Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104 
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 5, 2013 23:06:12 GMT -7
My dachshund, Daphne, started having problems Jan 8th after walking her and one of our other dachshunds. Her tummy was tense so I put her in her crate and took her to her regular vet to be checked out. She was acting as if nothing was wrong while there! Vet sent her home with Methocarbamol 500mg 1/4 tab 3 times a day and Previcox 50 mg. 1/2 tablet once a day. One of our neighbors came over and Daphne got all excited and that evening when I took her out to pee she was wobbly walking, next morning her back legs were not working at all and I panicked. Called her regular vet and wanted a referral to a orthopedic surgeon and took her right away (60 miles). The surgeon was out of town until the following morning 1-11-2013. He examined her, called me and said she still had DPS and they would do a myleogram and after seeing where the disc were ruptured they would be doing surgery. Gave her 85% chance of walking again. She had left Hemilaminectomy L 1-2 and T13 to L2 were fenestrated on January 11, 2013. She was 3 years and 4 months old, 12 lbs. and took her first few wobbly steps February 15th. Strict crate rest and only out to poop and pee. The first week was really hard, every time I picked her up she would yelp even though I was gentle and used both hands and shown in one of your videos. She would leak urine in her bed and I wasn't too confident in my expressing her bladder and made another 60 mile trip to make sure I was doing it correctly. After they told me I was doing a good job I relaxed and felt better. She still ended up with a bladder infection and was given Clavamox 62.5 mg twice a day for 12 days. Had her urine rechecked and the infection was gone. As of today she is still not walking normally. Little bit of a hunched back and front legs stiff? I think her back legs can't keep up with her front ones and sometimes she bunny hops when she wants to move fast. The surgeon doesn't want her to do that and still wants her on crate rest and for me to carry her out to eliminate. Suppose to take her for walks on carpet or grass 4-5 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. I had done bathtub walking every other day for 10-15 minutes, but not swimming. I tried to get her to walk on my treadmill at the slowest it would go, but she didn't want anything to do with that. Surgeon tells me that what she is like at 6 months post op is what you got. Even after watching every video online of dachshunds walking after surgery. I haven't seen another one walking like Daphne. I am hoping this will improve over the next three months. She has always been a full speed ahead girl. |
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Post by natureluva on Apr 6, 2013 8:22:08 GMT -7
Hi, is it Marie? My name is Lisa. Welcome to Dodger's List. We're glad you found us! Could you tell me, are you still having to express her bladder? Can Daphne wag her tail when she's excited, as in when you give her a treat or when there is a knock at the door? I'm trying to establish the extent of her neurological functions. Daphne isn't walking normally because she has nerve damage from her disc injury. It can take nerves months and months, even up to a year or more, to heal to their full potential. Some dogs stand up and walk a week after surgery. Others, like my dog, take a much longer time to heal. It took my Goosie 11 months after his surgery to walk on his own again. You can read his Success Story here. Watch the little video at the end - is this how Daphne walks? www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory/goosieSullivan.htm If it is within your budget, I highly recommend acupuncture. It stimulates the nerves to heal, reduces pain and inflammation, and induces a state of well-being. I truly believe it helped my dog's bladder control return more quickly and it strengthened his movements. Also made him serenely playful and he slept soundly. You can ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary acupuncturist or you can search for one here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ Here is a link that tells you how to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm It is wonderful that Daphne has regained the ability to walk after her surgery. As time goes by, the hunch in her back may lessen (here's an article on that here): www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/hump.htmWe'd love to hear more about Daphne! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 6, 2013 8:39:18 GMT -7
My nickname is Ticker Marie and I am truly grateful for finding your site. So much encouragement and hope. Daphne pees and poops on her own, but sometimes when I pick her up to carry her back into the house she pees on me. Would it be okay to express her to make sure she finishes or would it be harmful to her bladder. She has not had good control of her bowels until recently. I have taken her to an acupuncturist 5 times and I too believe it has helped with her bowel control. The acupuncturist thinks I should let her out of her crate/playpen as long as she is supervised, that she will get stronger if she can move around more. She has been getting sore spots on the outside of both back feet. Dragging them a little I guess that is why the surgeon wanted her to walk on grass and carpet only. She wags her tail when she is excited, places her back feet properly most of the time and never seems to be in any pain. She is really good about being in her playpen, have a sign in it saying "No Whining". She is the best baby girl and full of so much life. Wants to play with her buddy Bandit but I am afraid she might get hurt. He isn't rough at all, but she gets so excited and bouncy. I will check out the video, thanks for your words of encouragement. What about Physical Therapy, what kind? Don't know if there is any available close enough to me.
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 6, 2013 9:13:05 GMT -7
Watched the video, her walking is somewhat like that, just her front legs are different. Would like to post a video of her walking but don't know how to.
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Post by natureluva on Apr 6, 2013 9:49:53 GMT -7
Hi TM (Ticker Marie, lol), it would be helpful to see a video of Daphne walking. You could post a video to YouTube and then post a link here in a message.
That is great that she can wag her tail. That is true proof that nerve messages are being able to travel through the spinal cord. That sounds like a good idea to express her after she pees to make sure she got it all out, although I would only do it if she lets you. If you encounter any resistance, it might be because it pains her. Ask your vet for permission first.
I think it's ok to let Daphne have SUPERVISED play with her sibling. Just make sure they don't get too rough. Walking is excellent exercise for her. Try walking on grass so that her feet don't get too scraped. Here is a great product for scrapes and cuts. Heals them quickly: emtgel.com/whatitis/index.php
I found swim therapy to be the best exercise for my dog. In summer, I put him in our pool with a well-fitted life jacket (always supervised). I tempted him around the pool with a treat, or a toy. Then one day there was a frog in the pool - he swam after that thing like there was no tomorrow! The swimming really strengthened his movements. You could also get physical therapy at a place where they offer water treadmill.
Would love to hear how she does in the coming months.
Have a great day! ~Lisa |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 6, 2013 12:32:20 GMT -7
Hi TM, I posted the video you sent to Dr. Isaacs so we all can see how Daphne walks. She is walking quite well! But she is leaning to the front to help with the fact her back legs are not fully carrying the weight of walking. I agree with Lisa and Dr. Isaacs that now is the time for physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and improve muscle/nerve coordination. Walking has to be relearned to do it properly....that is what PT is all about. Do you have underwater treadmill in your area? If the weather is warm enough in your area, try a child's wadding pool. I agree with Lisa as long as she is supervised let her enjoy her home, no need to restrict her. Here is a link to show you doing water therapy at home: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm |
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 6, 2013 12:49:16 GMT -7
Yes, there is one about 20 minutes from here and I have called and left message and also emailed them. Waiting to hear back. Weather here isn't good enough to have a wading pool outside yet, we will be doing that as soon as weather improves. I started walking her in the bathtub again today and will do at least 3 times a week for 15 minutes. Bought her a life jacket yesterday even though she hates wearing anything, I will make her. Is walking in the tub better than swimming?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 6, 2013 13:01:06 GMT -7
There is not so much room for walking in a tub. However what she does is still good and she will be moving her legs or swimming motions depending on the depth of water in the pool. The lower the water level the more resistance as discussed in the water therapy link I gave you.
Make the tub/water experience pleasant. Put toys in to play with, lo cal treats such as carrot pieces to chase after and eat.
If she is scared of the water, get in the tub with her. Gradually increase the depth of the water to under chest height or lower for walking PT.
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 8, 2013 12:26:51 GMT -7
Underwater treadmill lady called today, Daphne has appointment tomorrow, Thursday and Saturday if she does okay with it tomorrow. Cross your fingers and wish us luck.
On another note, not sure Daphne knows when she has to poop. She has gone in her fleece sack a couple of times now and has peed on the throw rug twice in the last two days. I take her outside every two to three hours and she usually pees, didn't poop at all yesterday. When I got her out of her crate this morning I had a surprise, but she did finish going outside? Any suggestions as what to do?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 8, 2013 20:11:10 GMT -7
Just to clarify... are you saying she pees (does that by choice, by direction of her brain) OR are you saying her bladder overflowed in her sack due to reflexes.
The only way for us humans to know if a dog is peeing is with the sniff and pee test. Outdoors is Daphne sniffing an old pee spot and then releasing urine? Once she starts sniffing and peeing, you should do a quick manual express check to verify she can consistently void her bladder. Let us know if you think she has some bladder control to be able to pee, whether you express her.
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 8, 2013 20:37:46 GMT -7
She does pee using the sniff test, just doesn't empty her bladder completely. I say this because after peeing outside this morning I brought her back in and she peed again on a throw rug. Same thing yesterday. Lately, because of accidents in the past week or so, after she pees on her own I express her and she pees more, usually quite a bit more, but I am afraid if I keep doing this she won't be able to do it completely on her own so I only do it right before she goes to bed for the night.
Pooping is what she did her her fleece sack this morning before taking her outside where she then proceeded to finish pooping. I thought I had this under control, or somewhat managed. She was very easy to housebreak when she was a puppy. A people pleaser, she would even go out in the rain or snow; pee, poop and back in the house! I think she only had three or four mishaps when I was housebreaking her. Now I am lost as to what to do, do I need to retrain her? We have a doggie door that they all use, but there are 5 steps to get to the lawn. My husband built a ramp for her and I am trying to teach her to use it. She does have a hard time getting back up. She needs me to help her, I know she would rather use the steps, but I have managed to stop her every time. We are retired and she is always under my watchful eye. If I have to do something and can't watch her, I put her in her crate til I am done.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 9, 2013 7:25:55 GMT -7
Ticker, when bladder control returns it may not have yet fully returned. So I would take her out every 4-6 hours. Let her sniff and pee and poop. Then you would continue to do a manual express of her bladder right after so that you are verifying she can fully void her bladder. Do the express check thing until you see she is consistently fully emptying the bladder every time.... that is the bladder is so flat that you can almost feel the fingers of your other hand.
At potty time when you see her start to squat, give the command "go potty" and then praise her lavishly when she does pee and poop. This will help her to learn to potty on commmand and let her know she is pleasing you.
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 9, 2013 8:57:40 GMT -7
Thanks for the information. I will do as you instructed. Don't know what I would do without all the helpful and informative info.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member 
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 10, 2013 12:32:49 GMT -7
Hoping your FurBaby is doing better...Many hugs and prayers coming your way..  |
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 11, 2013 19:50:01 GMT -7
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, greatly appreciated. You and your fur baby are in my prayers and thoughts too. Isn't it wonderful to have this forum where you can get the best information and support. |
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 11, 2013 19:59:20 GMT -7
Daphne had her second underwater treadmill walking and swimming today. She does GREAT. Really is tired and doesn't seem to want to move all that much the rest of the day. I know she isn't in pain, no yelping, shivering, etc. but I wonder if it isn't a little too much for her? Just wants to sleep!  She wasn't quite as tired the first time, but she did a little more of each today. What are your experiences with water therapy. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 11, 2013 21:50:48 GMT -7
If you see that she is worn out, there is no reason not to call and tell them you are skipping a session... no sense overdoing it to exhaustion.
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Apr 13, 2013 16:10:27 GMT -7
I did call and email the lady at the hydrotherapy place yesterday told her that Daphne would not be coming today. This morning when I took her out to pee she was shaking and I thought it was just because she was cold, but an hour later she was still shaking and didn't want her treat or any water, and wasn't her normal self. I panicked thinking that the underwater treadmill and swimming had caused another disk episode, so I called her local vet and she was busy. I couldn't wait so I called the surgeons office and they told me to bring her in. One of the vets there did an exam, when they pressed lightly on her spinal column, nothing, when they pushed a little harder Daphne turned around and looked at her, no crying or yelping. Seems they think it could be just muscle soreness because she was still walking pretty good. Told me I could give her Tramadol every 8-12 hours if needed and to keep her crate rested til she sees the surgeon on Monday at 10 am. She will only be carried out to potty otherwise in her crate. Crossing my fingers that all will be okay on Mondays visit and it is only sore muscles No more hydrotherapy til the surgeon tells me when and gives me instructions to give to the lady that will be doing it.  [NOTE: thread is continuing under the "Conservative Board" dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/243/ticker-maries-daphne-12-conservative ] |
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She wasn't quite as tired the first time, but she did a little more of each today. What are your experiences with water therapy.
