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Post by Katie & Runway on Feb 3, 2014 14:14:43 GMT -7
That chart makes me feel hopeful about his recovery because he is at a 2 and still has 4 weeks of crate rest to go. His legs can obviously move and his paws are sturdy, the way they move just doesn't look natural. I wish I could explain it.
I've talked to my vet and we've decided to cut out all pain Meds except gabapentin but to cut it down to 100 mg twice a day instead of 200 mg twice a day. If he shows signs of pain we will discuss again.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Feb 13, 2014 19:21:30 GMT -7
Runway is med free and pain free! He's been off pred since Monday. Fingers crossed we don't have any set backs this time!! He is still walking wobbly, but no knuckling. His legs seem very week and sometimes cross while he is walking (with his sling). I am hoping this is because if lost muscle tone which will improve quickly once his crate rest is over! In two weeks he will have been on crate rest for 8 full weeks. I am excited and nervous at the same time.
Any advice would be helpful!
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Sabrina
Helpful Member 
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471 
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Post by Sabrina on Feb 13, 2014 20:07:53 GMT -7
What great news about Runway being off all meds and pain free! With crate rest there will be muscle loss. I'm very glad to hear that Runway isn't knuckling! (As long as he's just weak that's normal, but if you notice any loss of neuro functions that means a call to the vet asap) Here's a page with an excellent "sample schedule" for gradually reintroducing Runway to activity after his graduation: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm I didn't have access to a canine PT, so I followed the sample schedule and it worked great for my Charley! Also, the far right column on this page has great advice for the "new normal" life after crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm))Hugs!(( |
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Post by Katie & Runway on Mar 2, 2014 7:22:51 GMT -7
Runways 8 weeks are up and I think he's doing great! He walks really well when supported. Even unsupported he can take several steps before sitting. His legs don't slip back and his paws don't knuckle. We have started walking him and letting him walk while supervised for a minute at a time a few times a day (like your article suggested). I know we still have a long road but so far he has not shown any sign of discomfort or pain. He does seem tired quickly but that's to be expected! Today I was lightly massaging and bicycling his legs and he reached up and scratched his ear!! I haven't seen him do this since he was first hurt on New Year's Day. My only really concern is that after he takes a few steps on his own he starts hopping like a kangaroo. Like he can't coordinate moving one leg at a time. I'm mostly afraid he will re-injure himself. Is this normal? When I see him do this I immediately pick him up. However he is pretty quick and very excited to play! Any suggestions on calming him down so he doesn't try to run/jump? Thanks for all your help  |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 2, 2014 8:28:28 GMT -7
Congratulations on going the full 8 weeks, Katie! Wonderful update. Runway is doing very well. My Jeremy also hops like a bunny. His hind legs can't keep up with his front legs and when he walks too fast or runs, his hind legs hop and his front legs move as usual. When you say that Runway hops like a kangaroo, do you mean that he's just hopping on his hind legs and holding up his front legs? That you'll have to train him not to do. You said he's walking well when supported so I assume you're using a sling to support his hind end. Continue to do that and use a harness and 6' leash to control his steps and try to walk him slowly. The slower they walk, the more they're able to position their feet correctly and that will help to retrain him to walk. I know it's hard to hold them back once they want to get going! Here are some tips on clicker training and making your home back friendly: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmMay you and Runway have many happy years together with no further disc problems. Please keep us updated. |
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Post by Katie & Runway on Mar 2, 2014 9:41:03 GMT -7
Yeah he supports himself with his front legs and pushes up with both hind legs at the same time. We are also doing walks with a leash and sling. He sometimes tries to hop out of that as well! Any suggestions on how to train him not to do this?
Our goal is to keep him off furniture completely. He was semi-trained to stay off furniture before his injury. My husband enforced this but I admit I did not. Now I know how important it is and will be enforcing it as well!! We will have a comfy bed for him both upstairs and downstairs in the living areas. Right now he's still spending time in his crate to rest. Then we will work on ramp training for the few steps out to our garage so he can go outside on his own. We plan on just carrying him up stairs. We have little ones anyway so they are already blocked by baby gates.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Mar 3, 2014 5:54:11 GMT -7
Congratulations on Runway's graduation! I am sooo excited for you  Mimi will sometimes do the hop with her back legs if she is in a full run (she uses her front legs normally and her back legs together). When she walks she walks normally but running is easier for her with the hop. Being weak in the hind end is normal, and as the weeks progress you may even see him stop hopping. Give Runway lots of snuggles and enjoy your new normal. |
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Post by Katie & Runway on Mar 3, 2014 14:42:40 GMT -7
I am glad to hear this is normal . I only worry about him re-injuring himself. I think he hops when he gets moving too fast! His back legs can't keep up with his front, kinda like you said. He can't keep from sliding on hardwood or tile floors though so I've been avoiding them. |
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Mar 5, 2014 5:55:16 GMT -7
Congrats to Runway!! I also have hardwood floors and my Sherm would slide and slip, but after about two weeks and building up that muscle...he walks on the hardwood like a pro!! Keep up the good care!
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Post by Katie & Runway on Mar 8, 2014 19:37:57 GMT -7
Runway is getting stronger! He can now walk across a room without losing balance or falling. He still hops when he gets going fast but we try our best to keep him calm His back is still hunched when walking. Is this something that will go away? I just feel like it can't be good for it  |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2014 18:51:18 GMT -7
The hunch can take some time to go away, it usually does. Good new on how strong Runway's legs are getting!!!
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Mimi will sometimes do the hop with her back legs if she is in a full run (she uses her front legs normally and her back legs together). When she walks she walks normally but running is easier for her with the hop. Being weak in the hind end is normal, and as the weeks progress you may even see him stop hopping. 
