PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 29, 2015 17:10:04 GMT -7
Kellie, it is a challenge to know when we are training our dogs to whine and when it is that they really are signaling the need to go outside. So once you know you have let her out in a timely manner, try training her rather than visa versa.
You might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for quietly sitting or lying down, etc.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 30, 2015 5:09:05 GMT -7
Awww Kellie, Bailey has been getting very Whiney in the crate also. I think with Bail she's feeling better, and she wants out. (This is called tough love, for me) I want to get her, but I know the consequences. (I would of wondered like you, if it was a potty cry) This is hard, probably more on us, then them. You are so much like me,we worry, we love them, pet them, care for them, give them everything, and every need is met, so they're happy, When they don't feel well, we're all over it! They have our number Kellie, lol We will stay tough, only 4 weeks to go! I'm so glad her belly is better!
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 2, 2015 14:52:33 GMT -7
I'm sorry I didn't get to post yesterday. It was a long day! Maggie did great in water therapy. She didn't knuckle her feet at all while she was in and was really getting those legs going. I have new exercises to do with her to help stretch other leg muscles. I was given the ok to try and walk her once a day without the sling. It scares me though since she is still wobbly. I still put the sling there but not use as much support. It's going to take a while but she still acts the same way she did before and is trying to do more than her legs allow her to do. She is one strong pup! Love her to pieces  she goes again on Friday. Will post an update again |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 2, 2015 15:07:06 GMT -7
Great news that Maggie is doing so well with her water therapy. We saw great improvement in Frankie when he started water therapy. In addition to having her sling at the ready, you can use a harness and leash to walk her in case she tries to do too much. Sometimes our dogs think they can do much more than they should and surprise us with sudden movements. If she knuckles at all when you walk her, you might consider something to protect her feet. We used Pawz dog boots when Frankie was just starting to walk. A list of some of the equipment members have used can be found here.: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/1564/footwear-harnesses-scooting-garments |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 2, 2015 19:41:09 GMT -7
Yeah, I also use a harness with the sling to slow her down. She is just so wobbly in her back end yet. Her PT said that it will be a while until she fully recovers with that. She isn't knuckling her feet much any more. I only saw her do it once today but she fixed it. I will keep those booties in mind if I ever need them. They are a great idea.
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 2, 2015 20:27:04 GMT -7
Hi Kellie! Maggie is making wonderful progress. Being able to correct her foot placement is HUGE!  |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 5, 2015 9:02:47 GMT -7
I let Maggie walk on her own this morning to urinate. She was able to take a few steps, squat, go and stand up again to take a few more steps. She wanted to walk more but I got nervous and used the sling for the rest of the time outside. Still unsteady but that was the first time she was able to do that. She had therapy again yesterday. Here is a video of her session. PT says she did very good and was quite full of herself. She is starting to feel more like herself.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 5, 2015 10:00:04 GMT -7
Kellie, what a FABULOUS video to your August one, Maggie is working those legs and doing a good job at it!!! Go Maggie. I would always use the sling until you see she is not wobbly. Want to always make sure the sling is there as back up to keep the back aligned and the butt from tipping or falling over. Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions… We have a directory where you can share surgical costs: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting State: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: And finally would you share some hope and inspiration for new members just starting the iVDD journey when they get an overwhelming IVDD diagnosis at the vet's office? Many of our calendars are in vet clinics. Don't forget to add a photo to the gallery and a couple of sentences for a caption. Directions here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 19, 2015 20:39:57 GMT -7
Surgeon checked over Maggie on Thursday. She said she is doing well. Happy, comfortable and can get from point A to B with support. We need to continue with the rehab (underwater treadmill twice a week) and PT exercises at home. Still on crate rest. She is going to recheck her in 2 weeks.
I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with acupuncture. Maggie slightly favors her right leg. Hesitates to put it down most of the time but then is ok with it and walks. It almost seems as though it bothers her or there is some sort of weird sensation in it that she doesn't like. When I try to do the ROM exercises with that leg, she often resists or nudges my hand away. It doesn't hurt her. She is showing no signs of pain. Wondering if some nerve stimulation through acupuncture might help.
I have a more recent video from water therapy on Monday that I will post tomorrow. She is doing so well!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 20, 2015 10:36:11 GMT -7
Kellie look forward to seeing the video so we have a better idea of Maggie's progress.
Acupuncture may help with nerve stimulation, all depends on your pocketbook as sounds like Maggie is doing well on her own.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 20, 2015 12:30:03 GMT -7
So do you think that issue will get better on it's own? I know the water therapy is helping because she does better and better each time she goes. But she is still very unsteady when walking on her own. I feel this leg thing might be contributing to that. When I try to do range of motion exercises, she nudges my hand away and licks her foot. I guess I am just getting impatient and want my pup back to normal. I just have to keep reminding myself that it is a long, slow process. Here is the video from Sept. 14's therapy. They put some cute music to it . You can see how she favors that right leg in the video. She will walk ok for a bit then pick that right leg up higher and hesitate. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 20, 2015 14:15:31 GMT -7
Because Maggie is pretty walking well, I can understand that she no longer wants you to move her legs for her. She is able to do range of motion, so it is likely you no longer need to do that for her.
If it is in your pocketbook, you could try some acupuncture to see if it helps that right hind leg. If not, likely it is a matter of time for the nerves, the muscles to re-learn the art of walking. Just like a stroke victim needs practice and time to re-learn to walk. Water therapy is amazing in how much it expedites learning to walk again and strengthen muscles.
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Post by John & Marley on Sept 20, 2015 14:46:58 GMT -7
Couldn't see the video , says in the box video will appear but never did, So I cant comment on how she is walking using that one leg. But its only been 6 wks since surgery, one of my dogs at 12 weeks past surgery still wasnt moving his legs,, then next two weeks some activity , at 6 months walking . But one back leg was mores swinging motion he wasnt lifting and placing it, mid you this was 6 months post op and Vet said be happy he is walking this is the best it could be. Not acceptable to me I did a special therapy work out for him and at a year his leg was 100 % normal, could run like the wind and you never knew he had back surgery, never had a back issue for 3 yrs + till he passed away. Its only been 6 weeks, don't rush it think long term think about 6 months from now not 6 weeks, too many people rush it, skip rehab steps cheat on recovery and have relapses.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 20, 2015 16:37:24 GMT -7
John, here is the link to the video at Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCbgEzPdDusorJNamZ-kBBWQ The Sep 14 video is at the top. Right now, for rehab exercises, I am having her standing with her front paws on a book, Shifting her weight from side to side when standing, she is practicing standing from a sitting position and leg stretches to work those outer muscles. Anything else you recommend at this stage? |
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Post by John & Marley on Sept 20, 2015 16:50:59 GMT -7
saw it in Youtube. Watched it all, looks like Maggie just got tired at the end/ I wish I had that much happening 6 weeks out, give it time.... Maggie is at least stepping with the left rear leg , weak muscles, coordination takes time to rehab. My guys leg just swung forward like a gate closing by momentum. your on good grounds for recovery, just be patient, 6 weeks 10 weeks 18 weeks will be a blip in time 6 months from now... at 6 weeks she is doing great. I wish we had water therapy back then. ( 10 years ago was like the dark ages in IVDD treatment ) |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Sept 20, 2015 19:36:06 GMT -7
Thanks John . She has definitely come a long way from where she started . |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Oct 3, 2015 8:39:24 GMT -7
It will be 9 weeks since Maggie's surgery and she is becoming a little more steady while walking. I haven't gotten any directions on the crate rest. Can I start allowing her out or should I wait? My appointment isn't until the 12th so I still have over a week til I get any information. |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 3, 2015 12:29:22 GMT -7
As Maggie is coming off of her post op crate rest she needs to gradually build up muscles and stamina. The water therapy has already helped with this. 1. Building up muscles: We recommend you GRADUALLY reintroduce the pup back to activity. The IDEAL would be to go to a certified canine rehabilitation therapist and get a schedule on how to do this, plus specific exercises to rebuild muscle and coordination. Below are some GENERAL ideas, but always check with your vet or physical therapist if this schedule is right for your pup, or if some modifications should be done. In that case, follow their advice. Easing back into walking or using a wheel chair. After weeks of crate rest, you will need to slowly build up your dog's muscles and stamina. Always observe and restrict movement if there is soreness. Always use a leash and harness to control your dog and not put stress on the neck and back. No more collars. If your dog is still wobbly, add a sling to help stabilize the rear and prevent flopping or falling over. If you allow too much exercise it may be hard to tell the difference between sore muscles from too much exercise or a relapse of IVDD. If you see any signs of the IVDD worsening, crate and contact the vet right away. Below is some ideas on introducing activity after crate rest www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm |
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Oct 4, 2015 17:31:06 GMT -7
Kellie, that's awesome news. I just said I have to check in a see how Maggie's doing! I'm so happy to see graduated! She worked so hard to get there, good job Maggie! Is she walking on her own now? Bailey has been walking on her own for a bit now, but she still sways, sometimes, and turns are hard, but she seems comfortable. Some days it seems she's better then others, then I worry. Yesterday she hit another milestone, she wiped her back feet after potty. I was so excited about that, cracks me up. She used to do it so hard grass would fly! Grass isn't flying, but she did it. 9 weeks seems like a year. So much has happened. I hope your both doing well.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Oct 6, 2015 18:23:34 GMT -7
Hi Debbi! I know I'm so excited to have a graduate . I still keep her in her crate when I am unable to monitor her. I have an appointment with the surgeon on Monday so I am going to keep doing that until I get further instructions. Since yesterday, I have not had to use the sling outside during her potty breaks. If she walks around quite a bit, I can tell her legs get tired so I either put the sling on or bring her inside if she is finished. She is still a little wobbly but has so much more control. When I am sitting, I bring her in the room with me while she plays with her toys |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Oct 12, 2015 16:01:31 GMT -7
Took Maggie for her check up today. We got the ok to leave her out of the crate when we are home. Just making sure she doesn't jump or climb. She is able to play with our other dog and be a dog again . It makes me nervous but I was so glad to see her having fun and playing. Need to start "puppy" proofing now so she doesn't climb or jump. Still very wobbly but the surgeon said we should see improvement over the next few months. More than likely she will always have a wobble in her step but she is able to walk. Her 10 sessions of water therapy are over. They don't think it is necessary but could still be helpful if we decide to keep doing it. I am going to try acupuncture. I got 3 vets to look into for it. The rehab tech that worked with Maggie adopted a dog with back issues. She has done 2 sessions and said she sees a difference already. I figured it's worth a try. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,555
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 13, 2015 8:56:08 GMT -7
Kellie, good to hear Maggie is back being a dog and enjoying life. It is still quite early in the nerve healing department, so there likely will be more nerve improvement to come. The more she practices the art of walking the better she will do. Let us know how the acupuncture works for Maggie.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Oct 27, 2015 18:05:09 GMT -7
Maggie has been out of crate rest for 2 weeks now. Definitely seeing a little more strength while walking especially when walking in grass. Her one leg is weaker than the other. If putting weight on it, she wobbles quite a bit. Is it safe for her to play/run around with our other dog? She runs pretty good outside because she can get a good grip. I just get worried that she will injure herself again, but I also want her to be a dog again and have fun. She has such a free spirit and loves playing and running. She is a bit wobbly,but not so much she falls over. No more sling use for walking. She is completely on her own now. We do crate her at night. I'm afraid to let her sleep in bed with us. I fear she will jump off in the middle of the night. She is also crated during the day when we are not at home. When we are at home, we block the couch and stairs to limit her jumping. She sits on the couch when I am on it. It's been an adjustment. No acupuncture yet. There aren't any facilities in my area who provide it that I can get to before they close. Might do another round of water therapy. That seemed to work wonders . And I can drop her off in the morning and pick her up after work. It's pretty convenient. |
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Oct 27, 2015 20:48:22 GMT -7
Hi Kellie - so pleased that you are seeing steady progress!! When my Abbie finished her crate rest the neurologist told me to build up the exercise slowly over several weeks so that she would gain muscle strength and stamina. She asked me to call and update her on a weekly basis and each week after hearing that she was Ok she extended the exercise. Abbie has 2 other younger siblings who are rambunctious and some time 'rough house' so no way did I want Abbie to get tangled up in that play. It would be a good idea to ask your surgeon about play and running around with your other dogs. Crating at night and when you are not home is a good idea - prevention is better than cure! Abbie, her brother and sister sit on the couch with us BUT we always lift them up and put them on the floor before we get up and NEVER leave them on the couch if we are not sitting on it. Please check out this link for more information about future expectations www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingfuture.htmKeep up the good work!! |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Dec 15, 2015 20:26:44 GMT -7
It's been a long time since I have posted. It's been 4 months since Maggie's surgery. She is running around and is still getting stronger each day. Still a little wobbly but not like she was. I have 2 questions. Is it ok for her to use stairs? I have been keeping her in her pen when we are not home. Should I continue doing that or can I let her roam free (blocking areas so she can't jump or climb)?
You have been so helpful through all of this. Thank you so much!
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Dec 15, 2015 22:21:30 GMT -7
Hi Kellie - so pleased to hear maggie is doing well!! Abbie is almost a year since her first surgery and she is also doing great, she is moving very well, walks really good and if you did not know you can not tell she has had surgery. Re your two questions: I personally would not let Maggie use stairs - I have ramps from garden to deck, deck to porch and porch to mud room. I live in a two story house and carry all three of my dogs up and down stairs. They sleep in their own beds and NEVER in the big bed. If access to stairs and furniture is blocked off then Maggie should be OK to roam free Check out this link about Modifying our homes to reduce jumping, no more stairs, and training them NOT to fly www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm |
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she goes again on Friday. Will post an update again 
