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Post by Penny & Sherman on May 22, 2019 5:00:17 GMT -7
Hello.
My name is Penny and my dog is Sherman. We live in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sherman is a 20 pound small standard Dachshund who suffered loss of motor function in his rear legs on Friday, May 17 2019. He still had some movement in one leg and deep pain sensation in the other. CT showed a large disk rupture so he received spinal decompression surgery performed by a neurologist (ACVIM) in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 18 2019.
Since his surgery he has been receiving excellent specialist veterinary care including post-surgery therapy. The vets are pleased with his progress and he was released to me yesterday, May 21 2019. He is to be crate-resting for an absolute minimum of two weeks unless going potty or doing exercises. Fortunately I can work from home and am able to provide consistent care but I'm finding myself quite scared/anxious/distressed.
Sherman doesn't seem to be in any pain, is eating well and can can urinate to some extent on his own. He doesn't seem to care to drink very much. I haven't been able to express him myself yet and the vets say he has a very small bladder. I will be trying again in the next hour since he's presently sleeping and I was able to get him to drink broth over an hour ago. If urination doesn't happen again very soon I guess I'll be off to the vet ASAP. (Very worried about safely getting him into and out of a carrier.) I haven't yet seen Sherman poop. He was fairly gassy at the hospital but now that he's home and has eaten his normal food he doesn't seem to have any problems.
Sherman also has regained motor function in both legs but can't yet always determine the placement of his feet or stand very long without support. I've been given a list of exercises to perform that include stretching and assisted weight bearing. He will be getting a checkup starting next week and is scheduled for therapy for the four weeks following his checkup.
His remaining oral medications since surgery are:
Gabapentin 100mg, 1 capsule 10 hours apart (unless I see pain, in which case I can dose 8 hours apart). This seems to be very effective for Sherman and causes him to doze off. The prescription is expected to be filled multiple times.
Carprofen 75mg, 1/4 tablet every 12 hours WITH FOOD. Once the bottle's gone, no refill.
[Moderator's note: please do not edit
20 lbs.
Carprofen 18.75 mg 2x/day for 14 days
Gabapentin 100mg every 10 hrs.
no GI tract protector Pepcid AC on board! ]
I did ask about Carafate. It was strongly suggested I give the Carprofen with food to avoid upset and to watch for loss of appetite and diarrhea.
So glad this board exists to help allay fear.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722 
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Post by Marjorie on May 22, 2019 6:19:23 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Penny. So glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you. Wonderful to hear that Sherman has regained some neuro function so soon after surgery! Nerve healing is very, very slow and sometimes it takes months, even a year or more, to see improvement. So Sherman is doing great! It will help us work together with you and avoid offering ideas that could cause harm or lead the discussion in the wrong direction delaying help for your dog — please share a bit more detail with us: ❖1 PEPCID AC: Any time a dog is on an anti-inflammatory, stomach protection needs to be given. Ask if your dog has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn't need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a "no health" issues answer,then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine). Doxie weight dogs: 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) every 12 hours. NOTE: Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html canigivemydog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/can-i-give-my-dog-pepcid-ac-300x300.jpg❖2 We usually see 4-6 weeks of post-op crate prescribed. Post-op crate rest is to allow the surgical sites to heal. Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —> www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT for a post-op dog means: ◼︎no laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you ◼︎no chiro therapy whys: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times. Post-op dogs will follow surgeon's directives for PT during post-op rest as the offending disc material was surgically removed. ❖3 Can Sherman specifically sniff and then release urine which is bladder control - OR- do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted which are indication of an overflowing bladder and loss of bladder control? The only way to tell if a dog has bladder control is to carry them to a spot where they or another dog has peed before, support their hind end but not under the belly, let them sniff and see if they can release urine. If not, their bladder needs to be expressed. Please keep us updated on your efforts to express. Overflowing bladders need to be expressed to avoid UTIs. Review video then get a hands-on-top-of-your-hands expressing lesson. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm❖4 Constipation is common following surgery. Pumpkin can help to loosen stools. Give one teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight per day. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. Note alternatives for constipation: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato. If there is great pain or severe neuro diminishment, acupuncture or laser light therapy can be started right away as an adjunct to pain meds and to kick start nerve cell energy production. Options: Acupuncture vet who does home visits to avoid back moving during transports. For transport to necessary visits, pad out the recovery suite extra space with a rolled up towel/blanket to prevent body shifts during braking or cornering. CAUTIONS: ~~ Laser light therapy is contra-indicated with tumors which are detected via x-ray. ~~ During conservative treatment, anytime out of the recovery suite is a dangerous time for the healing disc. Movement of the back can increase a disc tear and escape of disc material into the spinal cord . For an animal with very mild neuro deficits, the risk of transporting to therapy has to be carefully weighed against what benefit is to be gained. www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/~~ Why Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htmAlso water therapy can be performed after the stitches/sutures are removed. An underwater treadmill is great therapy. Some of these water exercises can be done right in the bathtub. Please check with the surgeon before starting any of these. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmKnowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!!The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD as soon as possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. Your dog will be depending on your ability to learn: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/theater.htm --- PRINT OUT this link and tape to your fridge: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm --- use the printout as your roadmap to avoid dangerous detours in your dog's care --- make notes/highlight to keep yourself on track --- follow all the links in the next days to become the IVDD savvy pet parent your dog needs. Use the “search box” to easily locate topics over at our Main www.dodgerslist.com website: www.dodgerslist.com/index/searchBOX.jpgPlease keep us updated. We're here for you and Sherman. Healing prayers for Sherman. |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on May 22, 2019 15:41:06 GMT -7
Hello Marjorie. Thanks for the reply.
1. My husband's set for a ✙famotidine errand in the next hour.
[Moderator's note: please do not edit
20 lbs.
Carprofen 18.75 mg 2x/day for 14 days til Je 3
Gabapentin 100mg every 10 hrs.
✙famotidine ? mgs ?x/day ]
2. The expectation is 2 weeks for spinal fenestration healing and a total of more than 4 weeks for general recovery. I'm expecting to stay at home with him for 6-8 weeks.
3. Sherman is not dribbling and is sniffing/releasing in his usual spot on the lawn. He released on his own three times today so far, but not full bladder emptying. This morning I did wind up going to the vet and they demonstrated, plus said Sherman was doing most of the work on his own and was not fighting the expression. Both my husband and I will try again tonight. This is the one thing that scares me the most. Also need to work on his sniffing without dragging.
4. Will add pumpkin to husband's shopping list (NOT pumpkin pie filling). Sherman still hasn't had a poo.
I have a subscription to Amazon music and am playing soothing music designed for dogs. Some of it I don't care for because it sounds morose solfeggio music, but the guitar pieces seem to actually work.
Sherman is snoozing quite a lot today, to the point where I'm concerned I'm not going to get his prescribed therapy in. Is it normal during surgery recovery for the dog to show a little less motor skill some times than others?
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Post by Pauliana on May 22, 2019 17:05:32 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Penny! It is normal for Sherman to snooze a lot, after all he is only 4 days out from surgery.. He is in the early healing stage.. Sleep is very healing, so it is good for his recovery.. Gabapentin tends to make dogs sleepy until their body gets more used to it.. Do the PT exercises when ever he is relaxed on the schedule that works for you and for him.. Our Tyler had disc herniation surgery in 2013 and he didn't poop for a few days..The medications from surgery and also his current meds are constipating.. Pumpkin and equal parts water as Marjorie suggested works very well to ease constipation.. As far as expressing goes, it is a good idea to let him pee and much as he can outside and then do a quick express check afterwards to make sure he is empty. You likely won't have to do it for much longer since he is getting bladder control back so soon.. He is improving very quickly, so try not to worry.. I know that's what we do with our much loved pets.. Be sure to watch the videos. and read the article in the expressing link Marjorie posted to you... Lots of great tips there.. Here's the link just in case.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmGlad your husband is going to pick up Famotidine.. and also the plain pumpkin. This is a new normal for you while he is healing, it takes time to adjust and get used to being a nurse for your Sherman.. You will handle everything just fine.. We are here for you! |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on May 23, 2019 17:06:04 GMT -7
Well some good news. I took Sherman out for a pee this morning and he did, just a little. About 30 minutes later he let me know he had business to take care of and emptied his bladder. Twice today so far. He's also had a nice BM. I've also improved at not letting him drag around when outside. However. He's generally feeling a lot more energetic and he's a heavy chewer. He's hopping around his crate and has managed to utterly destroy his bed. This worries me because he tends to throw his back into it. Gabapentin is still knocking him back somewhat but I've decided to have the vet fill a tranquilizer prescription just in case... We're only into day two at home.  It's also harder to control him when removing him from his crate to do stretches and weight-bearing exercise. He's very squirrelly. Maybe I should be doing _more_ exercises to tire him out? Just seems like the more I take him out of his crate, the more opportunities for injury. Any advice/novel ideas appreciated. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 23, 2019 18:27:55 GMT -7
Penny, are you doing the stretches and weight bearing on the floor where he is safer--- not going to jump down from anything? What about encircling the two of you with an ex-pen so he can see there is not going to be any darting off. The other option is to keep a harness and leash on him at PT time as a means of control. Dr. Becker, DVM, explains "During your dog's mandated rest time for recovery, her movements will be restricted, but her mind will still need stimulation. Teaching her tricks and games appropriate for her temporary physical restrictions will help relieve boredom." Penny, do choose only the activities which align with the amount of limted movement your surgeon has directed for Sherman's post op activity: Dr. Becker's "Help Keep Your Pup Happy When She's on Crate Rest" and Dr. Horwitz' video demoing mind stimulation activities. healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/07/20/dog-rest-time-for-recovery.aspx Here is another idea: "Teaching self-calming exercises can also help your dog to relax more. You can make something as simple as eye contact a very rewarding behavior that also acts as a way for your dog to “ask permission” when he wants something. When dogs have a focus and an understanding about how to behave to get what they want, they are much calmer overall. To do this, each time your dog looks at you, say, something like, “Yes!” or use a clicker to mark the second he looks at you, and then give your dog a high-value food reward. [editor's note: for crate resting dogs, shift your body a bit] .... wait for your dog to look up at you again, say, “Yes,” and reward again. Do this exercise 10 or so times and then say, “All done,” and put the treats away. Come back later and do it again until you can see that your dog is really starting to make automatic eye contact in hopes you will say, “Yes,” again and give him his reward." Nan Arthur, CDBC, CPDT, KPACTP |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on May 26, 2019 20:25:41 GMT -7
We're now one-week post-op, looking forward to Sherman's checkup this coming Wednesday. 16 doses/8 days of Carprofen remain. I'm assuming that when we're done with Carprofen, we won't need the Pepcid for Gabapentin?
Sherman's doing very well. He now eats and drinks normally and has been going to the bathroom on his own and regularly. He can also stand up on his own and wags his tail quite a bit more.
We've managed to avoid filling the prescription for tranquilizer. When he gets rambunctious in his crate, we take him out to do his exercises. His legs are noticeably stiff and he seems to dislike the stretches and bicycle exercises the most. He's a smart fellow; he's worked out that if he stops cooperating and goes limp -- refusing to even sit up -- then the session's over. It's also helpful to have low-cal (vegetable/broth) goodies frozen into a Kong to keep him distracted. I've also tried Pet Releaf CBD treats at the halfway point between medications. If they have any effect it's not very evident or long lasting.
Until today I've been maybe more worried about myself than Sherman. If he's left alone he gets upset and can start tearing his crate up. Last nite my husband kept an eye on him so I got my first 8 hours of sleep since his surgery. Today was one of the first really nice days out here, so we relocated his crate to the back yard using a furniture dolly (Sherman was out having potty break during the relo) and covered it with a white shade cloth. This worked very well. I was back in 7th heaven gardening and Sherman was content to just observe. He's resting a lot more soundly tonight.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 27, 2019 6:57:59 GMT -7
Penny, love your report this morning. Being able to move up into a stand position, is that right?, would be an excellent sign of nerve healing and more to come in time! Fresh air for Sherman while resting in his recovery suite and near you as you garden, what a lovely sight that must be!
The carprofen is to get the surgery caused inflammation down which lasts for aboout 2 weeks. The Pepcid AC is to suppress the extra acids all anti-inflammatory drugs (carprofen is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug) cause. So likely at the end of carprofen therapy he won't need the gabapentin either and of course won't need Pepcid AC if not taking carprofen.
Please keep us posted on what the surgeon says at the Wednesday checkup!
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Post by Penny & Sherman on May 29, 2019 14:44:43 GMT -7
Sherman had his post-op checkup today. He can stand on his own, has good motor skills and pretty good flexibility, some improved proprioception. He can walk with support but not steadily on his own and is noticeably weaker on the left side. I was given a few new homework assignments for balance and proprioception and he received laser and acupuncture therapy. The surgeon wants Sherman to have three more weeks of restrictive rest before starting more intense therapy such as hydro/treadmill.
His therapist (DVM) said he's possibly the longest Dachshund they've ever seen, that he's doing well and could be the hospital "poster dog" for how well recovery can go. Sadly the weekend Sherman was in surgery, he was one of three black and tan Dachshunds in the hospital with the same problem. Some of the staff mistakenly call him "Pickle".
Over the next five days I'll be dosing his medications less frequently as long as he stays comfortable and after that, tapering them off entirely. I was given a ✙tranq prescription [name?] because the therapist didn't like hearing that he throws his back into bed destruction when frustrated.
I've surpassed my record for sleep deprivation. I just filled a teapot with hot water, entirely forgetting the tea. Hopefully the next three weeks go more smoothly.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 29, 2019 15:05:38 GMT -7
It is hard to care for our dogs after surgery I remember. As Sherman recovers you should be able to get more sleep. Sherman is doing very well 11 days after surgery. It is common for one side to be weaker than the other with IVDD. It is better to give him a sedative than to have him hopping around in his crate and destroying bedding. Post surgery dogs need to be calm so the surgical site can heal. There are also some natural methods you could try Some of our members have had success using an oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser. . It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. with. Of course ALWAYS keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price. Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider: --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser www.adaptil.com/us/Adaptil/Adaptil-DiffuserUse a diffuser with one oral calmer from below: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed us.virbac.com/product/behavior/anxitane-chewable-tablets2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jun 2, 2019 5:14:08 GMT -7
Sherman's now two-weeks post-op with his next vet checkup/PT scheduled for Tuesday.
We're entering day 5 of his drug taper, currently administering 100mg Gabapentin every 12 hours, then the 18.75mg Carprofen every 24 hours. At this point, should he always be getting the Pepcid 30 minutes before Carprofen *and* 12 hours later?
I was thinking that he hasn't improved much, but in re-reading my previous posts I've realized he can now walk (sling supported) without showing signs of stiff legs. I have been getting in more of his at-home PT, but in order to get him to cooperate and not flop over in limp protest, I've been using peanut butter as a lure.
I'm concerned about weight gain with the use of peanut butter. I've noticed that Sherman's much calmer in his crate when he gets his normal amount of kibble as opposed to reduced portions as recommended by the hospital discharge coordinator. Swapping for veggies doesn't seem to satisfy his appetite. At least the peanut butter is no-sugar-added and I've managed to cut out treats like Greenies.
One morning while outside for a potty break, Sherman noticed a small dove wandering on the ground. This kicked in his prey drive and we had an awful day. That night around 9 pm due to continued intractable behavior, I gave him the new prescription of 50mg Trazodone. This was too high a dose; he was out of it until about 2:30 pm the following day. I called the hospital, and they recommended reducing future doses by half. I did wind up administering a reduced dose a couple days later and the tranquilizing effect was much less worrisome.
I still haven't felt safe to leave the house with Sherman alone in his crate. Due to the vet putting a moratorium on advanced PT until week five and Sherman's bed-destructing ways, I feel pinned. I'll give the DAP diffuser and ANXITANE recommended by Romie after discussing it with the vet on Tuesday.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 2, 2019 5:31:02 GMT -7
Hi, Penny. Sherman is doing very well, showing signs of improvement only two weeks post-op. It takes a couple of weeks for the swelling from the surgery to resolve and until then, improvement often is not seen.
Yes, continue giving Pepcid AC 2x/day for as long as Sherman is on any dose of Carprofen.
Sherman does need his normal amount of kibble as his body has a lot of healing to do. Maybe he'd like a piece of apple instead of peanut butter? My Jeremy goes crazy for apples! Try other things, maybe a small piece of seedless watermelon or some blueberries might work. If not, try to give as little of the peanut butter as possible.
Keep up the good work with Sherman! And please let us know how the follow-up visit on Tuesday goes.
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jun 5, 2019 3:49:02 GMT -7
Yesterday Sherman had his second therapy visit.
The rehab vet is very pleased. She said he's showing improved strength and proprioception and is cleared for an underwater treadmill session on his next appointment when he'll be 3.5 weeks out from surgery.
Sherman has maybe gained .2 pounds since he was initially seen at the hospital so I'm less concerned about weight gain than before. I've managed to cut down on the use of peanut butter in favor of veggies and his normal kibble. His carprofen and gabapentin doses are now reduced to once every 24 hours and I'm continuing to give him Pepcid every 12 hours with one dose 30 minutes prior to administration of carprofen. I prefer to still stagger, carprofen in the morning and gabapentin in the evening.
The rehab vet also said I can reduce use of the sling for potty breaks, using it mostly to help pick Sherman up to save my own back. This worries me especially after a gabapentin dose when he seems more wobbly. Right now I prefer to use the sling in a way that offers him minimal support but is there in case he missteps and sways to one side. Am I worrying too much? I absolutely cringe when I see his back end break loose or when I see him flip upside down to try to scratch his back.
The next biggest challenge for me is going to be transitioning Sherman out of his crate after 4 weeks of strict rest. I understand his movement should still be restricted to absolutely NO jumping and short walks of about five minutes. He's usually sequestered to the kitchen when I'm away from home, so my plan is to cover the floor with a series of entry mats that give decent non-slip footing and to (at least temporarily?) eliminate the use of his Coolaroo bed in favor of bedding directly on the floor.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 5, 2019 6:07:01 GMT -7
So glad to hear that the rehab vet was pleased with Sherman's progress and that he's been cleared for an underwater treadmill treatment! We've seen many dogs regain use of their legs with the underwater treadmill therapy. Great news! You're absolutely right that a sling should still be used until Sherman is able to walk more steadily and without the fear of his falling to one side or the other. Offering him minimal support will enable him to exercise his legs and prevent him from swaying too much. His transition to more movement following the 6 weeks of post-op crate rest will need to be done slowly so his muscle strength and stamina can be gradually rebuilt. You can take a look at this page so you'll know how to do that once the crate rest is over: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmWe recommend that any dog with IVDD always be crated when alone at home. It's good to keep them used to going in the crate at times since they would need to be crated again should they have another disc problem. Hopefully that will not happen but it's always good to be prepared. Sherman will be restricted from now on going up or down steps/stairs so since the Coolaroo bed would involve a step up or down, that would not be a good bed for Sherman at any time in the future. Mats or rugs are a good idea anywhere there are slippery floors to give Sherman some traction. Here's our page on how to make your home back friendly so you can get ready for after crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmKeep up the good work with Sherman! |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jun 13, 2019 8:40:03 GMT -7
Thank you very much for the links on post-crating. I'm nervous about "going back to normal" and yet I need it to happen so I can get back to a normal professional work schedule (and normal life!).
Sherman has developed some bad habits with separation anxiety which he's never had before and which I'd better start working on pronto. Oddly on cool overcast days like today he mainly sleeps; it's a much bigger problem when it's a nice sunny day.
As of Saturday Sherman will be at the 4 week post-op milestone. We went in for rehab yesterday during which he was introduced to the underwater treadmill, but his first actual treadmill session will be next week. I've been given instructions to take him for short 5 minute walks 4-5 times per day. I was also instructed to discontinue his Gabapentin (already tapered off by a day), continue the Carprofen (on taper day two of five to no Carprofen) and to continue crating for two weeks.
I've been concerned about pain. When he's alert he seems very strong and can walk well, but at other times he seems very wobbly, moves gingerly and can knuckle over on the left hind paw. The rehab vets did a more intensive pain check this time and even though I had forgotten his morning Carprofen they didn't see any signs for concern. I may just be in fear of backwards progress.
All said, I'm thankful for Sherman's recovery so far and am wishing good recovery for other best friends experiencing IVDD.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 13, 2019 13:33:00 GMT -7
The healing process is not completely linear. The rehab vet is pleased with Sherman's progress. When Sherman is tired, he may walk more wobbly and tentatively. This doesn't mean he is moving backwards so don't be too concerned unless you are seeing signs of pain like; shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, can't get comfortable, tight tense tummy.
Short walks will help Sherman build up his strength. The underwater treadmill is a very good form of physical therapy. Many dogs, including mine, have done very well with this.
Sherman's healing is proceeding well and you are doing a good job caring for him.
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jun 19, 2019 17:02:50 GMT -7
Phew, Sherman's now four and a half weeks out from surgery. All of his medications have been tapered off.Yesterday I was worried again just like my last post; Sherman was lethargic and not walking well. It's good having a "diary" like this, reminded me I was feeling the same scare a week back. Fortunately this morning he was alert, ready to go and trying to run. I think the lethargy is probably a delayed effect from tranquilizer use. Sherman had another rehab session today that included 2 minutes of walking on an underwater treadmill. The vet said he took to it right away and she would like to see him do full 30 minute sessions once per week until early August. She also noted improved proprioception; he corrects a knuckled rear foot almost immediately. Our homework is cavalettis and "cookie stretches". I've been given the OK to relax his restrictions a bit. I still plan on crating him at night so he doesn't get into trouble, but right now he's offleash in a restricted, carpeted area of the living room (and cozied up to me like he used to do, albeit we're on the floor). This is a MUCH less stressful condition for him. I've covered my small kitchen's floor with non-slip mud mats so we can practice separation situations as they were before his injury. Really looking forward to this; I haven't really gotten any decent exercise myself for the last month and my wardrobe's not fitting. So thankful, hoping everyone else's journey through this is also getting easier. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 20, 2019 8:10:35 GMT -7
Penny, wonderful to hear the good progress Sherman is making on nerve repair. Underwater treadmill is a fantastic therapy in so many ways in improving walking. Check out our "After Crate Rest, Then What?" information as you gradually re-introduce physical activity back in Sherman's life: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Also check out how to teach four paws on the floor! Now is the perfect time if you haven't already to make those home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the 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.htmKeeps us posted on how his treadmill therapy and increased at home activity goes. |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jun 20, 2019 15:34:05 GMT -7
Penny, what I've found helpful for blocking furniture is folding fireplace screens.
They're lightweight, easy to move, and inexpensive.
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jun 30, 2019 11:18:22 GMT -7
Sherman is now officially six weeks out from surgery and has five weeks of mainly underwater treadmill therapy remaining.Unfortunately we're still dealing with a very bad separation anxiety issue. When I leave the house he's situated in my small kitchen which has two exit doors. He has severely chew damaged both doors and at one point vomited a wood splinter. Crating with this condition doesn't seem to be an option; I'm pretty sure he'd break his teeth off. My rehab vets suggested I get him on Prozac, so I saw my regular vet this weekend and he's on his second dose. So far he seems a bit more sleepy than usual and just like with the trazodone, doesn't walk as well when he's loopy. I've also ordered an Adaptil collar and Zylkene supplements. I also had a big scare yesterday. Sherman nudged open a door and made his way sloppily down four interior steps. I'm still praying this hasn't caused any lasting damage. One thing I've been noticing, and I've been noticing it for awhile... he stretches his back pretty frequently. Is this a normal/observed with other recovering IVDD dogs? Also, the vets stated at his last session that he managed seven minutes on the treadmill. I'm guessing he shows sign of fatigue at which point they stop? I'll ask about this at my next visit. -Penny |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 30, 2019 17:06:14 GMT -7
Penny, hope all is well with Sherman after that escape down some steps. Let us know. Not sure what the stretching is, maybe just getting used to muscles, etc. after a major surgery. You may be able to train Sherman learn to not be anxious when you leave. Will take some incremental working with him to achieve. This link can give you a jumping off point to search for more ideas: pets.webmd.com/dogs-separation-anxiety#1 |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jul 14, 2019 8:05:41 GMT -7
After that last incident, Sherman was OK and has been working through therapy very well. He's also calmed down enough with the initial week+ of Prozac when I go to work that we've taken him off Prozac and he's OK.
However a couple days ago and again today, I've seen indications something's not right and I'm frightened for him. He still stretches a lot and today I've seen him sit a like a sphinx, get up from sleeping and walk a few feet, sit, turn and touch his nose to his back like something's not right and stare at me. I'll wait a minute to see what he does and so far he's stood back up and slowly walked back (without ataxia) to lay down again.
I'm wondering if I'm seeing and in fear of seeing signs of another rupture. I'm wondering if any Dodgerslist dogs have had this happen? He does have a rehab appointment tomorrow so I'm keeping him still and praying I can calm down until then.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 14, 2019 9:18:10 GMT -7
Penny, do keep watch on this attention to his back. It could be from several things. If you have any suspicion this may be a new disc episode, then the correct action would be to crate right away, take to vet for an exam and diagnosis. Click on graphic below to enlarge: |
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Post by Penny & Sherman on Jul 22, 2019 16:52:37 GMT -7
Hi Paula. Fortunately I haven't seen any more of this [touching nose to back]. I introduced a new house rule to keep everything off the dining room table (backpacks, mail, folded laundry etc.) to prevent Sherman from wanting to investigate. He can stand nearly vertically when he does this and I believe the warning signs I saw earlier were related. Although Sherman has a few therapy sessions left, his rehab vet reports he's completed healing and corrects both hind feet immediately when mispositioned. He's still seems a bit weak in the back end; I suspect this might be a permanent or at least longstanding issue. Getting him enough walking exercise in our harsh winter months might be a challenge. Today when the rehab assistants asked how Sherman was doing, I was able to report it's been his best week yet since surgery. We've also been able to take him off Prozac as he seems re-adjusted to me going to work daily. I'm no longer nervous leaving him at home either, seems he gets the best recuperative sleep during the day when he's not getting into trouble trying to get my attention.  |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 23, 2019 8:36:11 GMT -7
Penny, thanks for the good new update! Nerves can be a very slow process, so there is quite possibly still more healing to come for the nerves going to his back legs to become less weak. Sounds like you have discovered what the new normal routine is for your family to keep Sherman from doing things he should not!
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