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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 8, 2016 7:21:37 GMT -7
Definitely seeing some walking movement attempts with those back legs. He still knuckles them under, but is trying to walk again. He's just out of crate for potty time but will attempt a few steps. He also is doing really good stretches with both legs when he first gets placed on the grass for potty time. Is that normal?
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Post by Ann Brittain on May 8, 2016 8:09:58 GMT -7
It's great news that Tucker is showing more movement in his legs.
Each IVDD dog heals differently so what is "normal" for one might not apply to all recovering dogs. But stretching certainly seems like a positive sign that Tucker's nerves are reconnecting.
Buster had his surgery 4 years ago and every little sign of improvement was like a gift. I'm sure you're feeling the same as he progresses.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 10, 2016 21:10:36 GMT -7
Tucker is really making strides. He is taking a few motions of stepping at potty time. He can stand for about a minute now. Still doing laser therapy three times a week and hope to get him in the pool this weekend to give those legs some water exercises. We're 23 days post surgery and moving steadily in the right direction. Tucker is really proud of himself, that tail wags a mile a minute when he gets to take a few steps at potty time. Still spending 24/7 in ex pen or enclosed pet stroller. Potty needs are totally under control and we have finally figured out which whimper means he needs to go!
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 11, 2016 7:17:21 GMT -7
Phyllis, you are doing such a good job in nursing care for Tucker! No doubt Tucker will continue to improve his neuro control as his legs strengthen and he practices the art of walking again. Thank you for keeping us updated on his progress.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 16, 2016 15:58:35 GMT -7
Tucker getting stronger each day and standing longer during potty trips. He is starting to raise his hips up just a bit. Question: His right rear leg is self controlled and bends where it folds normally under his hips when he sits. His left leg remains straight forward. To assist him in raising himself, I must manually move the left foot into a bent position under his hip. His injury was on the left side of the spine and I'm assuming that's why the left is slower to return to motion. Should we wait for that left leg to catch up or should we 'help' get him to the right position for standing? He's 4 weeks post surgery and just starting to make stepping motions, mostly with right leg.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on May 17, 2016 6:58:09 GMT -7
You can help him by positioning his foot, Phyllis. My Jeremy, although he's walking and it's 4 years post-op, still sits with both of his legs extended straight out. He then bends one leg enough to push himself into a standing position but sometimes I have to help him up. It's such early days in Tucker's healing so hopefully as the nerves continue to heal, he'll be able to get that foot into position himself. He's doing wonderfully so soon after surgery. My Jeremy had no tail wagging, no leg movement, no bladder control four weeks after surgery. Keep up the good work with your little guy!
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 17, 2016 13:50:19 GMT -7
Attention, attention, attention! Tucker just walked about 3 feet during his last potty break outside. His right leg is totally figuring it back out and the left leg will follow shortly. Yes tears were shed during that potty break. I'm going to have to start using a leash on him since he can now motor away from me once he's taken out for a potty break.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 17, 2016 13:58:01 GMT -7
That is excellent news about Tucker. He is doing very well considering he is only a month out of surgery. Definitely put the leash on him at this point so he doesn't move to much or too fast.
Tucker is on his way.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 18, 2016 15:56:54 GMT -7
He pulled himself to standing! One time, but that's another step in the progress train!!!
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Post by Angie & Lily on May 20, 2016 10:59:56 GMT -7
When Lily pulled herself up to her feet for the first time I cheered and grabbed my camera to snap a photo. It's crazy what an amazing feeling it is.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 23, 2016 21:09:23 GMT -7
Tucker's right leg is getting better each day. He's placing it with more accuracy every day during our potty trips. The left leg lags way behind in functioning and is mostly functioning as a cane to steady him while the right leg motors forward. We are at week 5 and still penned for 23 hours a day. The right rear paw occasionally is knuckled under, but corrected. The left paw is knuckled under about 50% of the time without correction. Laser therapy continues 3 times a week. No meds since day 8 post surgery. Tail wags all the time, he retracts both legs if you mess with his paws. Bladder and bowel control are good, though sometimes bowel schedule is wonky. Tucker's personality has completely returned. He thinks he's back to normal and we have to remind him that he can't run yet!
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Post by Pauliana on May 23, 2016 21:37:35 GMT -7
Wonderful update, Phyllis.. Tucker is recovering so very well thanks to your great care!
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 25, 2016 15:39:25 GMT -7
Hoping this new video shows up! It's of Tucker working really hard to take a few steps. Left leg still lags way behind but right leg is getting stronger by the day.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 25, 2016 19:30:32 GMT -7
Phyllis, looks like his nerves are healing. With learning more about coordination and muscle strength he'll be improving his walking ability. With crate rest soon to be completed, you may like to take a peek at introducing Tucker back to physical activty and modification to the home. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! Also check out how to teach four paws on the floor! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmCheck out these easy home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on Tucker's spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps up to furniture, or blocking furniture all together. All those ideas and more are in this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 27, 2016 10:44:02 GMT -7
He's walking and the left leg is actually stepping!!!! Strength is being regained and I'm beside myself!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 27, 2016 13:43:33 GMT -7
Excellent, excellent news about Tucker.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 28, 2016 19:23:20 GMT -7
Actually scratched using his right rear leg today!!!!
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Post by Pauliana on May 28, 2016 20:44:18 GMT -7
Phyllis, Such exciting progress Tucker is making.. You must be thrilled with how well he is doing!
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 31, 2016 6:07:01 GMT -7
6 weeks 2 days post surgery. We are officially off crate rest, but I'm still using the ex pen when I can't supervise. Still wobbly walking, still getting laser therapy and still getting stronger each day.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 31, 2016 11:20:29 GMT -7
You and Tucker did it, good nursing, good crate rest principals and now Tucker is ready to ease slowly back into normal family activity. We'd LOVE to have Tucker in our 2016 Photo Gallery along with a 1-2 sentence caption. You both are inspiration to those just starting a scary IVDD journey. LOGIN to the galleryusername: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Jun 1, 2016 20:35:48 GMT -7
I can't find the album for 2016 in the drop down list when I click upload tab?
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 1, 2016 21:02:36 GMT -7
Phyllis, here is a direct link into the 2016 Gallery. photogallery@dodgerslist.com
Then just login (login located just below Dodgerlist logo) and upload. If there are any problems an alternative is to email jpg and caption to: photogallery@dodgerslist.com
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Jun 21, 2016 16:56:17 GMT -7
Tucker continues to become more graceful at walking. He almost always corrects that annoying left back paw that tries to knuckle under.
Today he's been holding his tail high and curved? That's odd for him. Still wagging his tail when we talk to him and bathroom habits are normal. Any ideas on the tail issue?
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 22, 2016 5:44:04 GMT -7
I'm glad to hear that Tucker is correcting the knuckling of his left back paw, Phyllis.
I do recall some members reporting a change in tail position at the beginning of a disc episode but if I recall correctly, the tail was hanging down or curled under and there were other signs, such as pain. As always with an IVDD dog, keep alert for any sign of pain or worsening of neuro function and immediately crate if you suspect Tucker is having another disc episode until a vet can check him out. Should you have any concerns, it's always best to contact your vet.
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