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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Oct 20, 2013 11:57:00 GMT -7
Hi! My 6 year old female dachshund, Roxi, underwent IVDD surgery on October 11th. She started the previous Friday with back pain and a wobbly walk. Took her to our regular vet that Monday and was given back spasm meds and metacam. Went back on Friday the 11th and she wasn't improving from the meds and rest. Took her to emergency vets and spoke to the surgeon and they suggested doing the surgery before she could not walk at all. Post-op, she is okay..had to increase her Gabapentin ..she also came home with medicine for her bladder to empty it but has finished that. She is a bit frustrated with herself! She really wants to walk but her back legs are paralyzed at the time being. We are hoping she will regain movement! I am taking her to pet physical therapy in a few weeks! I was a little concerned with a few things..thought I would run it by all of you! Her back feet..she has lost almost 2 nails since being home  I have the E-collar on her...they cut they so short at the emergency vets and I think the little dragging she is doing outside is not helping...any suggestions? We tried baby socks..didn't last! Should I be concerned with them? Should I put anything on them? Pain meds: When do you think I should lessen them? I am giving her 1.5 ml of gabapentin three times a day..not sure she needs that much...I am lessening it to 1 ml today for 3 times.. surgeon seemed to think we would not need it when staples came out (which is on wednesday) Is that typical? She looks bruised on her back and swollen still near the bone..they had to shave her back bone as well as remove the disc material Do you think she has a good chance of walking again? She was not paralyzed when we brought her into the surgery..what turn around did it take for your dogs? I am feeling impatient! ..which is not good because I know it can take a longgggggggggggggggggg time......I think she is impatient too! Thanks for having this site and forum! It has already been a great help! Kristen  |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2013 13:06:43 GMT -7
Kristen, welcome to Dodgerslist! It is normal to have some temporary neuro setback post op until all the surgery caused swelling subsides. Swelling causes pain also. In two weeks post op you should then better be able to see the direction of nerve healing and she may also not need any pain meds. Still do know that nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal, so we often think in terms of months rather than days/weeks.
At this point in her crate rest she should not be allowed to drag at all. At potty time use a sling to keep her back aligned and butt from tipping over and to save your own back from having to bend down and hold her up by the thighs. If need be carry her to and from the potty place where you can then use the sling as she sniffs around for the spot to pee on, that is if the surgeon directed a bit of walking with a sling as part of her PT. PT is always slow, deliberate placement and movement, controlled in speed with a harness, leash and the sling.
What directives did your vet give for at home PT and for crate rest? Let us know if any of these post op exercises are the ones you are doing:
Can she sniff an old pee spot in the grass and then release urine…that shows bladder control. Can she wag her tail if you do some happy talk to her?
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Oct 22, 2013 16:52:33 GMT -7
Thanks for your reply! We are using the sling and carrying her outside..she really wants to move her front legs (which is good!) per the surgeon.. he suggested letting her 'walk' a little She will pee on her own and has bladder control..she wags tail too..which is all good! I just need to start being more patient and realize this is going to be a lonnnnnnnggg stretch of time to see improvements! She is making gains each day that she seems better. I love her so much! ..as well as her brother, Yogi They were both rescued..Roxi from an owner that was terminallly ill and could not take care of her. She LOVES being snuggled in a crate or on a bed..you can tell she came from someone not well. Yogi, my black and tan, came from an elderly couple whose son got them this 6 month old puppy and at age 92..they couldn't do it! They are still alive! We send them pics every month of the dogs... We are very blessed to have these doxie's in our lives! Thanks for your support..we appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 23, 2013 5:01:25 GMT -7
Dear Kristen, Bless you for taking in rescue dogs. They are very lucky to have found you! My dog Jeremy is also a rescue dog and had IVDD surgery two years ago. His hind legs were completely paralyzed and he had no deep pain sensation. It was weeks after the surgery before he had the very slightest movement in his hind legs. He used a cart for months but gradually left that behind and is now walking, though never has regained bladder or bowel control. But he was only given a 50-50% chance of walking again due to having no deep pain sensation prior to surgery. So hang in there, keep on loving the girl and hopefully you'll see some improvement soon. Here is the link for the post op exercises that Paula mentions above: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmThey were very helpful in getting Jeremy on his feet so check with your doctor to see if he'll approve them. Also acupuncture and laser light therapy can be started right away if that's in your budget. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htmAfter the staples, water therapy can be very helpful, too, so check with your vet about that. Some of these exercises can be done right in your bathtub. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmI personally use PAWZ to protect Jeremy's hind feet. He only drags one foot now a little bit but it's enough to damage one of his claws. I reinforce the booties with duct tape all around the bottom or wherever it scrapes so they last longer. There are a lot of shoes or booties on the market but most were too hard and once Jeremy had movement, he couldn't bend his foot in them and they only made things worse. PAWZ are soft, like a rubber ballopn, so are very flexible. My local PETCO carries them. pawzdogboots.com/Here are some ideas on making your home back friendly for when she's moving around more: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmPrayers for a speedy and complete recovery for Roxi. |
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Oct 23, 2013 17:19:51 GMT -7
Thank you so much Majorie for replying and for ALL the GREAT information! We are going to a physical therapist with her on Nov. 2nd. He is awesome and does acupuncture and the laser light. We had an appoint. to have staples out today and see surgeon..he was not very optimistic and a little puzzled really since she also does not seem to have the deep pain sensation...he thought she would be better and more mobile.. She is only 2 weeks post-op and he is talking a cart already..I am anxious to meet PT first and give her a chance! She may need it..which is fine..but I want to let her recover more too! Even if she needs it for awhile.your story was an inspiration! I hope she is as lucky as your Jeremy! Love the idea of the PAWZ..going to check those out! I will keep you all posted! |
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 23, 2013 19:45:28 GMT -7
Hi Kristen, Two weeks post op is still very early. The surgical swelling takes from 2-4 weeks to resolve and then you may find that Roxi's functions will return. . It's way too early to think about a cart. The Vet was jumping the gun there. You are on the right track with PT, Acupuncture and Laser light, very beneficial therapies that kick start the nerves to regenerate! Remember Chiropractic and VOM is dangerous for an IVDD dog's discs and some therapists/Vet's like to include it, not being aware of the possibility of injuring the dog further.. Sending healing prayers to Roxi! |
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Sabrina
Helpful Member 
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Oct 23, 2013 20:06:20 GMT -7
Hi Kristen, I'm Sabrina. Keep up your great optimistic attitude - from your posts I know that Roxi will have a wonderful life no matter what level of healing she reaches, or when she reaches it! It sounds like you've been reading the main Dodger'sList site, but I just wanted to link two pages in case you haven't seen them: Answers about IVDD Surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmDr Isaacs' says: "I also advise that at 2-4 weeks we are not seeing the end result of the healing process - this typically does not occur for 6-12 months and in some cases even longer." Nerve regeneration: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm"Thousands of dogs on Dodgerslist have regained functions in as little as 2 weeks, others 11 months, and still others 3 years later. IVDD is a disease of patience to allow the body to heal on its own terms". ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina |
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Oct 29, 2013 18:55:53 GMT -7
Miss Roxi is having a pretty good week! I got her a set of PAWZ so that she does not have to wear the cone..she seems MUCH happier! I had gotten her the X small and they seemed way to tight..when I took them off, her feet looked swollen and I was a little nervous! She does not have that deep pain sensation in those back feet yet, I don't want to have issues with fluid etc..since she can't move them. I took them back and exchanged for a Small and they are working great! She is DYING to be back in bed with us and is whining! Poor baby! Her brother, Yogi, has been great going in his cage at night since this happened..she is not so happy..so I have found her a place to sleep in our basement in an octogon playpen with her suede bed (what a life!) I feel bad and miss her..but we need to do this for her health. I am so ready for the physical therapist! I feel like we are waiting..and waiting...Saturday can't come soon enough! I have been trying to get her weaned off the gabapentin (wasn't sure she really needed it and she really dislikes it) I called our regular vet to update her on our progress and they suggested maybe keeping it handy with the PT coming up..she will need it probably. I wasn't even thinking that! She is only on .5 for 2 times a day..and seems quite comfy..she wants to MOVE and it is hard to keep her quiet! I can only imagine what she will be like in a cart if we go that way.... I think the biggest blessing of all of this happening..if there ever is a blessing in something that is terrible..is seeing my oldest daughter (3 1.2) petting her, reading her stories, making her pictures for next to her crate and singing her Twinkle Twinkle little star..Oh she is SO loved this little dog we rescued! Thanks for all your support! |
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Nov 3, 2013 14:16:27 GMT -7
Quick update! Took Roxi to PT yesterday and really loved the vet/physical therapist....he examined her and determined that she has some deep pain sensation in her back feet! (yea!) She did not have any at the surgeon's at her 2 week appoint. so improvement has been slow but good!
They did laser light and acupuncture on her and what a difference today! She is really happy and resting today.....more so then she has been since surgery. He gave us some exercises to do with her too..she will be with him for 3 afternoons this week. They want to be aggressive at first and see what seems to work best with her to help her. They can also measure her for a cart and have them if that is the route we go with her once she is 6 weeks post op..
So we are hanging in! Wanted to give you all an update!
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Post by irstenkay on Nov 3, 2013 17:57:17 GMT -7
Hi Kristen, I'm Kirsten. Tricky, right? lol
I'm sorry about Roxi! You were quick to act and gave her incredible chances!
Give it time! I know it's hard, but in time you'll be able to see Roxi's true recovery. Just take it 1 day at a time.
I'm so happy to hear you're doing acupuncture, I think my Lola benefited SO MUCH from it!
I'm thinking of you and Roxi!
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Nov 11, 2013 18:20:10 GMT -7
Big Update~! We started an aggressive PT last week for 3 days! I am starting to feel like ROXI is my third child! Between the laser light, acupuncuture and treadmill..I am seeing improvements!! Today she did SEVEN minutes on the underwater treadmill walking unassisted!! She is really coming along! I am doing all kinds of exercises with her at home and getting her in the tub too. She is doing really well!!! Waiting for tail wags next....
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 12, 2013 16:37:31 GMT -7
That's great, Kristen! You're really doing a great job with her. She's one lucky dog. Keep up the good work and keep updating us - we love success stories! |
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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 Nov 12, 2013 18:44:39 GMT -7
Wonderful update - keep up the good work, and don't forget to keep us posted! |
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Nov 21, 2013 20:06:19 GMT -7
We are up to 13 minutes on the underwater treadmill!!!!! She is doing really great and I am so proud of her! We are starting to have tail wag episodes but not totally consistent yet...Every day she is making some kind of progress!
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Nov 28, 2013 19:11:30 GMT -7
We had our first steps yesterday!!! Wobbly..but good steps...we are going in the right direction! So glad I didn't listen to that surgeon and just get her a wheelchair.. Thank you for all of your support and help! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 29, 2013 8:52:47 GMT -7
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Dec 28, 2013 20:06:06 GMT -7
She keeps moving forward! We had a little decline last week and some pain..wasn't sure if it was a little arthritis..(we had some snow and ice.was afraid she might have slipped a little wobbly walking) She went from doing like 22 min on water treadmill to just 2! Gave her some Rimadyl for 2 days and we did acupuncture this past week. She had made another comeback and seems to be doing great! (hate to say that too loud!) We bought a large area rug for our kitchen today (the tile is a bit slippery for her) I was going to stop PT but she is really doing well..I am not sure how much better she will get...but I thought I would do another month, once a week, on the water treadmill. She has lost 3 lbs of muscle through all this and I want her to keep moving and gaining some back. I am hoping if she gets a little more steady, we can use a regular treadmill too. Thanks again for all the help and advice! We are moving in the right direction!
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 28, 2013 20:57:38 GMT -7
Happy Belated crate rest graduation to Roxi! Glad her setback was temporary. Do keep an eye on her and if she shows more signs of pain it would be a good idea to put her back on crate rest. I hope it was the cold weather bothering her rather than a relapse.
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Jul 23, 2014 17:31:46 GMT -7
Hello! My Roxi (surgery was 10/11/13) is doing AWESOME! She is walking...running...gaining back muscle! The arch in her back is not as pronounced and I am so proud of her! It was a long journey that continues! She still does not do stairs (which is fine with me!) She can balance her weight on her front paws. I can take her for short walks but want to keep her moving. Our vet today suggested getting her into a pool with a life-preserver to do swimming. She did PT with water therapy for five months on the water treadmill (along with acupuncture and laser therapy) I just wanted to make sure that putting her in the pool with us and letting her paddle would be of help and not hurt her at all. She really paddled her front feet well. Didn't really do much with her back feet in the water. I am just not sure this suggestion from vet is really worth the effort. Wondering if anyone else did any swimming therapy once their pooch was "well" again... Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Jul 23, 2014 17:43:56 GMT -7
Miss Roxi is doing AWESOME! She is walking everywhere...running in her backyard...and loving life! I am so incredible proud of her and amazed at how far she has come! It has taught me so much going through this with her! Not only do I feel like she has become another child, but I feel like we have learned so much from her! It was a lot of work and one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had to work with her and see her make so many improvements. I can't thank all of you enough for all your help and information! I was so lost when all this happened and all of you helped me become my own "expert" on it! I feel like I could help so many others because of the help you have given to me! Here is to hoping that she doesn't have any more episodes in the future and has a long and healthy life!
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 24, 2014 20:54:54 GMT -7
Hi Kristen,
I am so happy we were able to help you and Roxi through her IVDD episode! It was a bonding experience for me and Tyler too and one of the reasons I decided to become a moderator.
Feel free to stick around and encourage others. You and Roxi are always welcome!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 25, 2014 8:29:23 GMT -7
Kristen, swimming is good exercise to help keep the core muscles which support the back strong. A dog has to balance, moves the legs, etc. So if she likes it I would give her swim time opportunity.
We would LOVE to see you help a new member just starting a scary journey.. do stick around!
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Post by Kristen & Yogi on Jul 25, 2014 13:09:46 GMT -7
Thanks again! I will stick around and be of any assistance I can be It can be a scary start..but it does get better! |
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I have the E-collar on her...they cut they so short at the emergency vets and I think the little dragging she is doing outside is not helping...any suggestions? We tried baby socks..didn't last! Should I be concerned with them? Should I put anything on them? 
