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Post by coopmom on Dec 3, 2013 16:28:07 GMT -7
Hi Everyone - this site is a blessing. Our little doxi mix is three weeks post surgery today. He had a thoracic lumbar hemilaminectomy after nearly three weeks of crate rest and conservative treatment. At that time, his pain increased and he started the drunk walk. The neuro told us after surgery that the disc had actually been a chronic rupture - and it had hardened significantly and his spinal cord was 60% compressed. Amazingly he never showed any symptoms until right before his surgery. He could walk immediately after with no pain complaints. We have kept him crated, but lately he has been walking more - 1-20 feet max at one time. Today he started whining again - haven't heard that in a while - and he appeared to be more tip toe walking once again. Should I be worried (my vet says just keep an eye on him, and he is eating and going to the bathroom just fine) but I keep second guessing the extra steps I have let him take. He does go into full stand up crazy mode when I come back after leaving the house. That worries me so I go to him so he doesn't get hurt, but the vet feels I have conditioned him to get out of the crate - that I am coming home to get him - which I am! I am just so worried that by allowing him to walk a tiny bit I have done him harm. Any thoughts? Thank you all!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 3, 2013 17:01:51 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Paula what is yours and your doxie's?
It would be a better idea if he did not stand up on his hind legs in the crate. Check out the two ideas we have for you on our crate rest supplies list. They are right at the top….using a blanket and method to lower ceiling on the crate.
Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior as mentioned by your vet. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc.
What where the surgeon's directives on crate rest.. how long…here is usually 6 weeks. And what did the surgeon call for regarding PT.
Is he off all meds at this time?
The signs of pain are: shivering after moving. An arched back, yelping, not their normal perky self. Slow to move, reluctant or moving gingerly because it hurts. Let us know what you are observing.
Tip toe walking…can you describe that more? Do the paws kind of knuckle in?
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Post by coopmom on Dec 3, 2013 18:06:29 GMT -7
Hi Paula, I am Mindy and my doxie is Cooper. He was a death row rescue and we have had him three years. Thank you for the tips on how to stop the standing. He has always been excited for me to come home but lately it is over the top. I felt I had to go to him to make sure he didn't hurt himself. He is on crate rest for the first five weeks - until our post op visit and then we also begin PT. I was told to limit all activity until that time, and I have - altho he has been walking a bit more on his pee outings. He has walked since day one and we are so grateful for that. I just got back from walking our other two dogs and didn't take him out of the crate as I normally would when I returned. He settled down so I see the error of my ways. He is on his last week of taper down Prednisone - and that is it (aside from Pepcid). He hasn't had any pain meds since he came home and has done well. The tip toe walking does not involve any knuckling. He just was walking pretty gingerly today - which was happening pre-surgery. But he is steady on his feet and can balance on three legs to pee. I just started to feel guilty that I had let him walk up to 15 feet or so during a potty break. I still carry out and back and he has not jumped or done any steps. I just needed some reassurance. We have to travel overnight this weekend and he is going back to the hospital for boarding - something we are not looking forward to - he will not be happy, but he will be safe. Thank you Paula for responding.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 4, 2013 9:53:47 GMT -7
Ginger movements can be a sign of pain…moving slowly because it hurts. With the tapering off of pred, that could be why you are seeing a sign of pain. Pred is the med that helps to get painful swelling down. Give the vet feedback on the gingerly walking. The vet may wish to continue tapering of pred for the post op swelling, he may choose to go with a pain reliever until the body finishes self healing all the post op swelling. Please let us know what the vet prescribes and says.
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