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Post by Sherry Layman on Apr 19, 2013 6:53:09 GMT -7
Acupuncture is a great therapy and can and should be started as soon as you can find access. Let us know how Abby tolerates it. When you transport her you need to consider her back and keep her protected at all times. Take her in her crate and pad it out some with extra blankets or towels a bit so she isn't jarred or jiggled if you need to make a sudden stop.
When you feed her do so in her crate, just put the bowl in the crate and let her eat in there. We could relate so many stories of dogs that were allowed out of their crate for eating or even just for a little supervised snuggling and heard a noise that caused them to dart...even the totally paralyzed dogs go leaping or scooting as these are some determined dogs! So for her own safety and for maximal healing opportunity the only time she should be allowed out of the crate is potty breaks.
Hang in there. It's a long road in the moment but when you think of the course of her life it's only a blip in time.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on Apr 19, 2013 16:24:42 GMT -7
The bowls that I got to attach in the crate for our Stevie were actually designed for parrots. Darn near indestructable and can't be dumped accidently or on purpose ( we have parrots too)  Keeping you in thought and prayer |
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Post by mau777 on May 2, 2013 10:11:44 GMT -7
Hey guys..checking in...If my math is correct...Abby's graduation day is today...YEAH>>>>>>> !!!!! It has been a long 8 weeks, but we survivived...still trying to figure out how to post a picture and I will... Abby is off all meds, clavomox included. This may be something she needs to still have from time to time. The antibiotic that is..according to the vet. She did have her first acupuncture session last week...she tolerated this well...We go again next week. Also.. there are small moments when i have taken her out to feed her and it seems like she might be trying to bear some weight on her back legs...Not well..but..it's different..day by day...I thank all of you for the wonderful support I have recieved a long the way. It has helped me to be a better mom to Abby..Will keep you posted. Next step....the cart..... |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 2, 2013 12:41:28 GMT -7
Congratulations on finishing crate rest! YOU did it and gave Abby the best gift ever to let that disc heal. Now she can get back to enjoying family activities as you slowing build up her stamina. Meanwhile nerves can still be healing..there is no time lime. Check out these links to help you with tip and ideas to make your home back friendly, a sample schedule to ease back into physical activity. www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm#aftercrateThis thread will now be moved to our update section so new members can benefit from inspiration to know dogs can get back to enjoying life if we just give them the chance they need with good crate rest recovery principals. I look forward to your pictures and maybe you can write a little summary or insights you've had. It would make wonderful inspiration to those just starting this fearful journey.. we'd like to share it on our Facebook page too! |
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Post by mau777 on May 5, 2013 19:37:09 GMT -7
Paula,
I do have a couple of questions. First I am not computor sauvy. I want to post pictures of Abby. Can you please give me a step by step directive on how to do this. Thank you.
Secondly, What will a typical day now look like for Abby..When I was home, she would be out with me and doing what ever. But Do I let her out if she can not walk. I dont want her to drag her legs do I if that is how she gets around. That is my first question. I guess. When she is out of crate how does she get around.
Second, I do have a wheel chair I am borrowing from a friend. In reading some of the sights for chairs, be it Eddies Wheels or K-9..I get the gist that certain size carts are designed for certain size dogs. For example...If you dog is between 8-15 pounds then you need the mini size. The reason I ask you this question is the following. My girlfriends dog was 8 pounds and Abby is 13. I am going to assume that although Abby is a bit bigger, this cart I am borrowing may be where I want to start, but it will have to be adjusted. Does that sound about right. Does the question make sense to you. I am going to print off the how to's of measuring to adjust the cart for her..And then...does she stay in that all day....
I guess because Abby has been her crate for so long, it will now be weird to have her out. I am just not sure what that looks like. She seems to be better about not dribbling when I pick her up. Do pet owners have their dogs in a diaper.. Dont want to have to do so unless necessary. Also, what if she does try to do that ,,,drag herself and or try to jump using her front paws like when she is excited. I am going to assume I still need to keep her as quiet as possible and not " Crazy" so she can continue to get stronger and heal...Your thoughts and quidance Please. Thanks again.
I will be happy to share what ever I can. I know that the support and education I have recieved from all of you has made this journey less frightening and provided me with hope regardless of whether Abby regains the use of her legs or not. I know that I am doing what I can for her and I feel good about this, as does Abby.
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Post by natureluva on May 6, 2013 10:25:21 GMT -7
Hi there, hopefully as you continue with the acupunture, Abby's urine dribbling will get better. That's what happened with my Goosie anyway! Regarding the cart, Eddie's Wheels custom makes their carts according to each individual dog's measurements. I doubt a cart made for an 8 pound dog would fit a 13 pound dog. Not sure if Eddie's is the maker of the cart you are borrowing though. Keep in mind, it is imperative that the cart fit YOUR dog correctly. Your dog should be able to put all four feet on the ground and her spine should be level with the ground. Optional stirrups in the back can hold your dog's legs up so they don't get scuffed on pavement. I allowed all four of my dog's feet to touch the ground on grass. The cart should not rub on Abby's sides. The cart is a great physical therapy tool. You will notice when your dog is on grass in the cart and tries to walk backwards, this will place weight on the back legs as the dog moves. This helps to keep the muscles maintained. The cart should only be used for about 2 hours per day in total. Abby can be allowed to scoot in the house or on soft grass. To protect her body from burns/scrapes, you can make a cape for her. We have easy instructions for Ollie's Cape here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/incontinentdown/Olliecape.pdf Or you can purchase a scooting sack here: www.k9-carts.com/K9-Carts-Products/protect-a-pet.php Regarding the urine dribbling, you can use britches from Kennel Komforts here: www.kennelkomforts.com/ or others here: tinkletrousers.com/ www.joybies.com/pagedog.htmlBe sure to change Abby's pads (used inside the garments above) often so that her skin stays as dry as possible. Also, sling walking is great exercise for a dog that has partial leg movement. Just make sure to keep Abby's back/spine level with the ground (do not hold her up like a wheelbarrow). Allow her to bear weight on all four legs when you can during sling walks. Great for maintaining muscle tone and stimulating the nerves. Just go slowly in the beginning. Allow her out for an hour at a time. Scooting in the house is okay as long as her body is protected. Consider only allowing her in one room at first, use gates to section areas off. As the days go by, you will worry a tiny bit less. :-) It takes a while. Here is an article on carts for more information: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/wheelchairs_carts.html We look forward to hearing your next update on Abby! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by mau777 on May 20, 2013 22:33:34 GMT -7
Hi everyone...must update. Abby goes for third acupuncture visit on Thursday. Seems to be staying dryer longer and not dribbling as she did before. Also seems to be some movement in her tail, the bottom which I am told could be an indicator of some thing...But the biggest news is that I got Abby in a cart...I had borrowed a cart from a friend of mine whose dog had the same issue. the cart is from doggon on wheels. It is adjustable and my abby was about 4 to 5 pounds heaver than my friend's dog. However, the cart is adjustable and I have been reading and measureing about the body needing to be level to the ground and being careful about the pressure points and keeping any stress off the spine. Abby looks good and I do believe the cart is the right size. It has adjustments on it made to lenghten and change the strap, widths , etc. Abby at first was not sure and I believe it was because it was not adjusted properly...However, now that we have it adjusted....wow...the other night we were out in the front and Abby was next to me. She saw two dogs....one of whom she took off after....she forgot she had no use of her back legs and bammmm she was gone...Took off downn the side walk over the curb, across the road and up over the other side curb to get to the dog o n the other side...She was so happy.. licking and sniffing... not nasty like she use d to be. And this dog...he was a 7month old rescue lab...sweet as could be...he was almost trying to pet abby with his big paws and then it was almost as if he sense d she was down....He plopped so sweetly down on the ground right next to her and just let her do what she wanted. It was the sweetest thing, but what a testament to animal nature and their instinct. It was like this dog knew that Abby was disabled and he was being gentle and non threatening with her....Brought ttears to my eyes.....still keepin her confined between crate and her larger bed which has a barrier around it but gives her more roomo and is more open. She is adjusting as is her mom. But put her in that cart every day for a little bit. She waits for me to strap her in...It's like she knows... Am going to figure out how to post pictures and then I will. Also, will be collecting my thoughts to share on dodgerslist...wonderful group of support persons...i dont know that abby would be here if I had not found you. Thanks
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 21, 2013 9:38:38 GMT -7
Marueen, what an exciting wheelchair adventure! We would love to see some pictures. Upload the pictures to any photo site of your choice (Flicker, Shutterfly, Photobucket, etc) Then copy a picture's address at the top of your browser (something like-- www.flicker/xxx.jpg. Then in the forum post you'll paste the photo address into your post. |
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Post by mau777 on Aug 20, 2013 19:12:54 GMT -7
Paula, gang. Sorry it has been so long since last update. Abby continues to do well every day. I am going to post pictures of her for you all to see. We have adjusted as well as can be expected. Can't believe we are here at this juncture. Still using the acupuncture. There are times that I see her try to lift her back end. It is amazing. She is her happy self again. The paralysis has humbled her in many ways and she is much more tolerant and accepting of strangers that want to pet her than she had been in the past. No more meds and no more bladder infections. I have become proficient at expressing her urine. She is not dribbling and the bowel. I just let the poop come and help it out when close. Previously I think I might have been trying to express her poop to hard and there would be tinges of blood on the stool, like i might have been irritating the lining of her colon. Well since I stopped doing that and just helping the poop out naturally, no more of that to be seen. We just got back from vacation in Tennessee. Abby had a doggie vest from last year and she went swimming every day and love d it. She liked it even better just being with people and lounging on the rafts. Definately have to get someone to help me get these photos uploaded. I have lots to share. There have been times that I will let her in the bed with me, under the covers like she used to...puppy pad underneath though...We are muddling through and I can not believe we are approaching six months since she has been down. Amazing. Just glad the worst is behind us. If she never walks again or regains the use of her back legs,,,we will be OKAY. Thank you again Dodgerslist. Still doing the acupuncture and will continue. Will try to get pictures posted/
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 20, 2013 20:11:40 GMT -7
Hi Maureen, we LOVE the updates! I'm so happy for Abby... back to enjoying life while waiting to see if there will be more nerve healing. We would really love to see Abby's photos. Directions on adding photos to The Dodgerslist Gallery are here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/260/upload-photo-dog |
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