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Post by lisa363 on May 21, 2013 16:00:19 GMT -7
Thank you Stevie, I sometimes forget these things when everything else goes wrong...my husband says Stoney pants in the middle of winter!
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Post by lisa363 on May 26, 2013 17:43:13 GMT -7
Today when Stoney got up my husband said he was in his crate wagging his tail....then this afternoon when he was in his crate he was wagging away...is this neurological or can something else trigger this? He still sniffs and pees outside...he has 9 days til crate graduation!
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Post by Pauliana on May 26, 2013 18:48:47 GMT -7
Hi Lisa, that tail wag is a wonderful thing isn't it? It's the great sign you have been waiting for!! Read below! It is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag!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. Stoney can do this!!!Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him 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. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmOnly 9 more days to go!! You have taken wonderful care of Stoney and thanks to you being steadfast in his crate rest he is showing signs of a wonderful healing!
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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 May 26, 2013 19:46:38 GMT -7
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Post by lisa363 on May 29, 2013 16:17:11 GMT -7
I was wondering what to do next week when Stoney graduates crate rest, he has not walked yet so I am unsure what to do? Please help me...
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Post by Pauliana on May 29, 2013 17:38:10 GMT -7
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Post by lisa363 on May 29, 2013 18:24:55 GMT -7
Thank you Pauliana...but what do I do if he can't walk? he hasn't walked for 8 weeks so I am not sure how to do exercises on him?
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on May 29, 2013 18:29:08 GMT -7
As the links Paullina provided explain, you will want to slowly introduce Stoney back into physical activity after crate rest is over next week. He may scoot around the house so do think about some butt protection from rug burns, etc. in that "after crate rest" article. You can use a rear sling to start walking him maybe down the hall way or to and from the potty place now, again not too much at once…build up so his muscles don't get sore. With the nice weather you can do some water therapy at home or find a rehab clinic for some under water treadmill. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmHave you seen his legs move at all? You can also do some at home exercises that are more aggressive than what was allowed during conservative treatment crate rest #1 through #9 now. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 3, 2013 7:32:37 GMT -7
Hi
Stoney finally graduates on wednesday, 8 long weeks...He still does not walk but I have not given up hope...He has had 2 accupuncture treatments and I was now thinking of water therapy, called a pet resort that does it but they need script from vet to make sure it is ok...i am a bit timid due to the fact that stoney as most pugs hates water...I dont want to scare him so I was wondering if I should just continue with accupuncture or try water therapy...Any thoughts?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2013 7:47:51 GMT -7
I would try water therapy. In a new setting with professionals used to working with those that are hesitant, you may find Stoney will accept water therapy… at least give it a try. Water therapy with the moving under water treadmill really helps to expedite getting the legs to move with the aid of water buoyancy. Check out how it worked with Clarita: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/108/pats-clarita-3-4-surgery?scrollTo=772&page=1
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 5, 2013 7:12:59 GMT -7
Well today is crate graduation day! I have put Stoney in it and left the door open with his orthopedic bed at the opening so far he has stayed in his crate..
Inquired about water therapy, pugs are not fond of the water and i do not want to create any undue stress to Stoney...They said he needs to be up to date with his shots in order to do this...He is due his distemper and it would also require bordetella shot...He is having another accupuncture treatment on tuesday this will be his third...
Also struggling with summer vacation to go or not to go. local pet hotel has geriatric center ot I have pet sitter that will stay at the house 24/7 (costs a bit ) but not sure at 10 since he has never been in kennel if that would be to much for him..
any comments or thoughts are greatly appreciated...
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Jun 5, 2013 7:18:20 GMT -7
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 5, 2013 8:23:04 GMT -7
Hi
I live 45 minutes from there..I did take stoney there for initial consultaion..Did you mean for boarding?
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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 Jun 5, 2013 14:14:52 GMT -7
Noooo, I didn't realize You're FurBaby was graduating...I don't think they board there.
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 5, 2013 14:42:27 GMT -7
Yes as of today he officially has done 8 weeks of rest...he did go to neurologist there they suggested MRI and surgery but I did not want to go that route due to age and his breathing ...I did not want him put thru anesthesia being a pug..
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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 Jun 5, 2013 14:48:53 GMT -7
Understandable...How is he doing now? My opinion on Vacation...since he has never been in a Kennel, I think he would do better at home, but I would be concerned about the sitter knowing what to do about a re-lapse???
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 5, 2013 19:51:12 GMT -7
He is still knuckling his back paw and can stand but have not let him to try to walk while on crate rest...He takes accupincture and may start water therapy next week..
The pet sitter worked for a vet for 10 years and has a degree in pet medicine so I am not to worried...
I cannot bear to put him in kennel at age 10 he would be to upset..
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 7, 2013 4:17:00 GMT -7
So Stoney is officially out of the crate but not walking...He lies in his orthopedic bed and he tries his hardest to get up and walk but he falls and he gets frustrated...Now I am scared and dont know what to do..he is scheduled for his 3rd accupuncture and I was thinking water therapy but the place is a bit far away and he is deathly afraid of water...Today I am so sad not sure what to do?
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jun 7, 2013 6:08:31 GMT -7
I'm glad you are continuing with the acupuncture as this can be very helpful in many areas of IVDD...pain control in the early stages and muscle stimulation at Stoney's stage. Water therapy is also a great help as what stoney needs now is a combination of muscle strength and relearning how to use those legs...nerve regeneration. Water therapy stimulates both. A facility with a treadmill is ideal but is not always accessible and we understand that so we've created a page to show you how to do it at home. It will take some time and effort on your part but it can be done. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmOur link on rehab will provide you will lots of good info on exercising Stoney, building up those muscles and helping him learn to walk again. -- www.dodgerslist.com/literature/rehab.htmCrate rest is just the beginning of the work of an IVDD episode, rehab is a totally different focus but is the second phase of work for you guys. Hopefully Stoney will regain the use of his legs. Give him a few weeks and see if he appears to be improving. Another option is a wheelchair. If he shows great improvement quickly I wouldn't consider one as they are a bit of an investment. If he is improving but slowly you may want to consider one for a couple reasons, he'll need the stability so he isn't falling over when he's up and around but also some allow for the dogs legs to dangle and touch the ground as they walk which would be a part of his rehab. Again though, I'd wait a few weeks and see how things progress to see if you need one. Keep us posted on how he's doing
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Jun 7, 2013 20:06:51 GMT -7
We were able to rent a wheelchair for Stevie the first time around for $30 a month, to use for her rehab. Now my ever so clever Husband has built one that we can use for her rehab this time around (she hates water too, so we went with land based rehab under the supervision of a rehab specialist) There are simple plans on the internet for making them out of PCV pipe, it's very important to measure correctly to keep from putting stress on the back, and they are inexpensive to build.Keep us posted with Stoney updates!
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 10, 2013 3:51:36 GMT -7
Yesterday we bought a pool for Stoney to start water therapy in...cant wait to get him going..
My neighbor brought me a article from womans day over pertaining to when to say goodbye to your dog..It talked about a blind deaf 14 1/2 year old dog? I cried and thought about it all night, why do people think when a dog ha ivdd that he is done? i have never felt so bad...
Stoney has accupuncture tomorrow and I am going to get this water therapy going, as far as a wheelchair and or cart what is the difference? Where is the best place to get one and how do they go to the bathroom when in one?
Thanks
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 10, 2013 10:04:57 GMT -7
Cart/wheelchair ….refer to the same thing. Feature to look for in a wheelchair: www.dodgerslist.com/links/cart.htm Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. “As you make a habit of not taking anything personally, you won’t need to place your trust in what others do or say. You will only need to trust yourself to make responsible choices. You are never responsible for the actions of others; you are only responsible for you. When you truly understand this, and refuse to take things personally, you can hardly be hurt by the careless comments or actions of others.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 18, 2013 5:26:13 GMT -7
Hi
Stoney is till not walking..Have had 3 ccupunctures and starting water therapy today...He goes to the potty outside but hasnt started walking yet..I am sure his legs are still weak..He pants alot so I bought him a fan that I have set up next to he is in his bed..Last week I took him to the vet just to reassure myself that his panting was ok and he was fine...I think i am worse...
We are scheduled for vacation in 3 weeks and I have scheduled a in home pet sitter for him that for the most part will be here most of the day, except for errands etc...I am extremely nervous about this but she worked for a vet for over 15 years and she has gone to school to be a vet tech...been watching dogs for over 10 years...I dont know if I can rest enough to do this but my family wants to get away...Has anyone ever left their dog ? I have gone away for years and left stoney with my parents but my dad is not here any longer and my mom is to old to carry him so I thought instead of a kennel which he has never been in that he would feel better in his own home? Any thoughts?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 18, 2013 8:59:29 GMT -7
Lisa, it seems as though you have selected a very good and safe solution in a pet sitter. Sounds like she is also qualified to care for Stoney and I know you have gone over the precautions of sling and picking him up just to emphasize his disease. I think you can relax and enjoy your vacation!
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 18, 2013 17:02:12 GMT -7
Hi Paula.
I was wonderimg what you meant by a sling? The homemade leash that I made with two leashes put together by vet wrap is hard for me ..Stoney is 19 pounds and he is very chesty...I am holding off on cart or wheel chair to see how he contimues to progress...
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2013 8:28:56 GMT -7
I was referring to the sitting knowing to definatley use a sling with Stoney so that his back is kept aligned and not twisting if his butt tips over. Any type of sling would be a good…. your sitter may be able to use the figure 8 you make more easliy???
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Post by lisa363 on Jun 27, 2013 5:03:07 GMT -7
I still feel so helpless...Stoney goes out to pee and smells and squats but he has trouble pooping..He generally does while he is being held in a football likehold hold in your arms..we are scheduled for vacation in 1 1/2 weeks and i have lady who was a vet tech for over 10 years coming but I sm just so nervous..any suggestions to make this easy?
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 2, 2013 8:21:36 GMT -7
I understand how nervous you are - we have a vacation coming up too. We ended up altering our plans so that we could take our dogs with us- I would have like to cancel but it is a family wedding and I can't. Having a Vet tech as a sitter is a great idea - make sure that you show her all of the literature about IVDD, and this forum too. A list of emergency phone numbers too. Do whatever you can to feel well prepared. Has she been to your house and met Stoney? Try and have a nice holiday, knowing that you have done all that you could to ensure a safe and stress free environment for Stoney
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Post by lisa363 on Jul 19, 2013 4:56:04 GMT -7
Well we all made it thru vacation and all was fine...SToney is still not walkking but he can stand for a bit before he falls down...He is still getting accupuncture every other week, I did start water therapy with him but since he is pug he is not very fond of the water! I have made him a leash that the vet tech used on him so that he could roam the yard and he loves it...I am now thinking aobut the cart so that he has the most freedom..
I tend to feel bad when I think people think I am cruel keeping him going when he cant walk to good but he seems to enjoy life every other way so I am not letting people get me down..why are people so mean and do this? I think Stoney is happy and that is all that matters!
ALSO- one more question did anyone ever use handicapped pets for a wheelchair? I was given their name by the vet..Let me know if anyone knows about a good wheelchair company?
Andfinally stoney does in fact have deep pain sensationand he stands but just will not walk does that mean hs is paralyzed?
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 19, 2013 8:25:59 GMT -7
Hi Lisa, I am so glad your vacation went well and Stoney got along ok while you were gone. Hope you had a good time too! Many people are ignorant when it comes to dogs that can't walk. They put their own feelings on the dog and don't consider that the most important thing to a dog is LOVE, a comfy place to sleep, FOOD. They really don't care how they get from point A to point B.. A dog can have fun with wheels.. these guys zoom around and have a good time.. Don't let stupid people get you down. You know better and you are far more educated about how your dog feels and how to treat his IVDD. Hugs to you, you have taken wonderful care of Stoney over these months. Smile because you know you are doing the right thing! Watch this video of Paula's dog Clark. He is so happy and content. You can't help but smile watching this. If Stoney can stand, he isn't totally paralyzed and his nerves are still healing. It can take a long time with some dogs.. Look at Lisa's dog Goosie who was paralyzed for over 9 months but walked a few steps when her cart fell off.. Lisa was delighted with shock.. Here is her story. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory/goosieSullivan.htmHere is a link to info about what to look for in a cart for Stoney. www.dodgerslist.com/links/cart.htmEddie's Wheels is a good place to start. eddieswheels.com/And finally read this about a great quality of life.. It will help you to know you are right about Stoney and they are wrong! www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm
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