|
|
Post by Ashley & Bodhi on Jul 20, 2016 13:49:44 GMT -7
Hi there,
First of all I just wanted to send lots of love and prayers to all of the dogs and families who have had or are struggling with IVDD as we speak. It's so hard seeing our sweet, helpless little dogs dealing with such a painful disease. I wish a healthy recovery for all of your dogs and many years of sweet life to be enjoyed! And for those who have had to say goodbye to their dog, sending you love and prayers for peace and great memories.
My dog Bodhi first showed symptoms of suspected IVDD around 2 months ago. The first thing we ever noticed was a yelp when I went to pick him up one day. I thought it was his shoulder because that's mainly where my hands where when I reached for him. He only made one yelp and we poked around to see if he had a sensitive area and it had seemed to disappear, so we thought it was nothing. A few days later he yelped again. We brought him to the vet where she did a full body exam on him, pushed all along his spine, lifted his legs, did the whole exam without him making one sound. We figured it was a pinched nerve or something, but whatever it was couldn't have been serious enough if he was silent as a lamb at the vet. So we left. About a week later the yelping was happening more frequently. We had bought him a new harnesses bc we thought perhaps the other one was digging into him and causing pain. We brought him back to the vet, again, same exam and nothing! We asked about potential disc problems bc he is a dachshund and the vet said it could be a possibility so to see a neurologist. We live in NYC and did research on who the best neuro was for IVDD and ended up at Blue Pearl with Dr. Levitin. We went in for an appointment a few days later and Dr. Levitin and his staff were so lovely! He told us all about IVDD, and gave bodhi a full neuro exam. Once again, Bodhi showed no signs of pain at all, and was able to walk and even run normally in the office. At this stage the Dr. did not see a reason to use anesthesia to do an MRI, because at this point where he was walking and not in obvious pain, conservative treatment would be suggested anyway. We shortened our walks, kept Bodhi in his crate as much as possible and tried to give him lots of rest. Then, about 3 weeks after this appointment, Bodhi sneakily attempted to jump on the couch and missed, at which point he let out a huge yelp.
That was last Monday, and the rest of the day on Tues and Wednesday he acted odd like he was in pain. He was still walking, but he would lay in his crate all day and not act his usual excited self for his meals or going for walks. He was also still walking, but very slowly. We knew something was up so brought him back to Dr. Levitin on Thursday. Sure enough, by the time we got to the Dr.s office, Bodhi had been in more pain and when asked to walk during the exam was extremely wobbly. It was time to go in for the MRI and see what was happening. Mystery solved, Bodhi indeed had a ruptured disc. Bodhi had a disc protrusion and extrusion into the canal at the level of the T12-T13 intervertebral space with associated cord compression.
Dr. Levitin and his team did the surgery, which lasted about 3 (nerve-wracking) hours. The surgery went well, they removed a large amount of disc material from his spine.
Thanks to Dr. Levitin and the entire staff at Blue Pearl, Bodhi recovered well and was able to come home after 4 nights. Those 4 nights were so hard and the house was so quiet, but it's so comforting to know that amazing healers and people are caring for our dogs. We could call anytime, day or night, and would get the chance to speak to a doctor or nurse to get updates. I feel so grateful that we were put into the hands of Dr. Levitin and Blue Pearl, and know that they had everything to do with Bodhi's healing and recovery.
Bodhi's scar is healing well, and he's able to walk slowly. He is peeing and pooping on his own. Things look like they're headed in the right direction for Bodhi and we're doing all we can to help by keeping him confined to his crate or recovery suite.
My one question for the group and for the staff at the Dodgerslist- On occasion when we try to pick Bodhi up to take him outside, he yelps. It of course makes us nervous because this was the first sign of all of this IVDD stuff! He did it while we were still at the vet for our discharge appt, but they weren't too concerned because he had already had 2 exams where he didn't appear in pain at all. They thought it could anticipating pain and be more of a behavioral thing.
I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced yelping when picked up or touched days after the IVDD surgery? Bodhi is now 6 days after surgery so it might be very normal especially after such a big surgery, but wanted to check in. It makes me nervous so would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts here. Thanks so much everyone!
Ashley
★1 What breed? Long Haired Dachshund What is your dog’s name? Bodhi Your name, too? Ashley
Dr. Levitin; DACVIM-Neurology
★3 Surgery Date was Thursday, July 14
★4 Is there still currently pain - Bodhi is yelping when picked up. He doesn't do it every time, but out of the 8 or so times we have picked him up he's done it like 3 times.
★5 How much does your dog weigh?
13lbs
Gabapentin Give 1.3mL orally 2-3 times daily as needed for pain
Carprofen Rimadyl 12mg twice daily
★6 Eating and drinking OK?Yes, eating, drinking and pooping okay. all normal looking.
★7 Yes he can walk pretty well (slowly and has occasional slips) and wags his tail
★8 Yes he can urinate on his own
|
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 20, 2016 14:46:34 GMT -7
Hi Ashley and welcome to Dodgerslist. Everyone here has a dog with IVDD so you have come to the right place. There could definitely still be pain when being picked up 6 days after surgery. It would most likely be pain from the surgery itself rather than from IVDD. You could speak to the vet about this and ask for additional pain meds if it is more than very occasionally. We have some good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm#meds What did the vet recommend for crate rest and post-op physical therapy? We most often see vets recommend 6 weeks of post surgery crate rest but some vets recommend 4 weeks and some even 8 weeks. We have very useful tips and ideas for making the post_op crate rest period go smoothly here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm My Frankie had surgery with Dr Levitan about two and a half years ago. I was pleased with his treatment and he eventually recovered quite well. Healing thoughts for Bodhi. |
|
|
|
Post by Ashley & Bodhi on Jul 23, 2016 10:04:28 GMT -7
thanks so much for your reply! much appreciated. we had reviewed these links, so helpful.
bodhi is doing well, he's due back in for his staples to be taken out in a week and will look forward to the doctor giving him a full exam then. thanks again!
|
|
|
|
Post by Ashley & Bodhi on Jul 23, 2016 18:18:45 GMT -7
hi there,
my dog bodhi had surgery about 10 days ago now, and like these stubborn dachshunds do, he thinks he's all back to good and wants to be active like he always has been. We keep him in the crate when no one is home, and then when we are home we have him in a recovery suite playpen area in the living room with a memory foam bed in there. Or we sit with him on the floor on blankets and pet him/ do massage and PT. The past few days though he has been trying to play with his old toys- his bones and balls and toys he wants us to throw them for him to play fetch, at which we just say no sorry bud, not yet, it's for your own good! And he gets sad and frustrated and eventually lays down and rests. Does anyone know of any "safe" for recovery toys? Something that can be fun for him and keep him occupied but not put require too much movement? Thank you!!
Ashley
|
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 23, 2016 18:34:08 GMT -7
What about a Kong with frozen treats inside? He could lick it and it would keep him busy.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 23, 2016 22:16:30 GMT -7
Ashley, it would be helpful to always post in Bodhi's thread. We do not like to make any comments until we have reviewed a dog's thread for fear we might give wrong advice. I would suggest you try some no-cal mind stimulation. Check out the emergency crate training information. Dr. Becker, DVM talks about "Help Keep Your Pup Happy When She's on Crate Rest" and there is a video with ideas for mind stimulation as well: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm |
|
|
|
Post by Nicole & Chloe on Jul 26, 2016 19:54:05 GMT -7
Hi Ashley! How are things going? I was thinking about you and Bodhi and wanted to check in.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ashley & Bodhi on Jul 27, 2016 11:48:42 GMT -7
Hi Nicole!
Aw thanks for checking in! Bodhi is doing well thank you. He's bored! But we keep telling him all of this laying around is for his own good. How is Chloe doing? Hope you all are hanging in there and enjoying time together at home!
Thanks Julia! that was a great idea, we got a little kong and actually got a can of his wet food and scooped some in and froze it. keeps him busy for a good 20 minutes bc he's such a little food hound!
Hi guys!
Anyone who has done the surgery before, did you notice that your dogs spine seemed to be protruding a little? A few days after surgery I noticed a little bump forming just to the right of his incision scar. I kept an eye on it and it seemed to get a little bigger the following day, then I realized I think it's actually his spine. It's in the right spot of his back, and It's hard like his spine, so I knew it wasn't a sarcoma or fluid like sack from the surgery that can happen. It doesn't bother or irritate him when we touch it or around it. Now we can feel about 4 inches of it, right along the right side of his incision. I've just never noticed his spine before, but also he's never been shaved before and I may have just not been looking to closely/ going near his incision the first few days.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 27, 2016 12:24:52 GMT -7
Ashley, over on the main Dodgerlist website, the Neuro Corner has a good explanation by Dr. Isaacs of what you may be seeing post op: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/hump.htm If you are concerned do touch bases with your vet and let us know, too, what he says. |
|
|
|
Post by Nicole & Chloe on Jul 27, 2016 16:21:05 GMT -7
Hi Ashley! I'm so happy to hear that Bodhi is doing well! We placed Chloe's recovery pen near our sliding glass doors so she can see outside. She's also pretty centrally located so she has eyes on her brother and my hubby quite a bit. We were going to do the Kong but she doesn't seem like she needs it. Also, regarding the spine issue if it's bothering you ask about it. Can you take a picture and send it to the Doctor? Chloe has an area where her incision is that's "bulging". Dr. Reese said it has to do with how he stitched her. It's always better to ask even if it's something small. Chin up and positive vibes !
|
|
|
|
Post by Ashley & Bodhi on Aug 18, 2016 18:33:18 GMT -7
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to give an update on Bodhi. He had his one month check up today and he is doing well!
He can now go on short walks. He is walking mostly great, although has an occasional stiffness or little skipping in his back legs. The doctor is confident this will continue to get better as he gets stronger.
The one thing that seemed a little out of the ordinary was a little bump that has appeared near his scar. The doctor is confident it's an air bubble from the surgery/ scar. Has anyone else experienced this?
My other question is now that Bodhi is doing better we want to train him to use a ramp to get up and down from furniture. We have not let him on any furniture during recovery, but we all know how sad that makes a dachshund, and the family! Any certain ramps that people like? Are ramps better than stairs? Or are stairs better? We really want to prevent Bodhi from any other injury or IVDD flare up.
Thank you and wishing everyone's dogs speedy and healthy recoveries!!
Ashley
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Aug 18, 2016 21:01:06 GMT -7
Hi Ashley! Thank you for Bodhi's one month check up, update! Very glad he is doing so well! Ramps are a very good idea. IVDD dogs should never use stairs.. Here are the never again and back friendly activities.. Hope these tips will be of help to you and Bodhi! Never again activities: No more stairs or steps. Use ramps indoors with furniture and on outdoor steps to help decrease impact on the spine. How to build your own ramps ; dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/867/ramps No more jumping up or down, those activities increase impact on the spine. Teach your dog to use a ramp: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/ramptrain.htm No tug-o-war, pulling games. No killing the prey, via shaking toys. No zig zag running. No rambunctious playing with other dogs. Teach your dog to not pull on the leash : www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/leash-training-a-dog.htmlNo sitting up or standing on back legs. Teach your dog to sit down rather than jump AND keep all four feet on the ground Back Friendly activities: Keep weight down to reduce stress on back. Build up to daily 30 minute walks, good exercise to strengthen back muscles Hide and seek games involving nose work are good and can be played inside or outdoors (hide yourself behind a door, hide kibble pieces on a bottom shelf, under edge of rug, sink treats in a saucer of water, or a muffin tin) Swimming, water therapy is good exercise. Fetching a gently rolled tennis ball along the ground is good exercise. Avoid dog pouncing or stopping suddenly. Obedience training for mind stimulation, teach a new word or command. |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Aug 19, 2016 13:43:50 GMT -7
Ashely, for how many weeks did the surgeon want for crate rest plus PT such as walking...3 wks, 4wks 6 wks? Is Bodhi now graduated from crate rest and allowed to be free in the house when you are at home, walk by himself in the back yard?
|
|
