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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 20, 2013 14:43:01 GMT -7
My (almost) 7 yr old 11lb mini doxie, Mel, had an accident chasing a ball 3 weeks ago. She was at the vet (a new one, open long hours which I had never been to, but it was open on saturdays and 5 mins from my house) within 1 hours of the incident. Had x-rays which confirmed IVDD and a malformed vertebrate. She was given prednisone and a muscle relaxer, we were encouraged keep her low key. I was told surgery is "pointless with the malformed vertebrate", but I was also told we can revist the idea of surgery down the road, and to see how she does (this was unknowingly the kiss of death, figuratively speaking). I asked about crate rest, the vet said it wasn't needed, and I left having more questions than answers. I was given no further information or instructions other than give her these meds and call us to let us know how she responds. About a week later she seemed to have improved (I assumed from the pred) and all of a sudden she was falling down a lot. I did not hear a yelp (I was 1 room away) or see anything that would have caused more damage so i'm not sure what happened. But I called the vet immediately and brought her in. The vet said we should start acupuncture and again brushed off the idea of surgery, and pushed me to buy an acupuncture package of 6 treatments. So, I did. We started acupuncture that day. Wehn I returned home, Mel was not walking at all, and dragging her feet. This was the first time she had not walked at all. Before this, she was walking wobbly, but still walking. I called the vet again, and he said lets do another treatment the next day. This went on for a couple days. I was calling and asking questions and getting no answers, just getting prescribed chinese herbs and more acupuncture for Mel. At this point I had a sinking feeling that something was gravely wrong, so I began to ask around to find a specialist. I was given the name of a great Vet 45 mins from me, and quickly made an appointment, unfortunately she only was in the office on Wed as she also teaches at Cornell. At this visit, she talked to me more than the other vet, checked her in ways the other vet NEVER did, and then told me that she has no deep pain sensation and she most likely wouldnt walk again. She gave me the number of a neurologist but said she believed it to be too late for surgery. I got to the Neurologist and he confirmed that it was too late, he gave her a 5-10% chance of walking again even with the surgery. Now, I have NO problem spending the money for the surgery, I would do what I have to do to help my little Mel. But not even having the option anymore is tearing me apart. I feel completely wronged by the first vet, he never even mentioned a neurologist, nor did I even know to ask about that, I blindly trusted this man in desperation to help my dog. Most of all, I feel guilty that I did not get my dog the help she needed because I simply did not know any of the things I really needed to know in the beginning. Cureently, Mel has control of her bowels and urination, she kind of crawls around on her back legs and can sometimes pick one up and put it in front of her. She pushes herself up into a standing position at times on the grass but stands on the front of her paws. Her tail wags off and on, so I don't know if it is reflexes. At this point I am trying to adjust to the idea of getting her a cart. The vet I am currently seeing, the one who finally gave me all the info and instruction, has me doing PT exercises with her daily and will recheck her again on Friday. What I really want to know at the end of all of this is, is there ever cases where these dogs are written off as permanently paralyzed but heal without surgery? Is that realistic? I know I am grasping at straws, but I just want to be absolutely positive to exhaust every option there is to help her. She is still young, and loves being around people and going for walks, she has a very playful little sister who seems distraught that Mel isn't playing with her anymore. Can someone give me any info at all? I'm feeing overwhelmed and desperate at this point. One person suggested I put her down but I cannot even bare the thought and refuse to do that.  |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2013 15:18:16 GMT -7
Ashley, welcome to Dodgerslist! While a surgeon may not feel the risk of surgery is something to take, there is no reason you should not do conservatve treatment. I'll need some clarification, but what you have written sounds VERY hopeful that nerves can regrow with the potential to bring back neuro functions for Mel. Right now the single most important care you can give is 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. No PT at this point, no laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal. Can you clarify a few more things for us: -- Let us know today you are doing true conservative treatment with 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? -- Currently can your dog move the legs at all? or wag the tail specifically when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? We look forward to learning more about Mel. |
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 20, 2013 15:45:43 GMT -7
She is not on Strict Crate rest right now, but moves around very little. I am confused about the crate rest, as the specialist seemed to say crate rest won't help her and light PT for now will.
Today she does not seem to be in pain, and hasn't yelped. She actually has only yelped 3 times during all of this time. She does sometimes seem to have muscle spasms through her back to her hind legs. She does not have a problem moving her head. She does however seem to have a tight hard tummy.
She is currently on
10 mg of Famotidine
5mg Prednisone
8 mg of Tramadol 2x a day
she WAS on methocarbommal but is not anymore.
The chinese herbs she is on are
Bu Yand Huan 400 mg twice a day
DOuble P II0.8g a day.
She will seem to move her legs a little when trying to go potty or change her position, she pushes up on them from time to time. When she pulls herself around on the grass to go potty she makes a sort of frog/crawl motion with her back legs at times. She wags her tail very slightly but not consistently. she has during this time wagged her tail to happy talk, but it goes in spurts. She had a bad day the other day and her tail seemed to be uncontrollably curling up during muscle spasms, since then the tail does not wag as often.
She is not wetting the bed or leaking from what I can tell.
She is eating and drinking totally normally. The only time she would not eat was directly after the first acupuncture treatment.
Poops are normal in consistency and color, but she definitely goes less frequently and in smaller amounts.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2013 16:26:57 GMT -7
The purpose of crate rest right now asap is to keep the disc from further damaging the spinal cord so that there cease to be even tiny chance of the nerves repairing. If there is at least 10% of descending nerves intact, nerves CAN regrow. No human at this point in time has the abillty to know just what percent is intact, researchers are now working on that kind of imaging so one day in the future we could "see." So therefore we are assuming currently there is 10% and we want to preserve those nerves so they can regrow. Movement is what hurts the spinal cord. Watch the movie below to get an idea of what I'm talking about: Often there is the type of pain that is from muscle contractions….methocarbamol. I'm sorry to here this was stopped. Can you strongly advocate for getting it back on board. Tramadol 2x a day may also not control pain as it has such a short half life of 1.7 hours and usually needs to be given at minimum every 8 hours. This is something else you can discuss with your vet. Not all vets know IVDD, so it is incumbent on you to know this disease fully…. you then move up to being the captain of the health care team… no more blindly following anyone! You are able to ask the people you hire pertinent questions about the meds, about the treatment to see if it makes sense. You look up each and everyone of the meds to act as the double checker and monitor for safety. There are no safe IVDD meds, just vets who use them in a safe manner and owners who are educated about each med. Herbs containing aconitine such as Double P II are toxic to the nervous system. www.tcvm.com/doc/TCVMNews2010SummerR.pdf Chinese Herbs are composed of many herbs in one bottle/pill, meaning you will need to Google each one to familiarize yourself on what your dog is taking.Very experienced holistic vets will be hesitant to prescribe Chinese herbs when conventional medications (such as PRednisone) are already in use. The reason is there is no asurity there would not be any interactions with the other medications that could make your dog sick or worse. How many times a day does she get 5mg of prednisone. Has there been a recent lowering of the dose, a taper? The good news is she CAN wag her tail when you do happy talk…this would mean she by necessity has to have deep pain sensation. And she is peeing when you set her down outside, more good news!!! More detail on nerves you will want to read about: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmSo let's make sure Mel has all opportunity to heal her nerves: 1. no PT until off of all meds and not in pain 2. Determine if you believe she is in pain, if yes, strongly advocate for adjustments to the pain meds (tramadol and methocarbamol) 3. no dragging around. Carry her to and from the potty place. Allow only a very few footsteps.  |
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 21, 2013 11:39:53 GMT -7
I understand not all vet know about IVDD, which is what I feel made my already bad situation, worse. As my vet was having me do things that only hurt Mel's condition even more. The vet that I am now going to, Andrea Looney, is awesome, she is a specialist in rehabilitation and pain management, and lectures at Cornell, she knows very much about IVDD and the neurologist that saw her, is also very well respected and highly recommended around here. Dr. Looney advised at this point against crate rest because she wants to work on her muscle tone etc. The PT excercises she has me doing are very minimal.
I am beginning to become overwhelmingly confused by the conflicting information I keep getting, depending on who I speak to. lease know, this does not mean that I do not believe you, or don't think you know what you're talking about, I am just in sensory overload now and so many conflicting things have been told to me I feel my brain is going to melt.
That said, I've noticed when Mel goes poop, she moves her tail up and down like she used to when she would go potty before the injury. Her tail seems to wag off and on especially when I put her down to go potty, but she doesnt seem to wag to happy talk. Her tail is slightly curled and stiff? What does that mean?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2013 12:12:18 GMT -7
Ashley, I can understand confusion with conflicting information. You make the ultimate decisions, so it is YOU who has to be educated. You need to know where vets are coming from, the thinking behind their treatments. Here at Dodgerslist we do not give up hope EVER. We give nerves every chance possible to regrow and not be permanently damaged. Muscles will always come back after lack of activity as soon as it is safe to resume movement. The disc will self heal with little activity. Too much movement it will retear causing a very real potential for the spinal cord to be permently damaged. So it comes down to the rehab specialist who is negative in thinking nerves will not repair enough so why protect them. Dodgerslist list on the other hand never gives up any speck of hope, we do everything possible to protect nerves. We have seen too many examples of months to a year out from injury nerve function returning…. right now the key is to keep the disc healing and forming good secure scar tissue so it does not do any more damage to the spinal cord. So which camp are you in: 1) protect the precious spinal cord that can't come back if damaged too severely OR in the camp 2) to heck with protecting nerves…muscles are more important right now even though they come back nicely after crate rest is over when it is safe for the disc to be moving about? In order for us humans to identify a neuro function we have to see some sort of head level involvement. The tail moving at potty time is likely to be a reflex caused by pressure/sensation of poop or urine inside the body. Now if you see the tail move because she heard (head level) some happy talk and then moved the tail side to side, we know a message travel from brain down the spinal cord to the tail. Do read up on the very, very light, least aggressive of range of motion and massage for a paralyzed dog highlighted in PINK. If a dog is still on meds, there is still too much inflammation going on and best to wait til off of all meds and there is no pain present. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm |
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 25, 2013 21:14:20 GMT -7
Mel seemed to be in increased pain so we opted to go ahead with an MRI to find out more even if we couldn't operate. Once the MRI was done the Neurologist found not only a herniated disc but also two other issues with her spine/spinal cord and we decided to move ahead with surgery. Unfortunately this was not a run of the mill disc surgery, it was more than double the usual time and was incredibly complicated. The Neurologist also warned me that much of this surgery would be somewhat experimental because Mel's combined issues weren't something he had ever seen before. This surgery was also more than double the cost of the original quote for the herniated disc surgery, so I am scrambling to figure out funds.
Mel was operated on on 10/24/13, and made it through surgery. The Dr. was very happy with how the surgery went, although because of how extreme here surgery was in comparison to a normal disc surgery, she is that much more painful because they had to open her up much more than usual. The Dr. also told me that there is also a risk that Myelomalacia could possibly set in after surgery and we wouldn't know if she was out of the woods with that until a week out from surgery. He did however say that he thought it would be very unlikely that that would happen.
Today I visited Mel at the Animal Hospital and talked for a while with her Neurologist who remains positive and has high hopes for recovery. Mel may need a second surgery to reinforce her spine because of a vertebral deformity she has, but we have to take it one step at a time. Right now I am mostly concerned about the Myelomalacia and the extensive cost of the surgery.
That said, I am a jeweler and to try to boost sales to fund Mel's surgery and hospital stay. See my signature line below. [Edited: references to personal sales/fundraising may be one line in the signature]
I will keep you up to date as things with Mel progress.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 26, 2013 9:23:22 GMT -7
Ashley, I'm sorry to hear there are additional issues besides the disc problem. Did they stop the Chinese herbs and get her back on methocarbamol and try also adding gabapentin to get the pain in control and found still the pain would not be controlled?
When you get a chance to up date us, can you give us the specific name of the type of surgery the Neuro surgeon did?
Are hearts are with you as we anxiously await news of the post surgery and how she is doing today. ((hugs))
p.s. I hope you will understand that personal fundraising/sales is limited to one line in the signature area (profile>personal>signature) Fundraising is an issue on the forum for several reasons. So many of our members have financial issues with unexpected vet bills themselves. The sole offering for this Forum is priceless and that is: support and creditable IVDD information to help care for a dog.
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 27, 2013 10:37:03 GMT -7
She is no longer on the Chinese herbs, but I am not positive what she's on while in the hospital. I know she was on an IV drip of pain meds but was recently moved to oral meds. She is still in the hospital as its the best place for them to monitor her.
I don't know what the surgery was specifically called, I know that he did remove the herniated disc, as well as repaired and area where the spinal cord was buldging out due to pressure,and also decompressed her spinal cord by removing some surrounding tissue and bone. She may have a follow up surgery to place supportive plates and screw in her spine to make up for the material he had to move.
I am pretty upset about this all still as her issue was made MUCH worse by the initial vet I saw (not the one I am seeing currently), as he hardly spoke of surgery, told me I could wait and do it later on if needed, because he had an agenda of keeping me at his practoce to purchase VERY expensive acupuncture packages. I only found the neurologist after her condition got worse after acupuncture and I had a bad feeling about the first vet.
Right now she is not showing any signs of Myelomalacia so I am very happy about that. In the long run, Mel is not expected to walk again, but the Neurologist has said its always a possibility because we have no idea how each spinal injury will heal over time. He is positive regardless and I am really happy with his care and attentiveness.
I am allowed to visit her but, I am finding it really upsets her when I come and go, so I've decided not to go today after yesterday which was a pretty upsetting ordeal for us both. She might be coming home tomorrow night or Tuesday ( which is her birthday) , but won't know for sure until she is re-evaluated tomorrow morning.
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 27, 2013 11:28:29 GMT -7
Hang in there! I LOVE your dachshund earrings and pendant! I had to really look for them, surprised they aren't featured on your site on page 1! LOL! I share your anger with your initial vet....my daughter is a vet tech with 2 dachshunds and a vast knowledge of holistic foods, nutrition and PT. When MaeBelle went down with her IVDD episode, my vet just said she thought MaeBelle "was trying to throw a disc". I had been back and forth with the vet about recurring skin issues and trying to get her weight down,despite practically starving her it seemed she couldn't lose weight! It turns out MaeBelle has a thyroid condition and it's controlled by an inexpensive medication that also cleared up her skin issues and ear infections. She's even lost over a pound since her thyroid is controlled so I share your anger that things went on longer than necessary with my girl too. Had the vet that really just sprays, neuters and dispenses flea and heart worm meds thought about her thyroid sooner, she may have avoided the IVDD episode, surgery and now trying to learn to walk again. It took my daughter, the vet tech, telling me to get her thyroid checked and get MaeBelle to a specialist ASAP! My daughter put it this way "if you hurt your back, wouldn't you go to an orthopedic or would you just rely on your GP."
Time to put on the brave face and help your girl adjust to her new lifestyle, whatever will come will come and there's a lot to be said about where she is now and the improvements she's making. You will be surprised just how much you will learn about your girl and her communication with you. Walker, my paralyzed red boy, tells me by lifting his ears out and arching his neck toward me that he has an itch needing a "scritch"....sometimes, it's those moments that give me the power to keep up what sometimes can be very overwhelming routines.
Cheryl, George E, Madeline, MaeBelle and Walker <*D}d]]]]]d~~~. Can't wait for payday to buy that dachshund necklace!
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 27, 2013 18:33:51 GMT -7
Thanks for the kind words, Cheryl! I am prepared for the long road ahead providing she makes it out of the woods from the Myelomalacia! I'm sure it will be frustrating, but I'd rather have to deal with that than not have her around! Now I am faced with how/if to approach the first vet, who I have a large amount of unused Acupuncture treatments left because he encouraged me repeatedly to buy packages to "save money". I do not intend to ever use them, nor do I intend to ever bring another animal back there because I do not think he has the animals best interest at heart, its all about making money. He owns a couple of animal hospitals, and even sells a childrens book about pets that he wrote in his office. It's just turning my stomach to think about! Also, thanks for the kind words about my jewelry, I changed the link to my Etsy shop, as it's easier to view etc. I was just given an update today for Mel. Today Mel had what they're calling an "episode" when she collapsed head first into her food bowl. It only happened 1 time and they said they aren't positive why it happened but are keeping a close eye on her. I asked specifically if this could mean Myelomalacia and he said no, this wouldn't be something that would point to Myelomalacia. So I am thankful for that. But my question is has anyone ever heard of anything like that? She is a tiny little dog and had a very long major surgery...but now I am in a bit of a panic again  |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 28, 2013 5:03:43 GMT -7
Dear Ashley,
Possibly Mel was groggy from the medication and she lost her balance. Hopefully, it was a one-time incident. My prayers are with her that she'll show improvement soon and will be released to come home where she'll be in a much more comfortable environment to heal.
Blessings to you both.
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 28, 2013 16:01:31 GMT -7
Good news! Today I was able to bring Mel home, in fact, we've only been home for about 30 mins. I have put together a recovery suite for her and she just ate and was given all pills. She seems to be resting comfortably and my vet has told me that he thinks shes out of the woods as far as Myelomalacia is concerned so I am thankful for that. She seems very happy to be home. Mel cannot stand nor walk at all, and seems to have little control of her bladder but does seem to have SOME control of her bowels, although weak. When she went in, she could stand, and had some bladder control, now she is totally limp. She doesn't have too great of a chance to walk again but the Neuro said there is SOME hope, but it's slim. Because of how severe her spinal cord compression was and because of the fact that her surgery was much more complicated and long, the Neuro said that he expects that the swelling in her body will also keep pressure on the spinal cord for a bit, so healing will be longer for her anyhow. Aside from that it now seems to me to be a whole different ballgame. In the 30 mins I've been home I have had a complete and total rush of feeling overwhelmed by all this. All the care she needs, the time etc. I am happy to do it, but I really am going to have an adjustment period here, as I almost had a bit of a meltdown just getting her out of her crate ( she pee'd all over herself in the car home) and putting her into the recovery suit. I did have success expressing her bladder and getting her out to poop when I got home, so theres that! Right now I am a little shell shocked. I hope this gets easier. Also, I had a question about blankets. Like most dachshunds, Mel loves to burrow inside fluffy blankets and I've noticed her desperately trying to do that. Unfortunately I don't think she is allowed to do this because of her staples/incision. How have some of you dealt with this? I feel like she's cold but I can't put anything on top of her... Here's a picture of her recovery suite. ![]() |
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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 Oct 29, 2013 10:00:38 GMT -7
You can make a sock buddy for her if you think that she needs something to warm up with. Take a large cotton sock and fill it about half full with rice. Microwave it to warm it. Just be careful about it getting too hot, or Mel trying to eat it  I had the grain bag ones that I bought for my own use years ago - I would warm them for Stevie and then put them in a ziplock bag so that they wouldn't get soiled if she pooped or peed. She loved cuddling up to them. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 29, 2013 10:51:29 GMT -7
Ashley, glad to hear Mel is home. It does take about 2 weeks for the surgical procedure causes swelling to subside…then you will have a better idea of the direction of healing. There are no time table for nerve healing… it is up to each dog's body. So that is why we don't place too much reliance on dire prognostications of surgeons… so many dog's just don't get that memo and end up amazing everyone. You will want to know the order of nerve healing and what to watch for. This article covers it all: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmWhat meds did she come home with if any? What did the surgeon direct for PT and for crate rest? Fluffing blankets is a mental health thing for doxies. If she is doing too much then, distract her or command her to stop. To post a picture inline of your post, that JPG needs to be uploaded to a website such as Flicker. Otherwise just paste the URL so we can click on it and see Mel and her recovery suite. Don't worry you will develop a routine quickly and caring for Mel will be easier. Right now you have to think everything through… routines and familiarity takes away the overwhelming decisions… as you become able to just do without much thought. Hang in there it was initially hard for all of us. These tried and true tips have made crate rest easier, have you implemented any of them: |
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 29, 2013 16:42:29 GMT -7
for PT I'm doing very simple range of motion exercise with slow bicycles with her legs, and massaging her back end. Crate rest for 6 weeks or so for now.
She came home with an antibiotic, pred, Tramadol and one other painkiller, as well as the pepcid.
I'm having no problem expressing Mel's bladder but poop is an issue. The vet tech never mentioned anything about helping her have a bowel movement and I was wondering if there is anything I can do? Last night she pooped on herself and sat in it all night and I didn't see it until morning and it was a mess and she seemed upset. If I can do something to help her go before bed, that would make me feel a little better. Any advice?
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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 29, 2013 19:18:25 GMT -7
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 30, 2013 14:56:22 GMT -7
Thank you, Sabrina! I was able to help her get her bowels going and she's had a couple movements since then.
As far as her progress there isn't much. As I said earlier, the surgeon gave her very slim odds (5-10%) of walking again. And she is more limp now after surgery than she was before the surgery. And she also had bladder/bowel control before the surgery.
She did have a more invasive surgery than just a disc removal, they had to remove some bone to decompress an area of the spinal cord that was crunched up so much you couldnt see it on the MRI. It was about double the length of a usual disc removal surgery. She is quite swollen as well. She is usually a pretty slender dog, but now is looking pretty puffed up and lumpy.
I work from home as a jeweler and photographer but I've found it impossible to get work done because the urinating is so frequent and I'm worried about her sitting in it. So in the 3 days now that she has been home I haven't gotten much if any work done.
I am trying to stay positive and upbeat but this is really getting to me. I am so concerned that she will never get bowel/bladder control back and I have been feeling like I am under house arrest because I feel like I can't leave her side.
Has anyone experienced them regaining bowel/bladder control even if they don't end up walking?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 30, 2013 16:56:11 GMT -7
I know how stressful all of this can be, Ashley. Hang in there, it will get better. It can take a week or two for the swelling from the surgery to go down and sometimes neuro functions do get worse after the surgery. Hopefully, those neuro deficits will reverse once the swelling goes down. She'll need to urinate more while on the pred but then will not have to be expressed as often. And you'll get to know when she has to poop and express before she does so that becomes more routine, too.
When you say you're massaging her back end, do you mean her hind legs?
There is a predictable order of how nerve function usually return:
damage.
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk.
3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing 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 placed paws.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
Can Mel wag her tail when you speak to her in a happy voice? If so, then the next neuro function to most likely return would be bladder and bowel control.
Prayers for healing and recovery for Mel.
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Oct 31, 2013 6:19:27 GMT -7
Hi marjorie, Yes I did mean massaging her hind legs. Unfortunately she is not wagging her tail to any happy talk I understand the order it should come back etc. I guess I felt like she still had bladder/bowel control after she oost tail wagging still, but maybe she didn't. She did still seem to know when she was peeing and wasn't having accidents etc. |
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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 1, 2013 10:35:53 GMT -7
Remember that it takes about 2 weeks for post surgical swelling to go down - so don't give up on seeing that wagging tail! Our Stevie had bladder and bowel control and couldn't walk or wag her tail when her first episode happened. She didn't have surgery, but you can see how how each dog is an individual and doesn't always follow the list of returning functions to the letter. She now has all of her functions back - her walk is a bit staggery (is that even a word?) but she is at least 95% back to "normal" By the way I laughed, and cheered, and cried like a lunatic when she was first able to wag her little tail at me |
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Nov 1, 2013 16:36:19 GMT -7
Still no improvement as far as I can see, however she doesn't seem to be having as many accidents as when I first brought her home. I'm not sure if thats because I'm getting better with expressing her bladder regularly or if she is holding it more, but it seems shes not "leaking" in between pee's like before.
Mel is VERY used to being a lap dog, pretty much on top of someone 24/7 most of her life. She's such a lover and so low key that everyone always wanted to pick her up or have her on her lap. I can tell she's getting upset being in the recovery suit. She is crying often and it's not a painful cry, its a begging to let her out cry. Wonder if anyone has tips on how to handle this? I don't wanna give her a bunch of toys because she does get very playful with a squeeker toy, and I am worried its too early to give her a kong because she will be wiggling around....any thoughts?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 1, 2013 18:34:29 GMT -7
How about a rice sock to snuggle against? Fill a sock with 1-2 cups of dry rice or dried corn kernals. Knot the end. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Test in crook of your arm for warm not hot temperature. Wrap in a towel so it's not too hot for the skin and place in crate. Let Mel snuggle against when you are present to supervise in case she has a desire to munch on the warm grains. Note: human heating pads can get too hot burning skin. Snuggle Safe is a commercial product that will keep warm the whole night. I've had mine for over 5 years and Clark does his happy dance when he sees it coming. www.petstew.com/B00008AJH9/pet-supply-imports-snugglesafe-pet-heating-pad.html |
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Nov 2, 2013 17:55:11 GMT -7
Thanks for the link Paula! I will certainly look into one of these.
Today she's been more quiet. I have noticed her suddenly raising her head when she is laying dow, both sleeping and awake. It's sudden and seems to be like every 30 secs or so. Kinda like shes getting a sudden zing? I'm getting concerned about it, does this mean she's in pain? She seems comfortable and isnt crying, her belly is pretty soft and theres been no yelping. Any idea what this could be? She did it before her surgery as well, so now I'm concerned that the surgery isn't going to provide her pain relief.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 2, 2013 17:59:56 GMT -7
My dogs have done this during a disc episode and when not having one but when sleeping or half awake. I did show my my general DVM vet a video I took and he did not have an explanation for it. If she is not showing other signs of pain (yelping, shivering, etc.) then I do not think it pain. You might see if you can call into your surgeon to get his specialist's take on it.
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Post by Ashley & Abby on Nov 3, 2013 17:09:42 GMT -7
It seems to have gone away for now. It does seem to happen when she's asleep/half asleep.
Still no real improvement though and I feel awful for her because she seems depressed.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 3, 2013 18:29:37 GMT -7
Ashley, you know how smart Mel is. She can read your body language, understand by the tone of your voice if you are down or up. If you are down, she'll reflect what her pack leader, you, is communicating…something is not right. Just as when you visit a friend in the hospital you go there with a happy face and some light happy talk to pep them up. Mel needs that from you…she'll be down if you feel awful, but she won't know the reason why.
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I had the grain bag ones that I bought for my own use years ago - I would warm them for Stevie and then put them in a ziplock bag so that they wouldn't get soiled if she pooped or peed. She loved cuddling up to them.
