Lisa & Leto
New Member
3 surgical on Leto, 3 other back dogs in past
Posts: 5 
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Post by Lisa & Leto on Oct 20, 2013 15:49:26 GMT -7
I just wanted to share our story of participating in the study of the new spinal cord therapy drug being tried at Iowa State. Leto has been accepted and has done his first week of rehabilitation.
If anyone is concidering doing this I strongly recommend they persue it. They cannot tell you wheither or not you get the drug or you are a control case but the care and therapy they are giving him is WONDERFUL! They sent me pictures and video of the therapy sessions and he gets it twice a day for 5 days while he is there.
Leto lost at least a pound and I sent him with large rations of food anticipating the added activity. They also sent us home with excersizes tailored to his specific needs to do for the 3 weeks before he returns again for another week. We are going to take him every month to try and maximize the therapy. I was only charged $100 for the study and the bill just for his stay and tests was 5 times that. The therapy was not even included on the bill and I can just imagine after getting quotes from around Indiana that it would have been 10 times or more the amount I have spent in travel and hotels.
So far Leto is more limber and they said he is a good candidate for spinal walking. We haven't seen anything dramatically change but he has so far been progressing a little bit at a time. We drop him off again on Nov. 3rd and pick him up on the 9th. I will keep this thread going monthly and let you know how we are doing. If anyone has any questions or would like more info. on our experiences so far just reply and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2013 11:43:16 GMT -7
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Lisa & Leto
New Member
3 surgical on Leto, 3 other back dogs in past
Posts: 5
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Post by Lisa & Leto on Nov 28, 2013 9:34:15 GMT -7
The visit in November was less eventful as Leto seemed to be very stressed and had some bowel issues. They did not do any underwater therapy but put him in a wheelchair and had him run the halls. He loved it and they recommend we now get him wheels as he tries to use his back legs while rolling along. They have been letting him sleep in the office areas and are spoiling him more than he already is. He is going back the first week of December and hopefully he will get some more water therapy and of course spoiling. Progress this month has been slow but he still seems to be improving and getting stronger.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 29, 2013 9:04:08 GMT -7
You might investigate if ISU prescribes a cart there might be a discount available. Check with Eddie's wheels and other to see if they have such a program still in effect and the requirements. Quite some years ago, my dog did get a discount at Eddies.
Did the vet think there was purposeful movement of the back legs or more of a reflex nature?
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Lisa & Leto
New Member
3 surgical on Leto, 3 other back dogs in past
Posts: 5
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Post by Lisa & Leto on Apr 18, 2014 6:05:02 GMT -7
Leto has just finished his participation in the clinical trial at Iowa State. vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/small-animal/clinical-trials/chondroitinase-clinical-trial-0  That is him in the life jacket on the scroll on the home page, he just got finished with his swimming therapy. We have given them permission to use his pictures so you will see him on the Facebook page also. He is stronger and has more flexibility and movement than when he started, he also did receive the treatment so we may see more improvements over the next 6 months. The staff and students at Iowa State were wonderful and took such good care of him. He was a little stressed and had bowel issues due to it but we worked out the kinks and they were able to do all the therapy with him. I didn't think he could be any more spoiled than he is at home but I was wrong. They just adored him and spoiled him more than we do as he got constant attention all day long from the students. They all fell in love with him and had quite the almost tearful good bye when we picked him up last weekend. We went for therapy 5 out of 6 months and recommend that anyone who can make the commitment to every month consider taking advantage of the excellent treatment they provide. I cannot praise them enough for the level of care they gave him and the updates and constant communication with us on his well being and progress during the week. If anyone reading this might be able to participate in the study but is not sure if it is worth the drive or commitment I assure you it is. We drove 8 hours each way for 2 weekends a month and I would do it again without hesitation. If you can help them in their study please contact them at Iowa State and let them know Leto sent you. |
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Post by Debby & Chloe on May 2, 2014 21:06:27 GMT -7
How is Leto doing now? Is he still improving? I just found out my dog, Chloe has been accepted into this program too, we take her for the 1st time on May 12th...excited!
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