Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie - what's yours?
Am I correct that the paralysis has been in his hind legs and that now he is falling over on his front paws? Possibly he could be having another disc problem affecting his neck, which causes neuro deficits in the front legs. Sammy needs to be re-evaluated ASAP to determine what is causing the worsening of neuro function. I don't mean to alarm you but I do want to make you aware, if in fact the paralysis has gone from the hind legs to difficulty with the front legs, of a disease called Myelomalacia, which can sometimes develop after a spinal injury.
Myelomalacia can be easily confirmed by your DVM with the following:
* about 3-4 days into recovery, they become painful. Within the first week, they are in a LOT of pain.
* development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation)
• even the strongest pain meds do not help
* acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation
* loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes)
* loss of cutaneous trunci reflex at a level more cranial to a previous evaluation over a period of hours to days with or w/o surgery
* development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
* sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head
* loss of voice, hoarse bark
* can't hold body up, can't hold head up
* increased respiration/ labored breathing
• hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body)
Unfortunately, Myelomalacia is a fatal disease and I hope and pray that this is not what's happening with Sammy.
If Myelomalacia has not developed, IVDD can be treated with conservative care. With IVDD, 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.htm100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and out to potty. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:
1. What are the exact names, dose in mgs and frequency of all meds? How much does your dog weigh? Disc episodes can be very painful and it doesn't appear as though Sammy is on pain meds, though he is now showing signs of pain. Please speak to the vet today about pain meds.
2. Pepcid AC should be given to protect your dog from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before the dose of the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours). Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board.
3. Eating and drinking OK?
4. Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all meds and there is no pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk but only after all meds are stopped and there is no pain.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmLaser 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.
NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
Please let us know what the vet says after examining Sammy today.
