|
|
Post by Michelle on Apr 30, 2013 17:32:47 GMT -7
I have a 12 pound miniature dachshund. She is only four months short of five years old. It all started Thursday night, pretty much the same as everyone else. I came home for lunch to let Lucy out and noticed she was acting funny, by that evening when I got home she was wobbly but still walking. I rushed her to the 24 hour vet and got what seems to be the same medication as everyone else, prednisone, muscle relaxers, pain med.
Long story short, within 12 hors she was not walking at all and was in emergency surgery by Saturday afternoon. When I brought her in she had deep paid, her tail was wagging which I am told was all good signs, but that was basically all. She seemed to be totally paralyzed in her hind legs. My concern is that, three days post op she seems to have made no major improvement. She has not gone backwards by any means, she is still wagging her tail, still has deep pain but no movement. The Neurologist gave her a 90% chance of full recovery. She still cannot pee or poo on her own. The hospital assures me she is exactly where they expect her to be. Is this normal 3 days post op. When can I expect to see some movement? It seems like other owners have had their dogs starting to pee on their own fairly quickly- is it okay that Lucy still has to have her bladder expressed after 3 days?
I am going to go and get her Thursday (5 days post op). Should I be seeing faster improvement. I don't want to be discouraged, especially since I am told that her progress is as they expect.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry Layman on Apr 30, 2013 19:19:12 GMT -7
Sounds like you did a great job getting Lucy to the vet and into surgery quickly. Indeed this a scary time and you have many questions so we're glad you found us. This is a link to our IVDD 101 page, there is tons of great info here so read everything and you'll be prepared to take care of Lucy. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmIt is true that surgery isn't a quick fix. Surgery is invasive and causes swelling which takes some time to resolve. While there is swelling there is still pressure on the nerves and Lucy can still exhibit the same symptoms as she did when the disc was putting pressure on the nerves. The exact time for healing varies with each individual dog so though it's good to read here and get encouragement from others be careful setting a timeline for Lucy. You will get lots of instructions when you go get her to bring her home. Most of it should be in writing but you'll likely be overwhelmed so it wouldn't hurt to have a pen handy to jot down anything that isn't but feel is important and worry you'll forget. The link to our surgery information page www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmLucy will need some recovery time when she gets home. Here is a link to a page on how to prepare for her needs. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmFor right now focus on Lucy's immediate recovery period rather than on the long term future. It's still quite likely she could make a full recovery and your energy needs to be focused on preparing for and getting her through these first weeks after surgery. Let us know what you hear from the surgeon when you pick her up and how she's doing when you get her home. Any time you have a question feel free to ask. You're going to do great! |
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Apr 30, 2013 19:34:22 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Pauliana, what is yours? In order to help you and Lucy we need to know the exact names of her medications, as well as the dosage and frequency they are to be given when she comes home. I know all the emotions involved in having a dog with IVDD, it's all so sudden and frightening to see your dog go through this, I know how I felt when it happened to my Tyler. He got through this and so did I, and you and Lucy can too. The most inportant thing you can do for Lucy is educate yourself about IVDD. Believe me it's the unknown that is scary. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmSurgery immediately removes the offensive disc material and stops the pressure on the spinal cord. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 6 weeks of post-op rest as nerves may take more than 6 weeks to heal, in fact there is no time limit for nerves to heal. There may be temporary neuro setbacks caused by the swelling the surgical procedure itself causes. Surgical swelling likely will subside in two weeks so that the true direction of nerve healing can better be seen. Dr.Isaacs, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology) addresses Dodgerslist members' questions on surgery www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmAs you can see healing takes time and patience. Before you get Lucy home, it is best to prepare her recovery suite or crate where she will need to rest for 6 weeks in order to continue her healing from surgery. THis rest needs to be 24/7 only out to be expressed or to potty if she regains bladder/bowel control. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No chiro (aka VOM)? Ask your surgeon what he directs for physical therapy. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmHere is a list of discharge questions you can ask your vet the day you pick Lucy up. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmHere is a video and information about expressing. But be sure to ask for a hands on lesson when you pick up Lucy. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm and also: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IncontinentDown.htmSending healing wishes.. |
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on Apr 30, 2013 19:58:35 GMT -7
Do you have any idea how long it takes for them to get bladder control back. The surgeon does not want me to express her bladder for the first couple of days but wants my vet to do it. The problem is I get her on Thursday and of course all vets are closed on the weekend, besides what do I between 5 pm when the vet closes and 8am when he opens?? Is it possible she gets bladder control back by Thursday or is that over optimistic??
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Apr 30, 2013 21:04:10 GMT -7
Each dog heals at their own rate. There isn't a timetable for when bladder control returns. Please read this link to get familiar with how nerves heal. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmIt seems strange that the surgeon wants your vet to express Lucy, during the day is one thing but what about evenings and the weekend? A dog on Prednisone would need to be expressed every 3 to 4 hours..Does he want her to stay at the Vet's office? Going back and forth to the Vet every few hours would be moving her around much more than she should be at this point in her recovery. This needs to be discussed when you pick up Lucy. Just doesn't seem practical to me.. Be sure to review the link with the video, I gave you earlier on how to express and insist they teach you how for Lucy's sake. Try to get some rest, I know it's overwhelming. |
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 1, 2013 7:51:25 GMT -7
This may be a duplicate of a prior post, having computer problems.
Thanks for all the info and the links. I was a little down yesterday but after reading the information I feel a little better. I was expecting too much too soon. Now I know that I should probably not expect anything for at least two weeks post surgery. Even then ... not to worry if she does not. If the DR is still positive so should I be. I am getting ready to bring her home tomorrow, I have purchased a crate but I think it may be to big. It is a wire one with doors on the side and the front. It is for a cocker spaniel, beagle or dog of similar size. Lucy is only 12 lbs. I am afraid it is too big. She can definitely move around but not much. Also, I put one of her beds in but it sounds like it may be too mushy. Should I get her an orthopedic one??
I was not able to open the link that showed how to express a bladder. I did google it and found a couple of videos. I am not so worried about that now since feel that I can get my vet to show me. I will discuss it in more depth with the neurologist when I pick her up. Pretty sure I will be able to learn. Also, sounds like maybe when she gets home and I can put her on her own grass, that will stimulate her to go on her own.
Found an acupuncturist locally. Should I start her immediately - like on Monday?? |
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on May 1, 2013 9:24:21 GMT -7
I would ask the surgeon if it's ok to start Acupuncture right away. It's an excellent therapy and has worked for many dogs. Read Goosie's story: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory/goosieSullivan.htmIf the crate is too big, you could use rolled up towels or blankets to take up some of the space. A good cushion such as a memory foam topper makes a supportive bed that will prevent pressure sores and help her to rest comfortably. An orthopedic bed would also work. Fixed the expressing link in the above post. Glad you were able to find some other links on expressing. I am sure you will be able to do it, it just takes practice. |
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 1, 2013 11:07:10 GMT -7
Got a call from the surgeons office - Lucy tried to stand on her left hind leg. Vets office was very excited!! Needless to say, I am beyond excited. I get to bring her home tomorrow.
Doc said acupuncture is fine but wait on the hydro therapy until sutures, etc are fully healed. Makes sense to me.
|
|
|
|
Post by natureluva on May 2, 2013 17:26:12 GMT -7
Great news!! If Lucy is trying to stand, then she may very well soon pee on her own, if she isn't already. Usually, when neurological functions return after a disc injury, they return in this order: 1. Deep pain sensation 2. Tail wagging ability 3. Bladder control 4. Leg movement SO, don't be surprised if Lucy can already wag her tail to exciting things (such as being given a treat or a knock at the door) and pee on her own. If she does not have bladder control back yet, acupuncture could hasten its return. Here is a list of discharge questions to ask your surgeon: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm We look forward to your next update! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 2, 2013 19:41:46 GMT -7
Picked her up. She looked great. She is on no meds. Dr. said i gan give her tramadol for pain. 50 mg 1/4 tablet every 12 hrs if needed. i might give her one tonight. she had a long day - 3.5 hr drove back home.
She Is peeing on her own. She did pee on her bed but not worried. We just need to get our rythum back. She is wagging her tail and trying to push her self up with her left leg. She can't yet buy is trying.
I have a question - when she is sleeping she jerks a lot. She is not whimpering-she is actually sleeping. Is the jerking normal?
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on May 2, 2013 20:42:52 GMT -7
Glad Lucy is peeing on her own. I know that was a big worry for you. Keep an eye on her for signs of a urinary tract infection. What symptoms indicate a UTI? Discolored, foul smelling, blood tinged urine and urinating small amounts frequently (if able to voluntarily urinate) are signs suspicious for a UTI.
Jerking/twitching in her sleep could be because she is dreaming and is in Rem sleep. It could also be her nerves and muscles reacting to the recent surgery. Tyler jerked too after his neutering surgery in the past and then later with his Disc herniation surgery. I noticed him jerking some when he was awake too. It was when he was getting close to another dose of his Gabapentin that was prescribed for nerve pain after surgery. He was also sent home with Tramadol 50mg 1/2 tablet 3 times a day. After a while the jerking stopped. He still does twitch in his sleep when he is dreaming.. Can you tell me what part of the body is jerking? Is it her back jerking or another part of her body or feet?
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 2, 2013 20:49:10 GMT -7
Thanks. That helps. Pretty sure it's not dreaming. She did it on the way home and has been doing it pretty consistently the last 1/2 hr. I will give her the tramadol. Maybe it will help. I won't worry if it is not unusual.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on May 2, 2013 21:06:32 GMT -7
I would also let the Vet know that she has been jerking for a half hour.. Hopefully the Tramadol will help. Gabapentin is effective for nerve related pain, jolts,numbness and tingling. Keep watch for signs additional signs of pain, yelping, tight hard tummy, shivering or trembling, reluctance to move and advocate for her with the vet making sure her pain is under control so she can heal. She's been through a lot but I know you will take wonderful care of her. The first night home is always hard, I know exactly what you are going through. "Tramadol as the general pain reliever. It has a short half life of 1.7 hours and may need to be prescribed at a minimum of every 8 hours.Methocarbamol treats muscle spasms stemming from aggravated muscles due to nerve trauma related to the spinal cord inflammation.Gabapentin may be added to the mix for hard to control pain. Veterinarians are finding this medication works very well in combination with Tramadol." Quoted from this page on Pain control. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm |
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 3, 2013 14:05:32 GMT -7
Well..... first night was not bad. I had to put the crate in bed with me but it worked because she pretty much slept. She would wake up an whine a bit - she would also shake - but I think that was because she just was not comfortable. Once she would get comfortable she would stop.
I was a little worried because she did not pee, but I think I had to learn the sling and a little patience because she has now gone twice. I think I needed to find that "spot" also. Seems she has good bladder control now.
I do think I have a little actress on my hands though .. other than potty breaks she pretty much stays in her crate. I will leave the door open IF I am sitting right by it - not at night - just when we are watching TV. If the door is open she is fine, the minute I close it she whines and whines. I open the door she stops - I close the door she starts. My doctor told me to go to work as usual (I work close and check up on once or twice). I know why now - she is working her stuff and I feel myself weakening.
By the way I asked the DR about the jerking she was having yesterday. He said it was probably the nerves and muscles working a little too hard yesterday because of the long trip. I am giving her the Tramadol but she seems good today so I may give her one tonight and leave it at that.
Really, overall not to bad! She did destroy her wee wee pad in the crate and tip her water, etc etc. Trying to work her way out I guess.
|
|
|
|
Post by natureluva on May 3, 2013 16:58:20 GMT -7
So far, so good! Do try an herbal calmer such as Composure Soft Chews or Anxitane to help keep her calm during crate rest. What physical therapy did your surgeon recommend? Usually the best therapy for a post-op dog that can walk is just that - walking. Many surgeons recommend controlled sling-walks several times a day, in short bouts. For example, my surgeon prescribed three five-minute sling walks per day in addition to potty breaks.
Some dogs do better in an open-air environment instead of a crate, such as an ex-pen or a playpen. Perhaps Lucy would like that better?
We look forward to your next update. Best wishes! ~Lisa
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 3, 2013 17:17:43 GMT -7
Well after reading over and over how fast accidents happen - it happened!! I put the crate on the couch besides me because it seems to calm her. I took her out of the crate for a try at potty. I put her in the crate and before closing the door i turned around to move something - literally not two feet from her and she fell or jumped out. It was not a long fall but I am scared to death. I know it scared her too. She did yelp and was panting a little when I put her in the pen. I'm hoping she just scared herself. She is back in her crate sleeping. She is not shaking or anything just sleeping. She was even barking a little. Lord I hope I didn't do something bad!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on May 3, 2013 21:20:48 GMT -7
It's amazing how fast they are and when we least expect it they up and do something they shouldn't. I do hope she didn't hurt herself. Glad to hear she is sleeping.. Let us know how she is tomorrow.. That is the main reason we say 100% strict crate rest because of the chance of them darting off at any whim or noise. Keep her crate door closed and try some of the calming remedies that Lisa suggested. Many of our members have had success with the Composure soft chews.
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 4, 2013 6:30:49 GMT -7
Seems to be about the same as before the fall. No better but certainly doesn't seem worse. Quick question - I could swear when she peed last night she spread her legs. She is in a sling so she cant squat but I don't think she did that before. Is spreading her legs a sign of more control? Not sure but this could be new??
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on May 4, 2013 7:22:00 GMT -7
Sounds like a good sign to me! Glad she isn't any worse. This is definitely a disease that requires lots of patience. There will be days when no improvement is noted and then wonderful days when you see a sign of improvement like more movement in her legs. I learned to treasure each good sign as they came along with Tyler.
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 4, 2013 15:31:39 GMT -7
Is it normal for her leg to be real stiff. I haven't started any exercises so today I decided to do some. Dr said its okay to flex or bend ( normal range) her feet at the joints up and down. Anyway I tried but they are stiff especially the thigh. I didn't try too hard because I didn't want to hurt her. Has this been anyone else's experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 5, 2013 9:02:00 GMT -7
I would love for you guys to finally meet Lucy - how do I upload a picture? Can I do it directly from my I pad?
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on May 5, 2013 9:51:08 GMT -7
Until Lucy can move her legs herself, you should do some range of motion and massage for her. If you gently push at the back of her knee in an upwards motion, she should then bend at the knee. Just work slowly and over some days her joints will begin to be more flexible. Here is how the exercises look:
You can use Lucy's picture as an Avatar underneath your display name "mchartier" Go: Profile: Edit Profile > Avatar to upload Lucy's photo. In edit Profile under personal settings is where to change your display name of mchartier.
What is your name, mine is Paula.
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 5, 2013 10:45:27 GMT -7
Got it. Thanks.
She must be feeling better today because we are back to whining and crying in her crate. I couldn't find the calming aids you recommend. I found some by PetNaturals. I also found Rescue Remedy. I gave her the PetNaturals about 20 minutes ago with no change. I will try Rescue Remedy in an hour or so.
i keep thinking she has to pee when she whines but when I take her out - nothing. She seems to pee about every 12 hrs. A little concerned about that but she only drinks about 4 oz water a day. She is eating good. Something to worry about every day!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by natureluva on May 5, 2013 16:59:20 GMT -7
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda Stowe on May 7, 2013 9:53:07 GMT -7
It can take a few days for the Composure Chews and Rescue Remedy to really help. How is Lucy doing today?
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 9, 2013 17:01:58 GMT -7
Quick question, the 6 weeks of post op crate rest begins when. Day after surgery!
|
|
|
|
Post by natureluva on May 9, 2013 17:43:01 GMT -7
Hi Michelle, crate rest does start the day after surgery, because technically, the dog is crated while in the hospital anyway. :-) ~Lisa
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 9, 2013 20:07:13 GMT -7
Great. We're a week further along than we thought ... Only 4 weeks left. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 16, 2013 20:18:48 GMT -7
I'm starting to look at ramps and have a question. I saw the "puppy steps" link and they look great with good reviews - but that first step looks high. Does any one have one and is the first step too high. If steps are bad is that first step too much.
|
|
|
|
Post by Michelle on May 16, 2013 20:27:13 GMT -7
So I just read that the "wet dog shake" is bad. Lucy does this ALL the time. She is not wet ... She just does it. How do you stop this??
|
|
