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Post by hoosiersmom on Dec 15, 2013 14:03:17 GMT -7
2 Ruptured Discs, Emergency Surgery 12/9/13 Doxie Hoosier (named after Hoosier Racing Tires) and our family live in Texas. Last weekend we had a HARD freeze.. We believe he slipped on the ice on Friday 12/6 or Saturday 12/7 when trying to climb his favorite tree... However, we were unaware that he had even hurt himself. We actually thought that he was constipated because he refused to try to poop, even though he obviously needed to. By Sunday it was obvious he was in a lot of pain so we took him to his vet and they determined he was indeed not constipated. His back was hurting but there was no indication of a ruptured disc or why he was hurting, so they gave him a steroid shot and a muscle relaxer and asked us to come back in the morning for further testing. That night I noticed he was stumbling over his feet a little bit and that he couldn't urinate. Monday morning he had no ability to move his hind legs and still could not potty. We rushed him to the vet first thing and scheduled an emergency surgery that day. However, it was located 3.5 hours away from our home. We loaded up and headed out. He had back surgery that night 12/9, with LITTLE deep pain remaining. He had suffered from two ruptured discs. He stayed in recovery in that hospital for the week. I was able to visit him on Wednesday, when he wagged his tail for the first time since he had become paralyzed. And it was a large enthusiastic wag! He also had enough adrenaline going from excitement to push up on his hind legs to crawl further up my shoulder! His surgeon was ecstatic and even had goosebumps. However, thats about the extent of his recovery thus far.. He and I have MAJOR separation anxiety from each other, and unfortunately due to him being so far away I could not visit him everyday. When I say major, its an understatement.. On both of our behalf's. I woke up friday morning with my eyes swollen shut because I had cried all week long. His vet called me Friday afternoon and said that he just was stunned that he was not making hardly any progress after such a good response on wednesday, but he determined he would not even try if I was not there. He said his best medicine would be with me at home. So my husband and I picked him up Saturday (yesterday) 12/14. We will be working with his regular vet at home throughout his recovery... He has been a different dog than what his vet was dealing with, he is a stubborn determined little fella. He still can't control his bladder and cannot use his hind legs, but when we take him out for some air and to relieve his bladder he tries his hardest to bounce and hop around the yard with his brother. Obviously we know better than to allow him to do this so it's difficult to see him with such desire and enthusiasm all while he is aware that he can't move.  Now, I am fully aware that spinal cord injuries are extremely slow to heal, so it will be a long process for him.. He has also been on steroids much of his life because he his highly allergic to, well, just about everything, so they said he is a slower healer because of that as well.. But I am just wondering if there is anyone out there that has been through a similar situation, and how it turned out? I am prepared to get him a cart if he does not regain function in his legs, but his vet suggested he be put down if his bladder does not return to regular function. I do not, and will not agree with this. I know there are people out there who deal with this situation and manage to avoid infections for the most part. I am just hoping and praying that he is able to recover. Thoughts? I am terribly sorry if this is entirely too long of a post, but I figured its best to include everything! His meds at the moment: Prednisolone, Tramadol, Clavamox, PhenoxybenamineYou can keep up with Hoosier and his recovery via my Facebook! Facebook.com/ashleyparson29 Also, Hoosier's vet did not say anything about strict crate rest. However, we have somewhat been practicing this just to calm our nerves. I haven't been keeping him in a crate, but he has been in his bed (with lots of towels) next to me at all times. Not allowing him to move around much. I work his legs here and there to make sure they don't get stiff, as per his vet. When I take him outside, he wants to move around but I don't let him drag himself. I'll carry him to his favorite places in the yard and let him sniff around and get some air but still not allowing him to hop or drag himself, as much as I know he wants to, I know it is not a good idea. Once his stitches are removed we were told to "swim" him in the tub, to take the pressure of his legs, but see if he can work into moving them. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 15, 2013 19:06:32 GMT -7
Ashely, welcome to Dodgerslist! It is still very early post op and lots of time for nerves to heal. It usually takes 2 weeks for the post op swelling to go done and then better see the direction of nerve healing. Wagging his tail is a fine sign that nerves will further heal! Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with 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 place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. The reason for crate rest is best explained by TAMU, is that where you had the surgery performed? So Hoosier should be out of his recovery suite for potty time all by himself not with your other dog and for the surgeon directed PT. PT is controlled and deliberate and supervised. Once over back to the recovery suite to heal. Crate rest 24/7 only out to potty and PT for a full 6 weeks …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No chiro (aka VOM). Water therapy once the sittches are out and with vet approval. The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from doing the unexpected... darting off at a TV doorbell, etc. 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 What is the dose in mg's and how often for each of the meds you listed? How much does he weigh? When prednisone is being used, it is a very good idea to protect the GI tract. Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlDoes he stay dry in between expressing times? No leaking on you when lifted or finding urine leaks in his bedding? While on pred you will likely need to express every 2-3 hours. Once off Pred then more like every 4-6 hours. Let us know how expressing is going for you. Good tips and a videos here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm |
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Post by Nancy & Beulah on Dec 18, 2013 0:52:05 GMT -7
Ashley, I am in Texas as well. My baby had surgery tonight! We are 3 hours away and I had to leave her. I don't know if I am going to be able to go visit her. Probably have to wait till I can go pick her up! They called and said surgery went well and prognosis was good!
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Now, I am fully aware that spinal cord injuries are extremely slow to heal, so it will be a long process for him.. He has also been on steroids much of his life because he his highly allergic to, well, just about everything, so they said he is a slower healer because of that as well.. But I am just wondering if there is anyone out there that has been through a similar situation, and how it turned out? I am prepared to get him a cart if he does not regain function in his legs, but his vet suggested he be put down if his bladder does not return to regular function. I do not, and will not agree with this. I know there are people out there who deal with this situation and manage to avoid infections for the most part. I am just hoping and praying that he is able to recover. Thoughts? I am terribly sorry if this is entirely too long of a post, but I figured its best to include everything! 
