Maggie's Seersha 3/1 Surgery Pit Mix

Welcome to Dodgerslist, Maggie. Don't beat yourself up - we've all done things, not knowing better, that in hindsight we wish we could go back and change. How were you to know? Now is the time when you'll need to learn about things IVDD so you'll know exactly what to do if this happens again (immediately crate until vet can examine) and how to protect Seersha's back in the future. Did they give you a definite diagnosis of IVDD? IVDD is a lifelong disease. Some dogs only have one episode while others have several. There is no better place to start learning 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

How are you doing with expressing? Are you finding wet bedding or does she leak when being picked up? You're doing a great job taking her out 5-6 times a day. Be sure to keep her spine straight when lifting. You can put caster wheels on her crate, if it's a wire crate, and wheel her right up to the door to make it a bit easier. You can also wheel her around the house so she can be with you.

1. It's hard to tell whether the spasms you're seeing in her back legs are reflex or the beginning of movement. Can she move her feet at all? Usually you'll see movement in the feet first and then leg movement. What PT did the surgeon prescribe should be done at this point in time? Try not to do more than what the surgeon has prescribed - taken out of the crate to do careful, controlled PT, then returned to the crate to rest. How long did the surgeon prescribe crate rest? We usually see 6 weeks prescribed. Here is our page of exercise recommendations if you'd like to run them past the surgeon:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm

2. I know it's hard to see them bored but it truly is best that they rest in the crate, other than prescribed PT and potty time. The spine has been through quite a trauma and needs to heal.

3. It's also best not to start any diet while on crate rest. Seersha's body has a lot of repair work to do and needs her normal nutrition. Treats if any should be low cal carrots, piece of apple or some frozen broth ice cubes to lick. If you feel after crate rest she has gained a bit, then it will be safe for more activity plus she can go on a bit of a diet to slowly get her down to a good weight over a period of several months.

This page explains feeding for weight loss:
weight loss diet with illustrations
www.nonprofitnw.org/drnw/id47.html

4. Laser therapy and acupuncture can be very helpful to give those nerves a jump start to regenerate, if that's within your budget.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htm

5. Hydrotherapy can usually be started after the sutures/staples are removed, but again it would be best to consult with the surgeon as to when he feels Seersha is ready for that. Hydrotherapy can be quite helpful when she's ready for it.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm

There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks, months or even a year or longer. However, it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage.

1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk.
3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test.
Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let her sniff and then observe for release of urine.
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 placed paws.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.

Have you seen her tail wag when spoken to in a happy voice or given a treat? It's a good sign that she's starting to regain control of her bowel function. Every once in awhile, try a sniff and pee test to see if her bladder control is returning (take her to an old pee spot, let her sniff, don't press on her belly and see if she can release urine on her own).

IVDD is a disease of patience and nerves can take a long time to heal - months, even a year or more. It can 2-4 weeks for the swelling from the surgery to resolve and until then, you may not see much improvement. Hang in there. We're here for you.

Prayers for a speedy and full recovery for Seersha.

Looks like Seersha is following the typical pattern for return of neuro functions. If Laser or acupuncture is in your budget it can help to facilitate the body's nerve repair process.

Often with underwater treadmill legs which can't move on the ground will move when the floor beneath moves plus help of bouyancy from water. If you have seen any leg movement such as squatting a bit at potty time or attempt to lift a leg or scratch an ear, it may time to check into underwater treadmill again.