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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Jul 26, 2014 17:49:07 GMT -7
Hello  , I have an apricot poodle named JoJo who weighs 9 lbs. Well he looks poodle if he stands next to Molly, but he is a little heavier. He has larger feet, his hair isn't quite as curly, and his face is face is broader than Molly's. I'm not sure what he might be mixed with because he was found running on the interstate. 4 weeks ago JoJo hurt the disks in his back and was paralyzed. The vet put him on meds for 2 weeks and crate rest. I have kept him on crate rest since then. He has improved tremendously and is no longer completely paralyzed. Many people are still trying to get me to put him down, but I just can't. I have to see how well he can heal. He has healed so much already. JoJo can now stand and walk. He is very wobbly and falls very easily, but he does walk. He escaped me a couple of nights ago and took off like lightning through the house. I was surprised he could run that fast as wobbly as he is. He only has poo accidents if I sleep too long, but he has no control in wetting yet. He tried to lift his leg last night and fell over. Do you think that is a sign that he could be getting closer to having some control? I made a bunch of small fleece blankies that I use in the crate and change each time he wets on them and I wash them daily. I am also making him some belly bands tomorrow. My main problem right now is everything I have read recommends wire crates. I do not have anything like that. I only have plastic crates. He is in the small one the vet recommended. It is about 13" x 19". My question is. It is really hot here now-in the high 80's 90's and up to 100. It is even supposed to be over 104 degrees next week and I don't have air conditioning. I have a fan blowing straight in his direction trying to keep JoJo cool, but I know it is hot. Luckily he is apricot colored. Molly is black and she has peeked her head in the shower to get wet to cool off. I know the crate is to keep him from moving around too much, but I have a crate that is just the next size up. It looks huge compared to the one he is in, but I tried to measure it and it is actually only about 7 inches longer and 7 inches wider. Would it give him too much room to move around. I just feel so bad for him being in the small one with it being so hot. I think it would be cooler in the larger one. Sorry to ramble on. |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 26, 2014 19:22:30 GMT -7
Hi Sadiemae! Welcome to Dodgerslist! So glad you are here with us! So glad you aren't listening to the naysayers about putting dear JoJo to sleep. If they keep after you, ask them if they put people to sleep when they have back problems.. You are so right JoJo deserves a chance to continue healing. Tis true even partially paralyzed dogs can do the unexpected in the blink of an eye as you witnessed with his surprise escape. Hope he didn't injure his early healing disc with that adventure, the rascal! : ) 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. Are you ready? Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm What was the date you saw the vet and started the all important 8 weeks of 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only to be carried 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)? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- Would you give us a list of exact med names currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies? -- Eating and drinking OK? How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood? -- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Has the Vet or Vet tech given you a hands on your hands lesson on how to express Dolly for urine? What is happening now is she is overflowing the urine that is sitting in her bladder. That can cause a urinary tract infection as bacteria can grow if it's in there too long and her bladder tone can be adversely affected. If you learn to express her there will be fewer accidents to clean up after. It takes time and practice. Here is a link with videos to show you how so you can get more out of the lesson from the Vet. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmHave you tried the sniff and pee test with Jo Jo? It sounds like he was attempting to do it the right way but couldn't balance to do it. Have you tried using a sling with him?  Here is another sling idea:  Can she comfortably adjust her position in the smaller crate? That is turn around in there, lay with her legs out in front of her? It may be cooler in the larger crate. You can roll up towels to take up the extra room if you decide to move her into it. Wire crates or ex pens are better, however, because they have more air flow and dogs tolerate them better because they have more visablity. For more tips on crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm It sounds very hot out your way.. Hope it cools off soon! Healing thoughts and prayers. |
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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Jul 26, 2014 20:13:10 GMT -7
We went to the vet on June 30, 2014.
JoJo isn't on any meds now. He took several for two weeks. We were really lucky though, JoJo really never had any pain. He was totally paralyzed in the beginning from the waist down and would drag his legs behind him and look at me with those sad eyes. After the first week he regained the use of his tail, then after two weeks he could use his legs. Then last night he tried to lift his leg.
I will make a sling and see if that helps. I am not sure how well it will work, he is plenty tired of being confined and wants freedom. As soon as he goes poo he wants to roll in the grass and play with the cat. I have not tried to express him--my vet never metioned it to me at all. I will watch the videos on-line and try it. I live in a tiny little town so I have gathered most of the information I have learned from the internet.
He eats anything and everything I will give him. His appetite never changes. He enjoys food. He has gained a little weight being confined, but I want him to stay on a regular schedule so it is okay. Most of his stools are completely normal. Once in a awhile they are a little loose, but I think that is when he has had too much water and too many treats.
I understand the wire crates and ex pens are much better, but there is no way I can budget for them on a fixed income. I have to use things I have or things I can make.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 26, 2014 20:56:12 GMT -7
Hi Sadiemae!
I am on the fixed income as well, I totally understand!
Nerves can take a very long time to heal, months, even a year or more. Four weeks, though it seems long to you, is not a long time in nerve healing. You've already seen some great improvement with JoJo, such as being able to stand and wobbly walk and wag his tail and that's is the best news as far as his recovery is concerned. It does take 8 weeks for the disc to form secure scar tissue, and lack of movement is what allows that to happen. Only a few footsteps when going out to potty and then carried back to his crate. Even though JoJo is raring to go and it's hard to keep him confined, it is still the best thing to continue. He is half way there and with time he should continue to improve.
It's wonderful he hasn't had a lot of pain during his disc episode. He has been very lucky there for sure!
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 27, 2014 7:12:29 GMT -7
Sadie the only place dog's can sweat to cool off is their paws. So it is important in hot weather to provide additional ways for JoJo to cool off.
1. Ziplock bag fill with 2 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcholol. The alcohol will keep the water from freezing solid so it will be more comfortable to lean on. Wrap ice pack with cloth/towel and allow him to lay his tummy area near to cool down.
2. Also a rice sock from the refrigerator can help them cool by laying their tummy along side of it. Fill a sock with 1-2 cups of
rice and tie the end of the sock closed.
3. Provide a frozen broth ice cube to lick on.
4. Put a fan near his crate but not blowing directly on him.
The reason to express a dog that can't control their bladder is that a bladder infection can happen quickly. Bladder infections may be the reason for all the urine leaks you are finding in his bedding. At this point a urinalysis should be done by bringing in a urine sample to rule out a UTI or to get an antibiotic on board if there is infection going on.
The other reason to express would be to protect the tone of the bladder. Overflowing happens when the bladder fills to the top and kicks in a reflex action to let out some urine but not all. All that overstretching of the bladder can permanently ruin it tone. The urine not released provides the environment for bacteria to breed in.
So lets see if JoJo passes the test. The only way for us humans to know if there is bladder control is with the sniff and pee test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then released. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. Let us know what you observe about JoJo passing the sniff and pee test.
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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Jul 27, 2014 11:12:21 GMT -7
Paula,
JoJo was dry this morning. He squated and peed and pooed both outside. I don't mean to sound dumb, but when you use the sling-do you balance the legs on the ground or slightly lift them above the ground?
JoJo loves to chew. If he happens to chew the sock, will the rice bother him if he eats it? He is one of a kind to say the least. Loveable as they come, but he loves to chew.
Thanks so much for all of your help. It is a relief to ask questions of people with so much knowledge and experience.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 27, 2014 12:25:11 GMT -7
Hi my name is Maureen. You want to hold the sling so that the back is level and let them steer with their front legs. Toe tips are usually on the ground, but it depends on how long their legs are. Dried rice probably shouldn't be eaten in any significant quantity. So watch out for rice leaks so that he doesn't eat too much. (Think of what your tummy would feel like with a load of dried rice trying to soak up liquids. |
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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Jul 27, 2014 13:28:10 GMT -7
Thanks Maureen! Dried rice sounds pretty yucky to me, I just worried he would chew the sock like a toy. Guessing his age to be less than 3, he still acts very puppy like and everything needs to be chewed on.
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Tammy & Gypsy
New Member
AND....Gypsy wagged her tail multiple times today! :-D Going into week 6....
Posts: 17
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Post by Tammy & Gypsy on Jul 27, 2014 18:05:21 GMT -7
Sadie,Hi, my name is Tammy...Hang in there...This forum is awesome as far as "mental support"goes,just by reading others stories! I have a 13#(NOW 15#)mix,who became paralyzed during her normal activities...She just graduated strict crate rest last Thurs.It was especially tough,because we have 2 other very active dogs.She still can't walk,her feet still buckle as well.But she DOES have deep pain sensation...She DOES move her legs,and wags her tail more and more.I've started her on water therapy (at home)And shes going to see a specialist on acupuncture/cold lazer/physical therapy tomorrow.I've got adjustable wheels,on the way...Gypsy has accidents,she has had a couple of bladder infections,I own "stock"in puppy pads,lol,and now I've also ordered a "Draggin Bag",and washable diaper.So,JoJo is actually ahead of the game,and YOU are as well,by seeking knowledge and support!!!DON'T listen to the "Nay sayers"!!!! Good luck to you both!!
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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Aug 1, 2014 6:38:36 GMT -7
Good Morning Everyone! I am so excited! 2 dry days now. I have JoJo's crate sitting on a couple of pee pads because he is sitting in the living room right beside where I quilt. I don't want him to slip on the floor when he comes out of his crate. Several times in the last couple days he hasn't made it outside to pee and used the pads. This is awesome for me. I have tried in the past to use them with him and he would chew them up into tiny little pieces.
I can already tell it is going to be fun convincing him he still needs crate rest. When I picked him up to bring him back in this a.m. he tried to jump up into my arms. Not a good thing....Have a great day everyone.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 1, 2014 8:10:24 GMT -7
Good to hear that JoJo is on purpose waiting til he is on a pee pad to pee!
Just making sure that JoJo is not sitting in the living room beside where you quilt after potty times. He goes right back into the recovery suite after pottying?
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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Aug 1, 2014 9:45:52 GMT -7
We have Potty Time, breakfast or a snack and then back into the crate.
When JoJo gets upset Molly has begun laying near him and it seems to calm him. They surprise me every day, especially Molly my very jealous alpha female.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 1, 2014 10:50:38 GMT -7
Molly lying beside JoJo while JoJo is inside his recovery suite would be a beautiful thing and the safe way to approach his care during conservative treatment
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Aug 1, 2014 10:54:06 GMT -7
Hi Sadie! The safe place for JoJo right now is his crate - feed him his meals and snacks in there. That way JoJo won't have the opportunity to do something in the blink of an eye (sudden movement upon hearing a sound, etc) that would further injure his disc(s). If you need help getting JoJo to actually rest during crate rest, here is a page of strategies: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm#Emergencyconfinement))Hugs!(( |
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Post by Sadie & JoJo on Aug 1, 2014 16:51:51 GMT -7
Sabrina,
I understand what you are saying. I keep his lead on until he goes back in his crate after the one time he slipped between my legs and took off running through the house. He may be wobbly, but he wants to run so badly he can run fast with wobbly legs. I don't have to worry about sounds--just the opportunity for freedom. Molly is scared of her own shadow when it comes to loud noises. Nothing in the way of sounds bothers JoJo. On the 4th of July the neighbors shot off $1500 worth of illegal fireworks that rattled the windows and shook the house. Molly shook and panted even with Benadryl and scratched up my legs with her claws. When I took JoJO out to potty he looked up at the sky and watched all of the pretty colors. The loud booms didn't bother him in the least.
The only time I actually hear him bark is when he wants out of the crate or when there is someone at the door. Molly barks when she things someone might be here, when there is a dog on the tv, when the phone rings, when the wind blows, when JoJo barks, when she just feels like it, and anytime she is put in the crate and I am at home.
She is a little pill to say the least. I think it is because I lost my 16 1/2 yr. old Chesepeake about 6 months after my husband passed away. Then I was given Molly a couple of months after I lost my Chesepeake. I just had Molly a couple of months when I had carpal tunnel surgery and so I held her for 8 weeks while I couldn't do aything but lay around. I think it rather spoiled her rotten and ruined her behavior. My fault. I have noone to blame but me.
Now that I have moved him into the room where I quilt he has quit fussing except when he wants out of the crate to potty or he is absolutely bored to death. I think Molly laying close to him has helped a lot. It was cooler in the other room, but if he is happier in here he is actually cooler.
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