie, and again thank you, and I'm glad your here
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 20, 2015 5:15:20 GMT -7
Hi everyone, just a quick question please. Tomorrow Baileys comes off of all meds. So happy for this! My question is, do I give the Pepcid one more day for safety, or it will also just stop. I'm nervous about all the medicines stopping, because the truth will be revealed, as the meds, mask the symptoms. I pray my girl is well on her way, and comfortable enough to be done, with all meds. Bailey is doing wonderful. Yesterday she seemed a little depressed, having to be crated, while her furry friends were out. This is what I call tough love, as much as I just want to bring her out with me, I won't!, I love her to much, to jeopardize her recovery. Hope all is well for everyone.
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Aug 20, 2015 6:46:20 GMT -7
Hi Debbi,
I hope that Bailey is her usual self when she comes off the meds but as you quite rightly say the meds would mask symptoms so keep a close eye on her for signs of pain (e.g. shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can't find a comfortable position. Arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves). Let the vet know right away if you see signs of pain.
As for the Pepcid AC I would put a quick call into your vet just to be sure.
Abbie did pretty good on her extended crate rest given that our other two doxies were running around. We would sit on the floor beside her recovery suite and give her attention so she did not feel left out. If you are not there try leaving an article of your unwashed clothing in with her so she can smell you and this often gives comfort.
Place her crate where she can see whats going on in the room or up by a window so she can see out.
Continued healing wishes to Bailey
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 22, 2015 8:44:22 GMT -7
Hi everyone, Bailey Is now med free, and so far she seems quite comfortable. I'm so proud of her, she is a great patient! I think she understands the reason for the ex-pen. I'm keeping a close watch on her for any signs of pain, or even the slightest discomfort. Bailey never complains, so it's hard to tell what she's feeling. Even in her worse pain in the start of all this, she never let us really know. I know her well enough to know the holding the breath, making a little moaning when I picked her up, and the not eating, was the give away for me. Even still I would of thought she got in something, not the start of the nightmare IVDD. She's an amazing dog, a real trooper. I love seeing the amazing progress she is making everyday. Watching her walk, is like watching my 4 children take there first steps. Her walking is improving everyday, she can stand, get up on her own, walk.( even know the walk sometimes, falls over, but not all the way, she straightens up.) little wobbly, but I'll take it. You can even see Baileys get excited, at what she is able to do now. Her potty trips are short, she goes right out, and does her business, then back in. She's been sleeping a lot which I hope is alright. She's back to eating her food, and has a great appetite. Words can not describe how happy, I am to see this dog of mine, recover. A miracle! A true miracle!!! Hope all is well
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 22, 2015 9:06:52 GMT -7
Isn't it wonderful to see the progress?! I love how you compare seeing Bailey walk again to the first steps your children took . I don't have children but when I think about it, I feel the same way. Maggie is on the same road as Bailey recovery wise; Eating better, no pain, resting comfortably all day with the exception of potty breaks outside. Maggie still needs support to hold her up but she is getting those little legs going and correcting her footing more than she has. She is able to hold her weight longer in the standing position and is getting more confident with using her back legs again and trying to stand on her own. Still very wobbly. They really are strong, brave animals. Are you still using a sling for support? Or is Bailey able to hold her own? I am so glad to hear Bailey is doing well. It makes recovery feel more possible when you see them make those small improvements each day .
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 24, 2015 14:41:02 GMT -7
Hi everyone, Bailey's has been Med free since Friday, and doing awesome! I think the medicine was keeping her calm, and sleepy, because she has done a complete 360. Showing no signs of pain, or distress, thank goodness. She's still a really good patient, and has her bubbly, crazy attitude is back. She Really voices that opinion, she's starting to get a little rammy when visitors come, or when she wants out. I tell everyone just don't make a fuss over her(she'll get to excited) just pet her, and tell her she's alright. Seems to be working. We all spend a lot of time by her side, never leaving her feel out. I have 3 doxies, but Bailey is the oldest, the Queen Weenie! I never want her to think, because the little ones are running around, that we favor them. She really wants to walk around now outside, I feel so bad, but I'm aware of the consequences. This is tough on her, Bailey never wears a collar, ( unless in public) nor is she ever leashed, she's free here at home. So this is double hard for her. I'm praying these weeks go fast. Monday is half way, and back to the Vet for her 4 wk check up. I'll keep in touch. I hope everyone is well.
Hi Kellie, just checking on your Maggie, hope she is well.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 24, 2015 17:39:57 GMT -7
Maggie is acting the same as Bailey. She is wanting to do more than we are allowed for her to do. But she is unable to walk on her own just yet so that slows her down a bit. Scares me though cuz she is able to stand more but wobbles over. She has been doing well in the crate. I think she's getting a little ansy though. It will be halfway for us on Tuesday. I am going to start bringing her for hydrotherapy twice a week starting next week. I hope that will help her speed up her recovery. It's done wonders already.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 27, 2015 5:45:48 GMT -7
Hi everyone, Just checking in on Bailey's update for today. I really think Bailey thinks, she is better then she really is. When out to potty, she really wants to take off like old times, I have to keep saying no Bail, just go slow. (And she is leashed) When I approach the crate, she wants to jump up, because she so excited. (I stop her) I don't know how I will get through 4 more weeks of this. I think, I'm in worse shape then Bailey, worrying about her) I feel bad when she does potty, she has a hard time holding herself up, so I supprt her with her tail. ( she won't have any part of the sling) Breaks my heart. That seems to be where she still has much weakness. She walks beautifully like a penguin, sometimes slips up. Everyday seems a little better, and better. I'm excited to hit the 4 wk point Monday. Any questions I should ask the Vet? She still makes that squeezing noise when you pick her up, and that makes me nervous. I asked about it before, and I'll ask again. Hey Kellie, just checking on your little Maggie. Hope she's well!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 27, 2015 7:28:56 GMT -7
What kind of water therapy does Bailey do... is it underwater treadmill or swimming?
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 27, 2015 10:55:36 GMT -7
Dear Paula, as of right now, it hasn't been an option. I'm going to ask on Monday. She does nothing but crate, and potty. Also she's been rolling on her back once in a while is this okay?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 27, 2015 13:31:28 GMT -7
I know how you feel about watching her go potty. When Frankie was recovering he was strong enough to walk but when he tried to squat to poop he would fall over. Sometimes he even fell in it. I felt so bad. I learned to support his hips when he started to squat. That helped a lot.
He doesn't have that problem now, although he still has to squat to pee because he can no longer lift his leg. He doesn't care, he still wants to go where all the other dogs have gone before.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 27, 2015 15:36:01 GMT -7
Maggie seems to be walking better but still needs the sling for support. She also falls when she squats but I am able to support her with the sling. It is ok for Bailey to lay on his back. That is actually a stretch the physical therapist gave me to do with Maggie. She (on her own ) rolls over on her back and let's her legs naturally fall to the sides. This allows her muscles to stretch. I just rub her belly to keep her there for a few minutes. They won't do anything that hurts them. he knows his limits.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 27, 2015 19:28:57 GMT -7
Romy thank you, that's adorable. I hope she will gain strength back in those muscles. Makes me so sad.
Kellie, thank you so much, I'm making myself crazy over this dog of mine. I'm afraid she'll break, every time she moves. I'm so glad Maggie's walking more, that's great news. Hope your doing well also.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 27, 2015 20:48:03 GMT -7
Actually, Debbi, the fact that Bailey is willing to roll over on her back is a good sign. My Tyler had surgery back in January of 2013 and during his recovery, I had all the same worries you have had. After his surgery he stopped doing all his normal doggy things such as the whole body shake, sleeping and rolling on his back etc. The day I looked over and saw him rolling on his back and then settling down to sleep on his back, I knew he was feeling better.. IVDD Dogs won't roll on their back if it causes them pain or if it irritates the surgical site. In other words Bailey is feeling better! We take all the precautions with Tyler, no stairs, no jumping, no tugging on toys and I watch him like a hawk.. It does get easier with time as you adjust to a new normal.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 28, 2015 5:16:53 GMT -7
Pauliana, thank you, totally makes sense, and makes me feel better. I'm having a real problem with this . I've read the fear, we carry section, when our dogs go down, but nothing has clicked so far. I am so worried about every move she makes! I'm hoping by the time her crate rest is over, I'm a pro at this, and learn to relax. Thank you for all the support.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 28, 2015 5:41:37 GMT -7
We all do understand the fears, Debbi. I can well recall the panic when my Jeremy first went down. I just sat in the vet's office and shook from head to toe and could hardly speak, especially when they told me that it could all happen again. But I think the thing that helped me the most after his surgery was learning all I could about IVDD and having a clear knowledge about how to deal with it all. The moderators here at Dodgerslist at that time helped me each step of the way and we're here to help you now and in the future, too. So you're not alone. Read and learn all that you can. The Dodgerslist website has all the information you need. Some dogs only have one disc episode their whole lives while others have several. Prayers that Bailey will be one of the lucky ones and will go on to enjoy a life free of disc problems. You can start now to learn what's ahead after crate rest by reading this if you haven't seen it yet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmOn that page is also a list of never-again activities and how to make your home back friendly.
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Post by John & Marley on Aug 28, 2015 8:50:11 GMT -7
Romy thank you, that's adorable. I hope she will gain strength back in those muscles. Makes me so sad. Kellie, thank you so much, I'm making myself crazy over this dog of mine. I'm afraid she'll break, every time she moves. I'm so glad Maggie's walking more, that's great news. Hope your doing well also. Time Patience One of my dogs had surgery and was on crate rest for12 weeks + before I saw any movement in back legs , finally something and in 6 months walking but with a hitch on one side, that leg would swing forward versus stepping through., the leg was weak, the VET Said that's the best it will be, be happy he is walking, I wouldn't accept that, did my own therapy rehab to rebuild that back right leg, 6 months later no hitch, running like the wind. Once crate rest is over follow the rehab muscle building section in here, I took 4 weeks building up my current dogs muscle building after this one had 10 weeks strict crate rest with no surgery,, don't rush the rehab, slow and easy,.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 29, 2015 12:58:00 GMT -7
Dear John, thank you so much for your encouraging words, I appreciate so much. I'm so glad your Marley came around. I will also never give up on Bailey, she my little buddy.
Kellie, sorry your little Maggie is not feeling well, hopefully it goes away fast, and I got that message, again I'm lucky I have you here, thank you!
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 31, 2015 13:03:48 GMT -7
Hi everyone, today was Bailley's 4 week checkup. She did terrific, he was very pleased with her progress. He said she looks great! She has lost several pounds, and it shows, she really looks good. She wore her new back problem tag ( thank you Linda, we love it) and I painted her nails pink, she looked awesome! I also ordered the literature, to leave at both vets, but I didn't receive that yet.
Bailey is now allowed to spend supervised time out of the crate with us! As long as she DOES'NT try to run, jump, or play with the other dogs. She is allowed outside, supervised on leash and she will gradually increase to 5 more minutes each week. By the eighth week she will be up to 20 minutes, outside time. When we aren't home, or bed she has to crated. She does not need any therapy, I'm to keep doing what I've been doing. He was not concerned with the noise she makes, when I pick her up, and she can roll.
I'm not taking this lightly, I have read so much, that Bailey WILL complete the eight weeks rest. I will not over-do this dog, she means to much to me.
These are his notes, from her Neuro exam today. you will understand, I cant. Mentation: alert & appropriate Gait: Ambulatory mild UMN paraparesis/GP ataxia, left side slightly worse Reflexes: Normal withdrawal on all limbs. Normal patella bilaterally, normal perineal reflex Postural Reactions: Delayed hopping/placing in both pelvic, left side slightly worse, normal in the thoracic Cutaneous trunci- cut off at T-9 Cranial nerves, normal Sensory- no pain on CTL palpating or neck ROM
Will speak with him in reference to moving on in life again, in 4 wks. Im thankful, for the wonderful news, and very proud of my girl!
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