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Post by coopsmom on May 7, 2013 22:49:52 GMT -7
Hi all. I am new to the site. My {nearly} 7 year old doxie Cooper is currently hospitalized at the vet. Saturday afternoon all was well, Saturday evening my daughter thought she saw him walking strangely and tried to show us, but he had stopped. Sunday morning he hadn't gotten up for the day and we found him laying on the floor, unable to walk. His back end was down, he seemed to be in pain, shivering looking scared. We called and took him to the vet right away. He took x-rays and said it was strange because he thought the disc issue he had had 2 year prior looked improved. Some pain response when he prodded at his paws. He didn't tell us anything too conclusive on the x-ray and said we could go to Colorado for an MRI. He started him on steroids and fluids and admitted him. We called Monday and he let us know he was peeing blood due to a UTI so they were starting antibiotics, still down, loss of pain sensation We went in to visit him and he seemed better, less pain, just scared to be away from home. We called today and he said Cooper seems to be getting worse, was now throwing up because the meds were upsetting his stomach. We went in for another visit and Cooper seemed very excited to see us, whining for a good few minutes before he relaxed. Full of kisses. I started questioning the vet as it seems that he's not too interested in the case, as to how his stool was, was he still peeing blood, etc. and the vet didn't know much and had to go ask the techs. He is not peeing blood but has not been given a UA. He also had not had pain response checked. He commented on his incontinence and I asked if the techs were expressing him regularly, to which he shrugged and said "they are supposed to". I am so frustrated with this vet, but not sure if I am being over reactive or not. We live in a rural area, not sure if that has anything to do with his lack of interest or not. He said if we were to proceed treatment (apparently euthanasia being the other route) he would lessen the steroids and add a med to help his stomach. He then spoke to the techs again and informed me that he hadn't been eating well (not surprising considering he won't eat when we aren't home). I asked if we could continue treatment at home on crate rest and he said it may help if he eats and gets his meds better at home. I too feel that if he were at home where he is comfortable (I am a stay at home mom so he doesn't spend much time alone and confined) that he may respond better to treatment. So, we are planning to bring him home in the am and start crate rest here. He has been held on laps at the vet. I don't know what I am here looking for other than some advice on what I should do. I don't want to bring him home too soon, but don't want him to be there either. I am not considered euthanasia at this point as I don't think he is suffering but with this vet it is hard to get a straight answer. I am open to holistic solutions and am very interested in acupuncture and water therapy, pt, etc. although I have no idea on the range of cost involved and I believe the closest Holistic Vet is in Fort Collins, CO, about a 3 hr drive. I am hoping that the vet will be able to show me how to express and do the massage and therapy I have read about for crate rest. They said they could try to fit him with a cart that they have at the clinic, but I don't think that's necessary as he will need to be crated. Sorry if this seemed to go on, feeling overwhelmed, conflicted, and in need of experienced advice. Thank you in advance.
Jennifer
Cooper's Mom
What is your dog's name? Cooper
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? Dachsund/ yes 2 years ago during an issue with limping.
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? Sunday, May 5th. Has been held a couple times.
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Not that I can tell, some shivering but he was excited, when I asked vet he said "It's hard to tell, but I don't think so"
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? I do not currently have names or doses. Should have tomorrow
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Fully paralyzed back end.
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? He is incontinent
-- Eating and drinking OK? so/so at vet according to tech (sometimes into it, sometimes not)
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? were normal, were become black and tarry in response to gi discomfort (along with vomiting)
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Post by natureluva on May 8, 2013 6:18:37 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer, my name is Lisa. Welcome to Dodger's List! Gee, I'm sorry to hear your vet isn't being very attentive to Cooper's case. I would say the first thing I would be concerned about is whether they are protecting Cooper's stomach NOW from the excess acid the steroid is producing, especially since it is clear he has an internal bleed!! Please call them right now and tell them to give him Sucralfate to coat his stomach, along with Pepcid AC (famotidine) to reduce the acid. Also, ask them to prescribe Sucralfate for you to bring home and tell them you will be giving Pepcid AC (the normal dose is 5 mg given 30 minutes before each dose of steroid). I can't stress enough that you must call right now and tell them to PROTECT HIS STOMACH! When you pick him up from the vet, be sure to ask for a HANDS ON demonstration on how to express the bladder. Expressing is easy, but takes practice. You will need to express his bladder 4 to 6 times per day until control returns. Here is a link to help you with expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm As you have been reading, conservative treatment consists of 8 weeks of strict crate rest (use a wire crate, ex-pen, or playpen) to heal the disc, plus meds to reduce inflammation and mask pain. It is time and limited movement that heals the disc. Discs take longer to heal than even bones, that is why 8 weeks of strict crate rest are necessary. Here are three links to help you with conservative treatment and crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm If you are not already getting it, we highly recommend acupuncture and laser light therapy for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of relaxing the dog. I firmly believe acupuncture helped my Goosie regain his bladder control more quickly, and his movements were stronger after his treatments. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ Carts should not be used or considered until after the 8 weeks of crate rest are over. Then you will have a better idea of the amount of mobility your dog will have. Keep in mind that nerves that are damaged can continue to heal for many months after a disc injury. The best way for you to help Cooper is by learning about his disease. Here is a brief tutorial on IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html . If a dvd is more your style, we have an excellent one available for only $3 including shipping. It's great to have on hand to show to family/friends/petsitters so they will know what they can and cannot do with your dog and how they can help: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Please let us know that you have called the vet and they are protecting the stomach. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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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 8, 2013 6:30:09 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer, my name is Maureen. By all means take Cooper home! Make sure that you have anti-inflammatory, pain relief meds and something to protect his stomach and intestines. There is alot of info on this site about setting up a recovery suite or crate. Your Vet is not being attentive or professional and I would suggest finding a new one if you can - I do realize that can be difficult if he is the only one around. Don't be afraid to 'raise the roof' to get what you need for your boy, Some Vets just don't know enough about IVDD.
We are all here for you, don't give up! Keeping you in thought and prayer(((hugs))
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Post by coopsmom on May 8, 2013 7:11:48 GMT -7
I called this am as soon as the clinic opened to get a list of meds. Currently taking Prednisone 5 mg, Sucralfate 1/2 gram, Simidine (sp?) [Editors note:Cimetidine?] unsure on dosage (vet did not have info in front of him) but said that was being given with the steroid in place of the Pepcid I asked about, and Simplicef either 50 or 100 mg.
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Post by natureluva on May 8, 2013 8:21:03 GMT -7
Hi, thanks for the additional info. Glad to hear that Sucralfate and an antacid are being given. Please ensure that prescriptions for those are given to you upon discharge. Here is a list of discharge questions for you to bring with you: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm In addition, I suggest you ask for a prescription for the general opiate-like pain reliever, Tramadol. It is the most common pain med prescribed for IVDD. You can fill the script at Walmart for $4 - just call to check to make sure they have it. Right now, Coop isn't on any pain meds (prednisone reduces inflammation which may eventually reduce pain, but it is not a pain reliever). We look forward to hearing how things go. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by coopsmom on May 8, 2013 10:11:46 GMT -7
Thank you for the advice. When I called this morning I asked for the dr. to call after he had checked on Cooper to let us know how he was doing. After not hearing back for 4 hours I called to see what was going on. The receptionist let me know it was his morning for surgery (he can't have someone else call us?!?) and that he had been checked periodically by the nurse and tech staff. I am still unsure that he is being removed from the cage and expressed. I put in a request with receptionist for Tramadol (called our Walmart and they do carry), she asked the vet quickly and said the dr. would talk to us about that when we do discharge. I am hopeful that he will comply. We can go pick him up at 4:30 and I made sure I would get a lesson in expressing. I know that baths aren't allowed during crate rest... if he has not been being expressed I worry about urine burns, should I bathe him when we get him home? Also, he is a long haired pooch, should I shave around his tail area for easier clean up of accidents?
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Post by Pauliana on May 8, 2013 10:38:32 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer! I would like to welcome you to Dodgerslist, as well! I would use unscented baby wipes to clean his skin instead of a bath. If you can shave him without an excess of moving do so, but if you see it is making him move too much, stop shaving. I feel for you having to deal with a vet that doesn't "get it!". It know it is hard being in rural area where you don't have access to a lot of Vet choices.. The answer here is to educate him and you are doing a good job so far. To send for IVDD info from our founder, Linda. Hand these to him and teach him what he needs to know. I have the DVD and it is excellent to teach Vets, friends and family that are around your dog. Check out this link www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htmPlease let us know when he gets home with you and let us know the exact names and dosages of the medications he comes home with. Sending healing wishes and comforting thoughts. |
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Post by coopsmom on May 8, 2013 17:49:41 GMT -7
Cooper is home! Here is what he was on while in clinic (according to bill):
Dexamethasone Injection
Cerenia Injection
Prednisone 5 mg
Sucralfate 1 gm
Cimetidine 200 mg
Simplicef 100 mg
Prescriptions sent home :
Sucralfate 1 gm. 1/2 tablet 30 mins. before other meds for 5 days
Simplicef 100 mg. 1/2 tablet in evenings for 14 days
Cimetidine 200 mg. 1/2 tablet for 5 days
Prednisone 5 mg. 1 tablet 2x a day 3 days, 1 1x a day for 5 days, 1 every other day until gone.
At discharge was told he had not vomited today, a little bit of stool, but not much eating.
He was excited, shivering, panting, but was told he has not been doing that in kennel. Dr. did not send home a script for pain meds. Did not want to add any more to his system, thought it might not interact well with other things he was taking, and did not think he was displaying pain symptoms. I did say if he exhibited any signs of pain I would call asap. He was expressed at office, though she didn't let me put my hands under hers, more of a demonstration. I'm hopeful I will get it figured out with the help of the videos I watched.
We brought him home in a travel kennel, but he couldn't turn around in it without getting bunched up so we got a large wire kennel. He is doing surprisingly well being kenneled for never having seen the inside of one before. When we got home I gave him a dish of water which he slurped right up. I tried to put his pill in his food (combo wet/dry/water) but he only ate a small amount, and not the part with the pill. He seemed really tired so I wanted to let him sleep. He peed as he was laying there, only 1.5 hrs after vet tech had expressed, and it was quite a bit so I guess the water went right through him. He is sleeping now in the kennel with a cozy pad and blanket and pillow (he likes to scratch and bury his head). I am hoping he is just sleepy from the excitement and when he wakes he will take his stomach meds so I can work on getting the others in him.
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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 8, 2013 17:56:44 GMT -7
I'm so glad that you have him at home and in a wire crate - they seem to tolerate that kind rather well.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 8, 2013 18:29:05 GMT -7
I remember that Polly slept for the better part of a day when we brought her home from the hospital. I think they are exhausted, and so relieved to be home that they just zonk out. Do watch for pain. I find it aggravating that vets are stingy with the pain meds. Ours gave us a prescription of codeine to have on hand in the event Polly has any pain episodes, just to get her through until we can get her to the vet. Im guessing the codeine wont interfere if it turns out that steroids are necessary.
The neurologist did say that I'd be shocked if I knew how many people ask for pain meds for their pets that they plan on taking for themselves. Disgusting.
Read all you can here, and then read it again. If you're like me, knowledge will help you feel more in control of the situation. You'll worry less about whether nor not you're doing the right things.
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Post by Linda Stowe on May 8, 2013 19:12:42 GMT -7
Jennifer, how are you coming with the expressing. If he is still leaking, go back and make sure the vet or tech lets you try with them watching and helping. Don't need a UTI on top of his back problems.
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Post by coopsmom on May 8, 2013 20:24:45 GMT -7
We were able to get him his meds in a bit of boiled chicken, he doesn't show a lot of interest in dog food as yet. He is pretty thirsty, and has been drinking and then peeing (normal color/smell) very shortly thereafter. We took him out once and weren't able to get it, so we sat around and watched a few more you tube videos together and gave it another go, this time with success. As we were expressing, I got an initial flow going and it almost seemed like he clenched up and stopped flow. We sat for a minute or so and pressed again and got another good flow. He seemed mighty proud of me. He is back in his crate snoozing yet again, I will try to get him outside one more time before I go to bed to express.
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Post by Pauliana on May 8, 2013 20:46:55 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer,
He is thirsty and peeing a lot because of the Prednisone. He will need to be expressed during the day about every 3 hours. The body produces less urine during the night. Good for you having great success with expressing. It takes practice and you are off to a fine start. If he clenched while you were expressing, perhaps he is getting a bit of control back.
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Post by coopsmom on May 8, 2013 21:48:39 GMT -7
I forgot to add we have an appointment with a different vet that was recommended to me tomorrow morning so I will have him give me another lesson, and, hopefully, some better information.
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Post by natureluva on May 9, 2013 6:18:10 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer, please let us know how the appointment with the different vet goes. Don't forget to look into acupuncture and laser light treatment if they are offered.
Your goal with expressing is to avoid accidents. Therefore, if you see that Cooper is having accidents in the crate, or squirts urine when picked up, you are not expressing often enough. If that happens, the reason is that Cooper's bladder is filling up to capacity and overflowing by reflex. This can cause stale urine to sit in the bottom of the bladder and form infections, and it can cause loss of bladder tone. As Pauliana said, he will drink more and pee more from the steroids. So you may have to try expressing every two to three hours. Once he is weaned from the steroids, he will need to be expressed less often. I'm happy to hear that you were successful at expressing - way to go!!
Please do ask the new vet about getting a script for Tramadol. Dogs are very stoic about pain. Signs of pain are shivering/trembling, panting, lack of appetite, a tight-feeling tummy (like a drum), yelping, and reluctance to move.
We look forward to hearing from you. You're doing a great job with Cooper!! Hang in there and let us know if any questions pop up. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by coopsmom on May 9, 2013 8:00:16 GMT -7
I understand the importance of expressing and fully emptying the bladder. I am trying to get it timed out right, it has been tricky. Here is our morning so far:
up at 6:15, wet on pad.
Out to express (success)
bowl of water & 1/4 cup wet food mixed with water and stomach med @ 6:30
other meds in little corner of cheese @ 7:00, small wet on pad.
little nap
Out to express @ 7:30 (success)
8:00- wet on pad.
Out to express @ 8:20 (success)
8:30- small dish of dry food softened with water & water.
I'm not sure if I am just not getting it completely empty or what. We are going out every 1.5 hrs or so and there is still wets on pad in between. I feel like I am getting better and able to find the bladder more quickly. We usually get a stream then it stops, then we go again after a minute or so, usually just dribbles.
He slept great all night, snoring away. Seems in a good mood today, and less lethargic, but he doing a great job of laying in his crate. He always has been of the lazy variety. He loves to be outside and smell the air, but sometimes he will hear a noise and want to try to go play chase.
I will ask vet #2 his thoughts on pain. I don't think he is exhibiting any signs, no shivering, panting, yelping, it seems slightly difficult to move, but he is heavier so I imagine it's hard to get himself around, he is eating well today, and tummy is not hard.
Sometimes it seems like he can feel me doing his bladder expressing, turns his head around to see what the heck I'm up to. Since I wasn't shown the new x-ray I am not sure where his current issue is, but with his diagnosis 2 years ago it was listed as L 4-5. I will probably request new x-rays today.
Will let you know how it goes. Thanks so much for the help and suggestions. I need it!
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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 9, 2013 9:02:24 GMT -7
You are doing great!  |
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Post by Linda Stowe on May 9, 2013 9:13:41 GMT -7
Jennifer if there is any question on whether you are getting him fully express, ask the vet or tech to check your work. You might try the sniff and pee test. Take him out to an old spot and see if he can release on his own. Normally x-rays will not show much. They are generally done to rule out other things such as tumors. Unless the vet has a very up-to-day machine and are very experienced in reading them actual trouble spots are hard to tell. They can see calcifications but these may not be where herniations can occur. We have a very good article on x-rays and exactly what they tell. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CalcifiedDiscs.htm A vet may see a narrowing on an x-ray and that is cause for concern. Did you see the new vet yet? |
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Post by coopsmom on May 9, 2013 12:37:36 GMT -7
We saw vet #2 this morning. He was much more professional and easy to work with.
He did take a set of x-rays, but they weren't too conclusive either, on side view it appeared there was narrowing between 4/5 (which is where his initial issue and diagnosis was) but from top view it appeared to have narrowing higher up. He feels the injury is higher up as he doesn't get much sensation until the top of his back. He checked pain sensation, still none.
I had him place my hands on Cooper to try to feel for his bladder, but he did say it is hard to feel the bladder on Coop because he tenses up. I notice him tensing as well when I express, almost as if it is uncomfortable? I explained the frequent wetting, even shortly after being expressed and he said it is almost impossible to get it all out. He was expressed at vet, around 10. He had to be home alone for about an hour and my husband expressed him at 11:30 (there was a wet pad). I got home around noon and his pad was wet again. We decided to do a test with a cup of water to see if it just looked like a lot of urine and was actually just spreading, but, it was quite a bit of urine. I pulled him out of crate onto a towel and he laid on his side and I was able to express more. Just so much urine! Is it painful to do expressions? We don't squeeze hard but it seems like it just bothers him. Still trying to get this worked out.
Vet #2 did not think he seemed in pain either. He was nervous at vet, shaking, panting, but I attribute it to fear because he is ok at home. When I was doing last expression attempt he did start panting, and his front leg that was on top seemed to be trembling. I put him back in his crate and he is just sleeping again. Having such a hard time trying to determine if he is any pain!
I feel like such a hypochondriac with this situation. So much unknown.
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Post by coopsmom on May 9, 2013 12:47:37 GMT -7
Sorry, vet also told us he will probably want to go longer on the steroid (we have about 10 days worth), and that we could drop the Cimetidine if he is not vomiting and just use it if we need to. No bowel movement since home, but just started eating today.
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Post by Pauliana on May 9, 2013 14:57:56 GMT -7
Glad you got another expressing lesson at Vet #2. It takes time to get the hang of it but I think you are doing fine so far considering Cooper tensing up. The tight hard feeling tummy is a sign of pain as Natureluva mentioned earlier.
Don't stop the Cimetidine as long as he is on the steroid. It is better to prevent stomach problems that to deal with them after they happen.
Did the new Vet make any changes to his medications. If so please let us know the exact names and dosages..
My Tyler sends feel better wishes to Cooper!
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Post by coopsmom on May 10, 2013 11:58:57 GMT -7
Back with an update and a few questions.
Vet # 2 did not make any changes to current meds, and I will continue with the Cimetidine.
Cooper has been doing well as far as I can tell. He is eating wonderfully, I have been doing small breakfast/lunch/dinner. One concern I have is that he hasn't had a bowel movement. At vet #1 they said they were letting that happen on it's own, but he hadn't gone much and last stool had been black due to GI issues. He has been eating well since breakfast yesterday. I'd estimate 3/4 cups of food. I have been putting a bit of pumpkin and flax in with meals today in case of constipation due to steroid. Should I be concerned at this point?
Expressing seems to be going well. We are able to get multiple steady streams in a session, and we usually stop when we don't get any more. He is still clenching, or pinching off stream. It will run steadily and then suddenly stop. We expressed last night at about 10 and my husband gets up about 4 for work, his pad wasn't very wet, expressed him, and I woke up at 6, his pad was dry. Throughout the day we have still been dealing with wet pads. I have been taking him out every 2 hrs and expressing, but there are still wets between, not like little leaks, but full on pees. I am not concerned at this point with UTI, urine is clear, smells normal, and he is drinking and releasing a lot. I'm hoping things settle down after steroid. I have been cleaning him up with wet washcloths or baby wipes, but I worry about the urine sitting on him, for burn and for smell. Do you guys suggest a certain type of belly band for male dogs? I know diapers are no good, but I want to be able to keep the pee off him between expressions.
Still no signs of pain. He seems to be feeling better and is awake more during the day, but calm. Outside at express times when I raise his rear legs to prop them between mine he wants to take off like a wheelbarrow. Crate rest has been steady, only out for potties.
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Post by Pauliana on May 10, 2013 14:28:48 GMT -7
Jennifer,
Have you tried the sniff and pee test yet? The next time you take him outside before you express him set him down by one of his usual pee areas and see if he sniffs and then urinates on his own. Sometimes when they are starting to get bladder control back, they fight being expressed. Maybe this is what is happening..
Be sure when you take him outside to keep him in a harness and on leash so he won't be tempted to dash off somewhere. This will be a problem especially as he starts to feel better. They always want to do more than they should. Had my hands full with Tyler when he got to that point.
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Post by coopsmom on May 16, 2013 8:11:38 GMT -7
Back with an update on Cooper. He has been home a week. I think we have expressing nailed down (at least my husband does). He hasn't had a wet pad for days in between expressions. He has started having regular bowel movements. I had to kind of massage with a baby wipe to get things moving, he passed some of the icky stool and then it returned to normal. He is normally having bowel movements when we lift him to go outside. We have tried the pee test, no response there. He is eating really well. I got some tramadol from vet #2 because I thought he was having pain during expressions. Not sure if it is just straining his upper body to support his back when we lift rear legs between our knees or what. It just seems to bother him sometimes. No yelping, but maybe sighing, or changing his breathing. I have only given it to him once, and will as needed. He has tried to scoot off a couple times, but we keep him in his crate almost exclusively. This morning when we went out to potty, he turned on the patio and tried to scoot towards his water and sort of fell over.  Sad. I hope he can support himself on his upper body when he gets his wheels. I have been doing the light massage and passive therapy a couple times a day. It is really interesting, when I do it at night, he is usually asleep on his side on the floor. When I finish the massage and 4 therapy steps (found on this website), I tickle the bottom of his feet and they jerk and respond to the tickles. Is this normal? Just reflex? He doesn't respond when he is awake, but he is such a mellow dog, he doesn't react to front feet tickles either. He is doing pretty well in the crate, usually just resigns himself to sleep. He does bark and whine when we eat dinner or are sitting where he can't see us, at bedtime for a bit, just wants to be on the bed, but we have stuck to it and he is dealing. Vet #1 wanted to let the Sucralfate run out before Steroid, but I did not want to go there, so vet #2 refilled that for me. We are on once a day steroids, which I give in the am. Tomorrow we go to every other day. Vet #2 wants to continue steroids on every other day after our script from vet #1 runs out. Can't think of anything else right now. |
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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 16, 2013 8:18:27 GMT -7
Sounds like you are getting things under control. The response of his feet to light tickles means he can feel it - YAY!
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 16, 2013 8:30:56 GMT -7
Jennifer, good to hear Cooper is staying dry inbetween expressing sessions....that's a healthy thing for his bladder!!!
Sighing or change in breathing when you are pressing on the bladder is not a sign of pain. If he yelps, bites at your hand, shivers/trembles... then you are dealing with pain.
Can you give us the specifics on the his pred dose now.... dose in mg and how often you give it? For how many days does vet #2 want to extend the every other day steroid use?
Do avoid the tickling of feet, that is reserved for after crate rest of 8 weeks has been completed. We don't want to cause any undo back movement by leg jerks, etc. Likely this is the built in reflexes causing the leg jerks. This page explains the things you can monitor for as nerve functions return. The first sign you will be looking for is that wonderful tail wag when you enter the room or do some happy talk to Cooper.
Any time out of the crate can be a dangerous time for the healing disc. So do whatever you need to keep him from any scooting...that is not good for his back. Use a harness and leash to control speed and darting off. Better yet, use an expen or poke in the ground garden edging fence to keep him contained to the potty place while you are expressing.
Over all it sounds like Cooper is on a good track for healing his disc. You may or may not see nerve damage repair during the 8 weeks of crate rest....nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal....so it may be you think in terms of months rather than weeks for nerve healing.
You guys are doing a good job caring for Cooper and giving him the best gift ever.....100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for a full 8 weeks!
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Sad. I hope he can support himself on his upper body when he gets his wheels. 
