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Post by Bob Wright on Mar 10, 2019 11:02:19 GMT -7
mini dachsund rear end paralysis Hi All: My best buddy went down with 3 ruptured discs on Feb 1st. He had deep pain sensation going into surgery and immediately after. Deep pain lost several days post op and has not returned 5 weeks later. My feeling was to give him 8 weeks (end of this month,March) and if no deep pain return to have him put down. He has no bladder or bowel control. I express his bladder several times daily. Several things I have noticed over the last week. 1.The skin temperature of his hind end now matches the rest of him. Previously his hind end was noticeably cooler. 2. When I massage his back end his neck muscles have started twitching and 3. His back legs are starting to twitch. Am I grasping at straws? Is it worth extending my time frame for the return of deep pain beyond 8 weeks? The wee guy seems happy and is still full of life (he's only turned 5). I want to make my decision based on his best interests …….not mine. I dearly love the mutt and any sensible advice would be greatly appreciated. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 10, 2019 11:48:47 GMT -7
Bob, welcome to Dodgerslist. What's your buddy's name? First thing to know is that nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal. Second thing is that dogs do not think like us. To them if they have the love of their owner, a warm place to sleep and food, they are happy. They just adjust to what is and get on with the business of living, loving life. So I don't know where you would have gotten info about not fully enjoying your best buddy for many years ahead. Click to enlarge: The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to read and learn the correct facts. Calm your mind about how long each of the 4 phases of healing will take. What treatments for which phase? his is the page to bookmark and return to in the next days to have a full understanding of the now and in the future of the best approaches for living together with your IVDD dog. Here is the link to bookmark: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm
QUESTIONS for you. --How you doing with expressing? staying dry session to session? Are you expressing for poop not for the health reason it is for bladders, but more to alleviate andy anxiety your buddy would have in finding poop where he sleeps. Review, video and tips on both kinds of expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- For how many weeks did the surgeon want for post op crate rest which would include all the PT he has directed? -- What PT do you do at home or at a clinic? Any of these demoed in the video below? Appropriate physical therapy can help maintain the muscles with lost nerve connection. Therapy keeps muscles in optimal condition while in wait to receive regenerating axon terminals. Post-op PT for the paralyzed IVDD dog:
-- Let us know if you have see a happy tail wag. Since nerves can be slow to heal better to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks. Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy specifically doing some happy talk, at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 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 place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm |
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Mar 10, 2019 15:06:30 GMT -7
Bob, as it has already been said the nerves are slow to heal. Please don’t put a timeframe on this disease you are dealing with. When Spike came home after surgery, he had no bowel control. It just plopped out, but now, more than a year later he can hold it, and if I say..do you need to go potty..he goes for the door. So sometimes I do find it in other places, but for the most part it is a team effort. I do have to help him remember, but that is okay. he doesn’t do as well on the urine, but I express him, and do use belly bands to keep from leaks around the house. It all gets better and the highlight of this whole thing was when our rehab vet had put this on their Facebook page.  |
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Post by Bob Wright on Mar 11, 2019 4:48:34 GMT -7
Hi Paula:
Thanks for your advice. His name is Mushroom....Mushy to his friends. Not at all sure what to say. I'm inclined to give him more time to heal but I'm simply not in a position to cope with it long term (more than a few months). He was in 'hospital' for 2 weeks following surgery. The surgeon has given him a one in ten chance of regaining toilet functions let alone ever walking again. There was no specific instructions for crate rest. I perform massage and rear leg cycles with him 4 times per day and he attends a rehab clinic once a week for acupuncture and laser treatment, but the rehab vet has now questioned the wisdom of continuing. I suspect she is concerned about the amount of money I'm spending with nothing to indicate progress. All the professionals involved in Mushy's care have been absolutely wonderful...…...but not hopeful. Maybe there just comes a time when we need to let go.
Hi Merriem:
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am genuinely glad that Spike is improving and I wish you both well.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 11, 2019 6:28:22 GMT -7
Bob, I understand where you're coming from. It's a huge shock when this happens.
I have two dogs with IVDD. When the second was diagnosed I felt like I couldn't cope.
However, now I've found a new normal and life is good.
You and Mushy can find that too. It can take months to see the extent of how far he will heal.
What are the obstacles to your being able to continue to care for Mushy?
No one here is judging, we just want to help you and Mushy find a way forward together.
Please hold on and we'll find a way to help.
Your friend, Julie
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 11, 2019 7:38:41 GMT -7
Bob, Julie is absolutely correct in her post above. In many respects caring for an IVDD dog can actually be easier. We had established a new normal, a slight change in routine or the way we did things. All doable. My Clark lived for another 10 wonderful years after his last disc episode only to be taken out from cancer. Please share with us what your concerns are, there are many here that can help with brainstorming to think outside the box in addressing your particular situation. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO REGISTER?The guest board is a temporary Guest courtesy to get immediate help until you can register. I encourage you to register and login. That way all the features of the Forum are available to you, making it faster to reply and get an email alert about replies. It also makes is far easier for us to track your dog and give the best assistance. Illustrated what to expect during registration: www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/RegisterFORUM/register.htm |
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Post by Bob & Mushy on May 4, 2019 12:52:14 GMT -7
Hi Everyone: Mushy is still with me. He clearly has no intention of giving up so I can't think of a single good reason why I should. Thanks for helping me see that simple truth. Bob  |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 4, 2019 13:31:37 GMT -7
Bob, thank you for the update on Mushy.. dogs don't easily give up!! Can you tell us a bit more how things are going with Mushy and his care, his neuro status? By now he would have already been graduated from crate rest and has transitioned back to family life, right? --How you doing with expressing? staying dry session to session? Are you expressing for poop not for the health reason it is for bladders, but more to alleviate andy anxiety Mushy would have in finding poop where he sleeps. Review, video and tips on both kinds of expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- For how many weeks did the surgeon want for post op crate rest which would include all the PT he has directed? -- What PT do you do at home or at a clinic, if his legs are not yet working? -- Let us know if you have seen a happy tail wag. Thank you for registering! |
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Post by Bob & Mushy on May 5, 2019 12:02:44 GMT -7
Hi Paula: Never was a requirement for crate rest. To be honest I don't think the vets expected him to be around for very long. Not much has changed since my first post other than his zest for life just keeps getting stronger. He's happy and (apart from the obvious) healthy. I never could get him to sit on command.....now I can't get him to stop! LOL
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 5, 2019 12:23:36 GMT -7
Bob, are you needing to express his bladder. That is he leaks on you when lifted because he doesn't have bladder control?
I'm so happy to hear what zest for life Mushy has. What kind of PT are you doing for his hind legs to keep them optimal while waiting on nerve repair?
Nerves being the slowest part of the body to heal, that might be something to think in terms of many many months even close to a year out from surgery. Just have to have patience to see what Mushy's body can do.
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Post by Bob & Mushy on May 6, 2019 0:47:03 GMT -7
Bladder is done several times/day. He's pretty easy to do so not a problem. PT is also several times/day. Consists of the stuff the rehab vet showed me plus what I've found on this site. He has not regained DPP. Vets have told me that in their experience if he hasn't regained it by now (3 months post op) he's unlikely to regain it at all. In which case he'll never walk again. Watching him I'm not entirely convinced they're right. He has reached a point where he can support his own weight if I lift his rear end up. Completely unsteady without me stabilising him...….but a gain is a gain etc.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on May 6, 2019 4:52:25 GMT -7
Hi, Bob. It's made me so happy to hear that Mushy is still with you and is doing so well. Dogs accept paralysis so much better than we do. My dog Jeremy didn't walk for 6 months following his surgery and then not very well but he never lost his happy smile. Dogs are true inspirations in their determination to carry on despite whatever life throws their way. We can learn so much from them. Have you considered getting a cart for Mushy? That would give him mobility when outside. Three months after Jeremy's surgery, his rescue donated a cart for him and he absolutely loved it. We could take long walks again. I got the big wheels for him so he could go on the beach and he ran right into the ocean in it! I also believe it was a great PT tool and helped him walk again. He left the cart behind three months after getting it. Here's the link to our page on features to look for when buying a cart and also a link to Eddie's Wheels who make excellent carts and Dogs to Go who offer inexpensive carts. www.dodgerslist.com/links/cart.htm If a cart is not financially feasible for you, sling walking with a harness and sling is great therapy, too, and good exercise if you're not already doing it. Please continue to keep us updated. We love hearing about Mushy. Many dogs have surprised their vets and walked again, including my own, so hoping Mushy will be one of them. But walking is just icing on an already wonderful cake! |
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Post by Bob & Mushy on Jun 8, 2019 2:43:51 GMT -7
Hi Everyone:
Starting month 5 and Mushy is still here and still a wee mad thing. He has a 'Walking Wheels' cart but I can't get him to use it. Tried everything I can think of. Problem seems to be the front harness......he clearly detests having it on him. When he sees me grab his sling, however, he literally bounces with excitement. I tire before he does. His tail started 'vibrating' a few weeks ago and now flicks to the side. The movement is quite pronounced but not at all consistent. Hardly wagging but could it be of any significance?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 8, 2019 4:50:44 GMT -7
Tails can move due to reflex so the only way to know if it's nerve healing is if it happens when Mushy hears a happy voice or sees you getting his sling. Then you know there is brain/nerve connection - his brain is connecting to his tail telling it to move. If that's what is happening, then it is very, very good news indeed! When my Jeremy regained his tail wag, it was very jerky and sporadic at first but as time went by, it wagged more smoothly. Please let us know if this was a tail wag when happy. I do hope so. It's unfortunate that Mushy doesn't like his Walkin' Wheels. Did you speak to anyone at the company about the problems you've encountered getting Mushy to use his cart? They may have some tips on how to adjust the harness/cart for a better or more comfortable fit. Their website says they have a front Neoprene harness that is more comfortable than the leg rings. www.handicappedpets.com/walkin-wheels-front-neoprene-harness/Here are some tips that you may or may not have tried yet: www.handicappedpets.com/blog/getting-your-dog-used-to-a-dog-wheelchair/Looking forward to hearing whether the tail wag is a happy one. |
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Post by Bob & Mushy on Jun 19, 2019 7:23:05 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie:
I've been watching his tail very closely this past couple of weeks. It [tail] absolutely moves in response to outside stimuli. It could hardly be called a 'tail wag' but it certainly is trying. Also I picked up the 'vest harness' for the cart....much better. We're just back from the beach and he was just motoring along in the cart without any problems
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 19, 2019 8:41:52 GMT -7
Wow, so happy to hear these two wonderful updates, Bob! You made our day here on Dodgerslist. Your verification that this is a happy tail wag means that Mushy must have deep pain sensation now and there's hope that you'll see more nerve healing as time goes by.
Enjoy those walks in your cart, Mushy!!
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jun 19, 2019 9:56:36 GMT -7
Any voluntary tail wag means nerve healing is taking place!! Woohoo!!
It's great that Mushy is now enjoying his wheels.
Some people have tried having their dogs legs down and using their wheels as a walker.
Would that work for Mushy?
I'm so happy for you both. Hooray!!
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Post by Bob & Mushy on Jun 19, 2019 12:31:29 GMT -7
Hi Julie:
While there's any hope of improvement (no matter how slim) I'm not prepared to tie Mushy's legs up in his cart. The cart is adjusted so his rear paws just touch the ground. On soft surfaces they drag a bit but cause the skin no harm. On hard surfaces I cover his paws with little protective 'sacks'.
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Post by Bob & Mushy on Aug 12, 2019 9:28:55 GMT -7
Hi All:
Had to let Mushy go today. Developed a bladder infection that no amount of antibiotics could get past. Many more bad days than good over the last month or so to the point where he was just in pain and peeing more blood than urine. Breaks my heart. Goodbye my wee friend.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 12, 2019 10:01:01 GMT -7
Oh dear Bob!! My sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear Mushy. Take comfort in knowing that all the wonderful shared memories of your best buddy will always be in your mind to recall whenever you want to.
Take care.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 15, 2019 13:03:01 GMT -7
Bob, I'm so sad for you. It's like losing a part of yourself. You fought so hard for him.
I pray you can eventually find peace and healing and remember all of the happy times you had with Mushy.
You loved him enough to let him go when it was time.
God bless.
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Post by Bob & Mushy on Sept 18, 2019 12:50:17 GMT -7
Hi all: Been almost 6 weeks since I lost Mushy. The pain is still there but it's not as raw. I've been thinking though about the whole experience. There were a lot of naysayers who thought I was wrong to keep Mushy going for so long. But they didn't see him playing at the beach in his cart of chasing a ball like a wee maniac or sitting in my lap enjoying the sunshine. Mushy had a good 6 months or so before things eventually got the better of him; 6 months that he otherwise would not have had. The naysayers were wrong. While he could cope well and still enjoy life, keeping him going was the right thing to do. I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in the position we were in to never give up.....regardless of the eventual outcome, in the end there will be no regrets. Thanks to everyone here for your support.  |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 18, 2019 13:10:12 GMT -7
A paralyzed dog can still enjoy life and that is what Mushy did. The six more months of happiness for both of you was a treasure.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
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