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Post by chevair0 on Dec 3, 2013 13:51:22 GMT -7
Hi. I have just taken in a little boy dachshund called Elvis. His owners were going to pts Friday so I (maybe crazily) rushed in and said I would have him. He is paralysed at te moment.
On speaking to his vet he had an op about six weeks ago, he had a protruding disc and I don't think the vet was a specialist. As a result little Elvis has no bladder or bowel control though for his bowels he sometimes fidgets and I'm learning this means poops! Lol x
The previous owned had him in a wheelchair but I have taken that away and we are having complete rest as I don't think he has had any.
If I touch his pads at the back he twitches away and if you press his tail at the end (the owners told me to do that to make him poop but he poops when he's ready) his tail swishes x are these good signs?
I have hydro assessment booked for tomorrow and the vet has his notes so sm eager to hear her view. His muscle tone in his back legs has gone and I don't think he has had any physio at all..
I am fostering him as I am a foster carer for dogs until we find out his prognosis.. I think anyone who would give him a home would have to be so dedicated and I am happy for him to be with me until he is rehabilitated (failing as fostering this time as deeply in love hehe)
He's happy, eating drinking, I express him every hour to two hours and he is pooping twice a day so think all that is positive.
You all would love him, he's a real fighter and spirited so with his will I hope he can get at least some way of walking unaided.
Any advice or thoughts as although two of my dachshunds have had backs go, neither are paralysed and both back to how they were before xx
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 3, 2013 15:02:07 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist and bless you for taking in Elvis. My name's Marjorie - what's yours? It's hard to determine deep pain sensation, even for a vet. If you speak to Elvis in a happy voice and he wags his tail, then you know there is communication between the brain and the nerves. It does sound as though bowel control is returning since he seems to be able to tell when he has to go, which is a good sign. 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. Hydrotherapy is very helpful, as is acupuncture and laser light therapy. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htmHere is our page about physical therapy that you might want to review with the vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmOnce Elvis has rested up, the wheelchair can be good exercise for him. Here are some tips on caring for an incontinent downed dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IncontinentDown.htmIt sounds as though you have a very good handle on things and Elvis is one lucky dog to have you in his corner. We're here for you and will support you through Elvis' rehab. |
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