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Post by Sally & Kobe on Nov 30, 2013 21:21:44 GMT -7
Hi Michele. Another newbie to IVDD but Dodgerslist is my lifeline. For a couple of weeks I was in complete shock over Kobe's condition: one day a very happy and very active boy and the next nearly unable to stand up. We're both getting better I think. Through Dodgers, I've learned how to modify crates and improvise mobility enhancements. Just wanted to say hi and tell you that hope is found here!
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 30, 2013 21:22:25 GMT -7
Hi Michele,
Those are definite signs of a UTI. The Simplicef wasn't able to clear up the infection completely. It would be best to have a urine culture done so they can match it to the correct antibiotic as Sabrina and Paula mentioned.
Have there been any other adjustments to his pain medications? If not adjusting doses may help. Or adding in Gabapentin, it's great for hard to control pain and works very well with Tramadol and Methocarbamol which may be just what he needs to get back into recovery mode.. Also if the Laser was helping him, I would continue with it. It was making a difference.
Also be careful of bathing him.. it is best to gently wipe him down with green tea where he has peed on himself, bathing him causes him to move too much. Wiping him with green tea gently is the best thing to do.. Just brew some green tea, let it cool and save it to use for Sherm..It is great at soothing his skin as well as getting rid of the smell and irritation/urine scald from the urine.
Prayers for Sherm and for you..
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Dec 17, 2013 7:54:23 GMT -7
Hi Everyone!! Just want to give an update. It's been a roller coaster for me and Sherm. I am so glad I am on the upside of everything now. This has not been easy for either of us and I am 100% committed to giving Sherm the best quality of life! This is week 7! Sherm has not had any signs of pain for over two weeks now. His UTI has cleared up. We are doing a second round of 6 laser treatment sessions, we are halfway through. They seem to have helped him get some motivation to try and attempt to get himself up. But at this point, I am researching carts. He is back to his normal hyper self and wants to move! Any suggestions for a reputable company?? Also, what has anyone's experience with wheelchairs been like?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,596
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 17, 2013 9:22:51 GMT -7
So glad to hear Sherm is feeling back to normal, no pain. You HAVE been doing a very good job in his care! I'd really wait until graduation day Dec 29 to best assess if a cart is needed or if money is best spent on under water treadmill or other home water therapies. Here are the features to look for in a wheelchair: www.dodgerslist.com/links/cart.htm Top of the lines can run $300+ but work out to pennies a day over the course of many years of use. If for temporary PT use there are other less expensive options… So I would wait til graduation day to assess why a cart is desired or if one is needed at all. At this point, what meds if any is he still on? Names, dose in mgs and frequency? Where exactly is Sherm in neuro status…have you seen tail wagging due to a joyful moment? 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. |
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Dec 17, 2013 10:01:56 GMT -7
Sherm is on no meds. He has been weaned off prednisone. I have pain meds on hand "just in case". He still has deep pain as confirmed by the vet. Tail wags like crazy and if I tickle his paws he moves them. Bladder and bowel are released with no problem. I use a sling to support him. Right now he will walk only if he is in the sling supported by me. He moves his legs but I use the sling so he doesn't fall. They are wobbly. What would be normal status for a cart?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,596
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 17, 2013 10:48:17 GMT -7
Oh my, Sherm is doing well…he can wobbly walk!!!….no wheelchair for that guy. When he graduates on Dec 29, you will want to begin a gradual PT program of introducing him back into physical activity. You'll begin sling walks to let him strengthen muscles and learn to walk with proper leg movements…PT is slow and deliberate. If you have underwater treadmill in your area that particular PT really expedites learning to walk again with the combo of water buoyancy and the floor moving underneath the dog. MOre on after crate rest then what: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm |
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Dec 17, 2013 11:03:09 GMT -7
Yes he is doing amazing. When we are at the vet for laser, he tries to walk but can only drag. Do they stay dragging or will the building up increase muscle tone? I do not know about any PT water treadmill, but will look into that. Thanks!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,596
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 17, 2013 13:15:07 GMT -7
So then he does not wobbly walk with his back legs? He does not move his back legs at all? When you have the sling, he can or can't move his back legs at all?
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Jan 9, 2014 12:56:34 GMT -7
SHERM UPDATE! My Sherm is doing amazing! No pain, no UTI anymore. He is absolutely doing amazing! He pulled a fast one on me two days ago. I opened his crate when I got home from work and he actually pulled his body up and walked to the door all on his own! I couldn't believe my eyes! Of course he stays in crate when I am not home. I have a call into my vet for their fitness program and we are looking into massage and maybe some more laser. I can't believe the change. I felt so hopeless at one point and so sad but this strong amazing dog did not let anything deter his recovery! I also have a wheelchair cart, and hoping that maybe by spring I could use it to take him on a mini walk. So excited and just so happy! He is back to his old personality and little mischievous! Thank you so much for you support. I had a very difficult time dealing with this is the beginning and never giving up! Also, my vet has a little pool where they place a float on them. So many options to continue a safe recovery! OH I forgot to say...he was not able to walk without the use of a sling holding him. What he did two days ago was a complete surprise and shock! He is still wobbly and will fall down, I don't encourage him to over do himself, still use the sling at bathroom time. Also when I tickle his back paws, his reflex is so much stronger now!  |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 9, 2014 13:22:45 GMT -7
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful update, Michele! And congratulations to Sherm on his crate rest graduation! From his walk to the door the other day, I have a feeling you may not need that cart by spring. Walking is great PT for Sherm. Here is the schedule suggested by Dodgerslist that I found so helpful after my Jeremy's graduation from crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmPlease keep us updated! And continued prayers for a complete recovery for Sherm. |
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 9, 2014 14:19:10 GMT -7
Congratulations Michele and Sherm!!! Just my humble opinion, but you may want to hold off on the cart for a bit...sounds like he may be able to do it on his own after a while. Enjoy snuggle time with your sweet boy  |
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Jan 10, 2014 12:16:41 GMT -7
Thank you so much! I am so overwhelmed with emotion and I hope in the future anyone that may feel as hopeless as I will see that.....time heals!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,596
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 10, 2014 13:29:20 GMT -7
Michele, you have been there and done that… anytime you see a new member just beginning a scary journey upon getting an IVDD diagnosis, please feel free to pay forward and give them hope and support of patience and sticking with 100% STRICT rest. Sherm's story is an inspiration that it IS in the cards for each dog to get back to enjoying their family life after graduation. Some need a bit longer time to let nerves heal, but in the meantime LOVE life, love treats, love sniff fests in the back yard should they need a bit of assist of a wheel chair.
I agree with Newbiemom, it sure looks like no need of wheelchair for Sherm is is progressing very nicely… keep up the sling walking he will get stronger! Underwater treadmill is very good too.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Mar 5, 2014 4:50:39 GMT -7
Hello! Just stopping by to say how wonderful Sherm is doing! After my last post I had already bought a wheelchair. Sherm used it twice, as he was not able to walk at all and decided he was not having that! A week later in January he was pretty much walking. Little by little he regained strength and now he is walking like a champ! So grateful for all the support I received through Dogerslist!!! Sherm feels like he must be superman cause he is trying to be just like his old self. I am keeping very cautious of my furniture and making sure he does not jump. I feel like I am constantly trying to protect him, he wants to run, but it makes me nervous. Is it safe for him to go back to running in a yard? We all know how fast these little buggers can be! I just want to do all I can to avoid any possible relapse of injury. Thank you again for EVERYTHING!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,596
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 5, 2014 9:10:17 GMT -7
Michele, what wonderful news on Sherm walking. You may not have picked up on the excellent information Marjorie pointed you to in a previous post. Lots of ideas for back friendly activities and those to try to avoid.http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm  Of course we are nervous and want to protect our dogs. How much is too little or too much protection? How do we overcome our fears? This essay is one of the best I've ever read discussing those concepts and coming to terms you can live with: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/410/living-fear-ivdd |
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