Jenni, welcome to Dodgerslist! Is it Johannesburg, South Africa?
It sounds like Tristan is on a good path of healing since the surgery. If he can sniff an old pee spot and the releases urine that is proof of bladder control. Next would come leg movements. Nerve healing can be a slow process...so think in terms of weeks/months rather than things happening in a mater of days.
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.
At potty times or when outdoors avoid allowing him to drag his legs at all. In stead use a sling to protect the, skin from abrasion, protect internal healing at surgical areas, to keep his spine aligned, and his butt from tipping over. He just had a very major surgery. A sling can be an old tie, a long belt or a scarf. Using a harness and leash is what controls Tristan's speed. PT is always supervised, controlled, slow. Dogs on the other hand when not supervised want to drag away, dart off at a squirel, jump off a couch, etc. and do harm to themselves So we must protect them from themselves. Your vet will like give you exercises like these for his paralyzed legs to keep his joints flexible and muscle circulation up:
Crate rest is not as strict as with those treated conservatively. Surgeon direct PT can start soon. When Tristan is not at potty or doing PT, then he is back in his recovery suite to heal. The full low down on the recover suite and rest is PLUS lots of wonderful tried and true tips/supplies to make it easier:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm#recoverysuiteDo supplements really help a diseased disc? Spend your money wisely
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Supplements.htm What about diet:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmAs owners we have to do our homework on each and every Rx we are given or whether others suggest it. Rimadyl can be helpful or it can be deadly... just the same as all drugs and supplements. Knowing when and why it is used and what adverse side effects to pay attention to , when to stop Riimadyl at once and get vet help. With IVDD the better idea is to NOT give meds before getting a diagnosis. There are other maladies that mimic a disc episode. Giving meds at home before visiting the vet can tie the his hands. The way to live with disc disease is to know the signs of pain. Crate your dog at once to protect the spinal cord and get to the vet for a diagnosis & meds.
My go to website to learn about my dog's meds is the Mar Vista vet site:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlIs there any reason Tristan is not back home with you? Dogs heal best at home in familiar surroundings.
Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration.
Your vet will show you post-op passive PT you can do at home:
Also with the weather warming up you can do some water therapy at home:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmGive Tristin a big kiss when you see him, discuss bringing him home asap. Make sure to tell Tristen everything is going to be alright... because the truth is it will be! Put a smile on your face and have positive thoughts.... you can and you will be a great care giver. I can tell, as you are asking questions starting your reading program will bring that all the more home to you. A good overall picture to start with:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm 
