Jay's Jax 3/13 Surgery

Welcome to Dodgerslist. Is your name Jay? I'm so sorry to hear about Jax's difficulties. The goal of the surgery is to relieve the pressure on the spine so hopefully that is what has been done. It is my understanding (but I'm not a vet or surgeon) that the surgery usually consists of the removal of herniated disc material within the spinal canal compressing the spinal cord. Not all of the herniated disc material is removed, just the material that is pressing on the spine. Was the surgeon Board-certified (ACVIM)? Here is Dodgerslist's information on surgery:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm

With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

Here's Dodgerslist page about what to expect discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm#discharge

Here is a list of questions to ask on discharge day, too. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm

Be sure to get his recovery suite ready for the homecoming. Here are some links to show you how: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm

Acupuncture and laser light therapy are helpful treatments that can be very beneficial to assist with re-establishment of nerve connections in the body and usually can be started right away.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htm

Also water therapy can be performed after the stitches/sutures are removed. Some of these exercises can be done right in the bathtub.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm

It's a very good sign that Jax still has deep pain sensation. Please let us know what medication and instructions for PT and crate rest are given when he's discharged. We're here for you and Jax and will help you through this.

Prayers for a full and speedy recovery for Jax.

Hi Jay, welcome to Dodgerslist.

The wheel cart shouldn't be used until he has had 6 weeks post op crate rest..

This was written by our Neurological advisor for Dodgerslist.

Answers about IVDD surgery
written for Dodgerslist June 2011 by
Dr. Andrew Isaacs, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology)
of Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center

" During the post-op healing process why is crate rest prescribed and for how long? Crate rest is important post-operatively to help prevent damage to the surgical site. If a dog gets too active bleeding can occur that leads to a hematoma (blood clot) compressing the spinal cord. Also, it takes 2-4 weeks for the rent/hole in the intervertebral disk to heal and seal over. So, if a dog gets too active post-operatively additional disk material can rupture and we are right back or worse than we were to to begin with. Therefore, it is very important to keep your dog strictly confined.  

How does the physical activity of PT fit in with the concept of providing crate rest? Physical therapy (PT) is performed in a controlled setting. Therefore, the activity is not high impact and does not run the risk of causing harm.

When can PT usually be started? Some mild, low impact PT can start the day after surgery. Every dog’s temperament is different and the PT has to be tailored to the individual and the degree of neurological deficits.

Why is PT ok, but not allowed for a dog to scoot around the house, sit on the couch or be harness and leash free at potty times? PT is performed in a controlled setting. If not supervised, there is the risk of activity causing too much stress on the surgical site and causing harm.

What are some examples of post-op PT that an owner can do at home for the paralyzed dog or a dog that is walking?The types of activities depend on the degree of neurological function. For dogs that are paraplegic (no motor function at all) passive range of motion and toe stimulation activities work well. If the dog is non-ambulatory paraparetic (motor function present, but not able to walk) standing with support and hydrotherapy can be added. If ambulatory paraparetic (wobbly, but able to walk) additional activities like sit to stand and cavaletti rails can be utilized.


How to stay calm and know there is still hope even if the dog is not up and running in 5 days as promised. Post-operatively, I will advise owners that I do not get concerned or discouraged until 2-4 weeks post-operatively. The status at 2-4 weeks sets the tone for the dog’s recovery. At 2-4 weeks post-operatively I hope to have seen some (but not complete) improvement. Sometimes the degree of improvement is dramatic and others is only very mild. Regardless, as long as some improvement has occurred I am not concerned/discouraged. Before 2-4 weeks there has not been enough time for the spinal cord to heal and we have not allowed enough time to pass to see the benefit of surgery. Even if no improvement is noted by 4 weeks it is not hopeless, it is just not as likely. I also advise that at 2-4 weeks we are not seeing the end result of the healing process - this typically does not occur for 6-12 months and in some cases even longer. "

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I would be concerned that Jax was not being treated correctly letting him chase cats after surgery and not recommending crate rest.. Post op crate rest is normally 6 weeks with controlled PT. That's what many surgeons recommend including Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital that I took my Tyler to for Surgery.

Jax's Surgeon wasn't  comfortable treating a disc episode  and it makes me cringe to read about what happened to his penis. Yipes!  How could they let a thing like that happen and then let it get necrotic??   I would consider a new vet to take over his care.. Here is what to look for in choosing a vet in treating your dog for IVDD:     www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm

Jay, do not EVER give up hope for Jax. It IS in the cards for him to be back enjoying life with you at the end of 6 weeks of post op rest. He might be walking at that point or he may need a bit of assist from you and a wheelchair while waiting on more nerves to heal.

We look to the surgeon's who are protective after a major surgery to let all heal with rest and only supervised, controlled, slow PT. Just the same as people after back surgery do not go jogging ....they take it easy and do the appropriate PT as they heal from the internal surgical incisions of bone, muscle and connective tissue.

Each of us have learned a lot about our dog's disease. Some of us old timers took years to figure it much of it out. Today with the help of board certified neuros (ACVIM) and other professionals who do know IVDD, Dodgerslist presents to you in one place the things you'll need to be savvy in IVDD and do it as quickly as you can read. You need that education to ensure your hopes are NEVER crushed. Plus that education will be very critical in protecting Jax from professionals who do not know this disease to the depth he needs whether that be now or in the future. Let us know you take your education seriously and have already started absorbing all you can. Good page to bookmark: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

Was the surgeon board certified..did he have DVM plus ACVIM (neurology) or ACVS (ortho) in his title?

Since we can't see Jax, can you tell us more about him:
-- Can he move his legs on his own to any degree?
-- Does he leak in his bedding or when lifted meaning he does not have bladder control. If yes did you get a hands on top of your hands expressing lesson. Do you express every 3-4 hours so he stays dry. Let us know if he can sniff an old pee spot in the grass and then choose to release urine...that is the test for bladder control. Tell us what you observe
-- At this point in time, is he still on any meds? Exact names, dose in mgs and how often if that is a yes.

He is showing great signs if he can wag his tail and is able to stand, even for just a moment. Bladder expressing is a bit tricky to master so be patient with yourself and Jax who is probably weirded out by whole thing. You can ask the Vet or Tech for a hands on lesson on expressing too. Sometimes leaking urine is a sign of an overflowing bladder. Are you trying to get him to potty about every 4 hours? You can also try the sniff and pee test to see of bladder control is returning. Take him to an old pee spot and if he sniffs and then releases urine (even just a bit) then he has bladder control returning. Keep us posted on how that sweet faced little guy is doing.

Jay, are you still doing STRICT rest with a recovery suite until graduation day on Apr 24? Only out to potty and to do the surgeon directed PT exercises.

Terrible breath can be an indication of bacteria, and indication of infection or worse case is the need for a tooth extraction dental. Do have your vet exam Jax to see how serious the situation is. Daily brushing is a good way as it is for us humans to keep the bacteria from building up forming tarter, causing bleeding gum disease, loss of teeth and prevent the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body.

My vet and I are working to space dentals out as far as possible by me being diligent in daily brushing to reduce mouth bacteria.  Clark may have the beginnings of a heart issue and we want to avoid anesthesia where possible. So far we've been able to avoid a dental for over 2 years.  I try to brush in the morning and before bedtime with a minimum of at least 1x/day.  All you need is a soft toothbrush. I have found a combo of these products to be especially helpful you can get them at your vet or from an on-line source. First impression is the expense, but in relation to having a dental and the risk of anesthesia, the cost of these dental products is far less and you know you are helping to keep Jax healthy. 
- CET toothpaste with enzymes: Glucose Oxidase (Aspergillus niger) and Lactoperoxidase.
- CET Oral Hygiene Rinse when there is not time for the more through brushing 
- PetzLIfe Oral Care Gel  he likes the salmon flavor the best



Having a dental may be a necessity but not something to take lightly. The anesthesia takes away the dog's primary defense against disc pressure as the muscles sleep. You can read more about precautions whenever anesthesia is required: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/precautions.html

Jay, you can post pictures in the body of a post. First the picture has to reside on a server somewhere such as on a Facebook page, another website, or maybe on a photo album website such as flicker or our Dodgerslist Gallery where you can upload your own pictures.  dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/260/upload-photo-dog

You are looking to find the URL of the picture in your browser.  The URL would start out with http and end with .jpg
Often <ALT> or <control> right click on an image will bring up a choice to "copy image location" aka the URL. 


For example here is the URL for Clark's picture. Unfortunately this Forum automatically shortens and makes invisible the "http://" part when displayed here:
 dodgergallery.ourdogs.net/albums/2014-Calendar/clark.sized.jpg  

That's wonderful news, Jay! Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm so happy for you both! Nerves do take a long time to heal but Jax's nerves are healing for sure.

Small update---- walking a little better. I would say 50%.