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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 5, 2013 19:06:53 GMT -7
I found a fleece lamb and it's the only thing that Kobe has been taken with since this all began. However, he tosses his head when playing with it. Do I have to take it away? I don't play with him with it- he has it in the crate and entertains himself with it. I'll take it away if I have to but iit's the first thing other than food he's had any interest in.
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Dec 5, 2013 19:09:27 GMT -7
Hi Sally! I remember vividly how worried I was about potty-times!!! As you live in an apartment, have you been able to set up any sort of "potty spot" (poke in the ground garden fencing, ex-pen, etc) outside? It helped me so much with Charley to be able to carry him to a potty spot. Before his episode I'd never trained him to "go on command", but he understood very quickly that the garden fencing I set up to make a 6ft potty spot meant that he wasn't going to be able to wander all over the yard! As for putting his harness on - are you putting it on while Kobe is still in his crate? If not, try putting it on before you lift him out, so that the only steps he's taking are the "necessary" ones outside! Edit: I think it would probably be best not to let Kobe play with something he's going to toss around, as that encourages too much movement. If Kobe doesn't have this toy in his crate, will he just rest/sleep? Does Kobe throw his Kong around? If not, would he be interested in it if you froze some low fat/no salt chicken broth in it? ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 6, 2013 10:24:16 GMT -7
Hi Sabrina. He's never been interested in his Kong even filled or frozen with yummy stuff - he licks it a few times and then it sits and becomes a mess. I'll hold Lambie until after graduation but this dog is increasingly vocal about expressing his displeasure with the situation and that's not good in an apartment. As far as his harness - his crate doesn't give me much room to maneuver and get the strap connected. I did purchase some indoor/outdoor carpeting to put on my patio but as good an idea as it is, it's just not practical to carry a little fence to the dog area - I struggle to hold Kobe, open a gate and pick up poop as it is. Snow is expected here and after I poke holes in the carpet, he'll be using that or getting used to using it. I have another worry: should the knuckling be totally gone after 5 weeks of crate rest? His leg/paw seem to be getting stronger but there's still knuckling. Big pats for Charley and a hug for you!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Dec 6, 2013 16:32:15 GMT -7
Hey Sally, Will he go on potty pads? Maybe get one of those pen fences and set it up on your patio? It helped tremendously when we set up the potty pen. A lot less pulling and walking. Also..I think it is great that his Highness wants out and is letting you know..a great sign that he is feeling better Stay strong you two..more than half way there!!
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 6, 2013 20:13:57 GMT -7
Hi Sally,
Once nerves have repaired then muscles will also have to be retrained to relearn proper placement of the paws. Some muscles will need to regain strength for walking. Consider learning to walk again as it would be for a stroke victim or a baby learning to walk. At first, the steps will be weak and a bit unstable. Relearning to walk takes coordination, building up strength, and lots of patience.
There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks to more like a year or even longer. However, it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag! 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. Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine. 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.
Thinking of you and Kobe during this COLD winter..
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 10, 2013 6:58:29 GMT -7
Kobe and I are slogging along. He's been so wound up the last couple of days especially since it snowed. I just noticed a little shivering but may be related to my holding a chewing bone - ears up (Kobe's, not mine), excited, "bright-eyed". I just felt him as he was chewing and no shivering. He's holding his chew stick with his bum paw occasionally. I think my anxiety is ramping up as we get closer to "graduation day'" with thoughts like "what if it's not really IVDD", what if soon after he graduates it happens again immediately", etc. everyone has been amazingly supportive and I feel I've been a taker and not a giver but I want to be supportive to you all.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 10, 2013 9:05:48 GMT -7
I know how much those worrisome thoughts can get to you, Sally, since I tend to be a worrier. I'm personally trying very hard myself to learn to take each day as it comes and not to think too much about tomorrow. We can take lessons from our dogs. They live in the moment and enjoy that moment and don't fret about what may happen in the future. It's difficult for us to do that. All we can do for them is learn as much about IVDD as we can so we know how to protect their backs and know what signs of problems and pain to look for so we can quickly crate them and get them to a vet for evaluation. Maybe one day you'll feel confident enough about your knowledge that you're accumulating that you'll be able to help another IVDD dog owner.
Blessings to you and Kobe.
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 12, 2013 9:47:49 GMT -7
HELP! Kobe is losing his mind! He's trying to stand up in his crate and barks and cries most of the time. I know I read in a post how to prevent the attempts to crate-stand but can't find it. Would someone send me the link? I have tried EVERY single thing suggested except Benedryl. He's getting worse about being crated, not used to it. I have to find a new vet so don't have one to call about dosage. He still barks and goes crazy if he's in the room with me and I'm sitting on the couch so we're still spending most of the time in separate rooms. I truly thought he would settle down but he's more amped up than ever. Crate rest formally ends 3 weeks from today but I need some ideas soon.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 12, 2013 17:46:53 GMT -7
Crate rest supplies list has ideas for lowering the crate ceiling/draping a blanket: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmIf the calmers mentioned on Page #1 of this thread do not work, then you will need to look into a sedative with your vet, a light dose to see if that helps him stay calm. Better a slightly drugged dog, than one who moves too much during crate rest.
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 14, 2013 9:07:45 GMT -7
Hi Stacy. I wanted to check in and see how you and Fred are doing. We both parent very handsome fellas! Do you have snow? The Emperor typically loves to play in the snow and thereby becomes a dox-cicle. Next year. Hope all is well! Sally
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 19, 2013 8:42:38 GMT -7
I'm feeling very discouraged as we head into the end of strict crate rest. I worry that I've let him walk too much during potty time, etc. Yesterday, his paw seemed very strong and today, not so much. Is healing a linear process or will there be "better or worse" days both now and as we move forward? Will physical therapy/acupuncture really help? I am ragged with worrying this whole time and am afraid I'll keep him in a bubble forever, hyper-vigilant for any misstep at all. I know there's plenty of information here, but will someone give me some personal experience, strength and hope?
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 19, 2013 9:33:01 GMT -7
Sometimes the cold weather can make them feel a bit stiff and maybe that's what you're seeing. There shouldn't be any regression, such as knuckling or dragging, etc. if they haven't been doing that. Only a few steps should be taken at potty time. Use a harness to limit his steps or an ex-pen or push-in-the-ground plastic fencing to make a small potty area for him to do his business in. I know after Jeremy's surgery, I was very fearful. But as he got stronger and showed signs of improvement, the fears did get less and less. It got to the point, maybe 6 months after, that I hardly thought about it anymore. Jeremy had new rules and I stuck to those but I no longer worried. Yes, he did have another disc episode two years after the first one but I knew what to do at that point, immediately crated him and started him on meds, and it was a very mild episode and left him with no further difficulties. You'll see - it does get better!
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 19, 2013 13:45:24 GMT -7
Thanks, Marjorie. It seems as if he's knuckling from his toes rather than his "wrist" (?)now. He growled when I tried to touch his foot which he wasn't doing before so I think there may be more feeling returning. The knuckling isn't new - it just isn't "gone". Kobe's never struggled to potty, etc. I'm quite sure I've driven him crazy with my worrying and watching every move he makes
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 19, 2013 17:19:54 GMT -7
Hi Sally, I was a worrier too when it came to Tyler graduating post op crate rest of 6 weeks. I too watched his every move but I calmed down in time.. He did have a mild episode in July and recovered with 8 weeks of crate rest. He is playful now, he knows the rules about no stairs, no jumping and he is a floor dweller and has his comfy beds and blankies everywhere and his toys strung all over.. Yes there is life after crate rest and IVDD. You have learned alot during this journey with Kobe.. Take one day at a time and try not to worry in advance. I would still crate him when you aren't home or when you can't directly supervise.. It will be ok.. Marjorie's Jeremy and my Tyler and thousands of Dodgerslist dogs are living proof they can have a happy life and you can too. Here are some success stories. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Dec 24, 2013 10:53:36 GMT -7
How is Kobe doing today??
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 26, 2013 9:00:00 GMT -7
I thought we were doing well until this morning. He's seemed stronger when pottying the last several days. He doesn't seem to be in pain, eating well, tail wagging. We went out this morning and he pooped fine and I thought he peed. About an hour and a half ago he peed on the floor for the first time ever. Still seems to be himself but I'm in full screaming smoking again (after being quit since just after crate rest began) panic mode.
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Dec 26, 2013 10:05:49 GMT -7
Try not to panic (yeah right - I know) It may be that he just had to pee and didn't go when he was outside - our weather here is horrid and I have to really watch all of our dogs for that nonsense right now. Keep an eye on him - you will know in the next day or two if there is a problem. If he needs to continue on the prednisone longer he will start showing signs like reluctance to move, shivering, trembling or crying. I had to stop Stevie's taper and restart her prednisone today- dissapointing but not uncommon, I just feel so bad for her Here's hoping that he just decided to pee where it's warmer
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 26, 2013 10:09:57 GMT -7
Thank you! Kobe hasn't been on prednisone- Metacam for 6 weeks but no meds now. I just took him out and he peed normally but not quite as steady as yesterday. I may have let him move too much - crate rest ends next week.
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 26, 2013 21:42:16 GMT -7
Hi Sally, thinking of you and Kobe! Hope tomorrow is a better day, Glad to hear he is acting more normal now... He may have just forgotten to pee when outside..
I know it's hard not panic.. Us IVDD Mom's have a tendency to watch every move they make and worry about everything they do, been there, done that.. You will know in pretty short order if this is a setback.. If it truly is, call the Vet and inform them and arrange to restart his meds.. Hopefully this was a temporary lapse and all will be well tomorrow..
Thanks for keeping us informed.. Sending Hugs!
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Dec 27, 2013 11:02:21 GMT -7
Thanks, Pauliana. No "extraneous" peeing this morning and squatted normally for both potty "genres". A friend told me that "now I can pull something else out of my worry bag to focus on" which, of course, I have.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 2, 2014 10:15:43 GMT -7
Has Kobe graduated?
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Jan 3, 2014 9:33:02 GMT -7
I believe he has although I panic with every move he makes. I feel like I'm keeping him in his crate most of the time for my peace-of-mind and not his quality of life. He whimpered a tiny bit this morning and while I have no idea where the issue was, automatically assumed it was his IVDD. Despite the fact that afterward he pooped and peed with no problem and no apparent pain. I am truly a crate case and am anxious all the time. I'm struggling at work and am depressed when I'm not anxious. Kobe walks more strongly every day and his high energy seems back and needs to be corralled but I want to keep him in a bubble and never let him out. I know this has probably gone beyond normal anxiety and I probably need professional help for HIS sake as well as mine. Thank you all.
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 3, 2014 9:44:00 GMT -7
Most of us have had to come to terms with the fact that dogs will be dogs. And keeping them in that bubble may or may not prevent another IVDD episode but it will for sure result in an unhappy dog.
I have accepted that fact that I cannot control every outcome in life. And with my dogs in particular I can do certain things to reduce risk...ramps on furniture, crating when I am not home, etc...I cannot fully control anything that may happen to them whether it be IVDD or something else. But I KNOW I want my dogs to have a quality life. And that means allowing them to run in the yard and chase squirrels, dig holes, play with each other, etc. If the quantity of the their life is reduced by a health issue I could not prevent then I want to know they had a quality life. Do what you can within reason and let life happen as it will. Grieve the bad things then move on and celebrate the good things. But let go of the control, it's really not in your power anyway.
The other thing to remember is that dogs keenly sense human emotion, but they have no idea what it means or how to process it. If you are anxious they will be anxious, if you are sad they will be sad or upset. If you are happy and content they will be also. Monitoring our emotions is important for the well being of our pets. Rather a good incentive to keep an upbeat attitude.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 3, 2014 14:36:47 GMT -7
Please keep in mind, Sally, that Kobe's muscles and stamina deteriorated while on crate rest and need to be gradually built back up. If he's still having a problem with knuckling with one foot, that foot needs to be retrained to walk normally again and walking is the way to do that. Plus, if the muscles of the back are weak, the muscles are not giving good support to the spine and he would be more susceptible to re-injury . Those muscles need to be strengthened and exercise is needed to do that. Here's a suggested schedule for after crate rest that I found very helpful for my Jeremy. It's a very gradual way to re-introduce movement over a three-week period. It's a good way to build up those muscles again. And it's slow enough and controlled enough that it should lessen any fears that you might have. Plus, check out the "never agains" and "friendly activities" at the bottom of the page so you have a better idea of what he's allowed to do or restricted from doing. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmAs Sherry said, we can only do so much to protect our dogs' backs. Those things are listed on this page: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm Other than those precautions, we need to let our dogs be dogs and enjoy their lives. Hopefully, Kobe will never have another IVDD episode. And if he does, you are now armed with much more knowledge about IVDD and will know what to do. I believe that time will calm your fears and as you see Kobe enjoying his life, you'll know that his life is a happy one and will once again be happy along with him. We can learn so very much from our dogs about living and about not worrying about tomorrow! It's a lesson we all need from time to time. Blessings to you both.
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Jan 8, 2014 12:48:19 GMT -7
Hi all. Wanted to update you on Kobe's progress. I'm giving him a little more exercise and he wants a LOT more. I've had to hold him back and do some shouting when he starts to try to run. The cold and icy weather have not been helping with the potty situation - I took him out today and it was very difficult. In any event, his knuckling is definitely decreasing with exercise. I do have a question: Kobe has gone WAY beyond the "dry shampoo" stage for grooming - he's matted with "dreadlocks" and fuzzier than a Star Trek Tribble (dating myself). He's always had a sensitive stomach and has urped a few times which adds to his aroma! What is the recommendation for bathing/grooming? I think I need to invest in a professional grooming session but am not sure what the timeline should be. I love his little smell but his coat is sticky and he's scratching a lot. Thanks to you all for your lifesaving support - for Kobe and for me. I do have a better understanding of IVDD and what I need to do - I still panic but feel a lot calmer overall.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 8, 2014 13:36:28 GMT -7
I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling calmer about things, Sally. And that's wonderful news that the knuckling has improved! He can have a bath now. Just be sure to use a rubber mat in the tub so he doesn't slip. And remember that a wet dog is a slippery dog so use extra caution in handling him. I just shared these tips about taking a dog to a groomer with another member so here they are for you. I would demonstrate to the groomer the proper way to lift and carry Kobe. Be sure to let the groomer know not to exert any pressure along Kobe's neck and spine with combs, scissors or clippers. I would ask that they allow you right there in the grooming room with him so you can make sure he is being handled properly, very gently and with no sudden movements. Is he usually calm during grooming? If not, you might want to ask his vet for a mild sedative that can be given to him before the grooming session. Here's a photo of how to lift and carry you can print out and bring with you, if you'd like. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/liftcarry.jpg
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Jan 17, 2014 10:16:07 GMT -7
Hi everyone. Just wanted to update Kobe's journey. He's a stinker - there, I said it! He's doing a LITTLE scampering and the knuckling is very infrequent. He had a bath - YEAHHHH!- but has already negated the positive effects of that! I wanted to offer some support to newcomers: 1. I had access to a furniture mover - the kind with wood slats and 4 wheels - it was absolutely perfect for moving Kobe's cart around my apartment. His crate fit perfectly between the slats. Be careful to use one with narrow "bumper pads" on each end as your crate may not seat snugly in between wider ones. 2) I invested in a showerhead that includes a sprayer. I'm sure this is obvious but I was so anxious it never occurred to me. 3) Share, cry, laugh and learn here on Dodger's List. I learned so much about IVDD, Kobe's personality and "self-identity" and myself through this process.
I do have a question: Kobe's formerly favorite chillaxing area was under the bed. I haven't allowed him under there as he has to hunker down a little to get there but he is gazing longingly under the bed and puts his nose as far under as he can. He really, really resents being in his crate when I'm there (and is not in it much when I am but occasionally I need to be in and out). Any suggestions?
Much love and healing to you all!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 17, 2014 10:54:34 GMT -7
So glad Kobe is doing well Sounds like you are doing great too! As for Kobe being under the bed, you may want to wait a bit longer, until his muscle strength has fully returned (you don't want him to get stuck there). He is only two weeks past his graduation so I would give it some more time.
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Post by Sally & Kobe on Jan 17, 2014 19:47:03 GMT -7
Thanks so so much! I think I clicked a wrong button when I responded. I will wait and "his majesty" will have to deal with this . He's a little demanding and needy right now. Love to you and your baby!
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