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Post by brasberry on May 11, 2013 6:24:46 GMT -7
My 13 year dapple (Rags) became paralyzed Monday night. Our vet sent us on an emergency 3 hour drive to Kansas City for surgery. Currently, Rags's neurological state has not changed but he is experiencing no pain  . I have never crated a dog but am willing to do whatever it takes to give him his best shot (laser treatments, eddie's wheel cart, etc.). We have looked all over the place for a crate that has a door on the top but cannot find one. Plus, our surgeon said he believe the crate causes more bad than good in this case. He suggested secluding him in a room (which we want him by us). My wife had an idea of a baby "Pack And Play". Our idea is that it would be easier to lift him out of the top than a side. Plus, tehy are on wheels so we can roll him where we go. Any advice? He is not a hyper dog and will not try to get out of it. Also, we are in tears that our little baby is paralyzed. We want to keep our hopes up but are realists. I am looking for any advice here. The surgeon keeps telling us nothing has changed but it could take 2 weeks before he signs show up. He is 13 years old, hind quarters are paralyzed and had no DPP (deep pain perception). Is there really any chance he will regain his legs again? I don't want to keep focusing on him getting better when there really is no chance. Please shoot me straight.
This is my first thread and is very important so if anyone can help, I would be very appreciative.
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 11, 2013 6:54:35 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist! You did a great job getting Rags to a vet and into surgery so quickly, this greatly impacts his chances at a full recovery. This is a link to our IVDD101 page, there is so much important information there and you'll find helpful hints for getting ready for Rags homecoming as well: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmAn important fact to know and remember is that though the offending disc material has been removed from around Rags' spinal cord the surgery itself causes swelling so there is still some pressure, not to mention it just takes some time for the original damage to heal. Healing from an IVDD episode is a process whether treating surgically or with crate rest so patience is your most precious resource. Progress will not come overnight and will come in small increments...you won't wake up one morning and find him standing up wagging his tail waiting to go running through the yard. But it is absolutely possible that Rags can have a full recovery. And, if he does not there are many stories here of dogs in wheel chairs that are the happiest dogs you've ever seen. Remember, dogs aren't humans and aren't required to do the things we are...drive a car, go to a job, run errands, etc. Use or lack of use of their legs isn't such a life changing event for a dog. Most importantly right now Rags needs you to be upbeat and positive as dogs are incredibly perceptive to human emotion. Read some success stories here when you have time: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmAs for a crate, it can be easier to have one that opens on top but this is most important when a dog is in pain. Since Rags isn't in pain you'll have no trouble learning to get him out of a regular crate, you'll just give his hind-end a little support so he can walk on his front legs and he'll come right out. If you can have the crate in a place where you can put your legs up to the door such as the coffee table then he can walk right out onto your lap and you aren't bending to help him. Here is a link to one of our pages on crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingdisc.htmI agree that secluding him in a room is a less than good idea, it will not make for a happy dog! The crate limits his movement and allows him to rest and recover but lets you keep him nearby. You could ask him specifically what "bad" it causes and if that's his only objection to the crating then you can decide for yourself how to proceed. Here is a link to information on crate rest supplies and setting up the crate for his recovery period: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmHere is a list of questions you will want to ask when you go to get Rags if they don't answer them in their instructions: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmHang in there and let us know how things are going. Feel free to ask questions any time. |
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Post by brasberry on May 11, 2013 8:31:31 GMT -7
Thank you so much for all the advise and kind words. Knowing the side door crates are ok, we will go this route. I plan on learning how to post pictures to share my story. Again, thanks as this has been one of the most stressful things I have had to deal with in a long time. It is good to read similar stories to understand we are not alone with this.
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 11, 2013 12:08:24 GMT -7
Far from alone!!! Unfortunately you have many comrades in this battle. We will look forward to hearing your story and seeing pictures of Rags.
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Post by dachiegirl on May 20, 2013 11:44:00 GMT -7
Absolutely there is hope. My 12 year old dapple doxie Ally was completely paralyzed the beginning of April moving only her eyes. She is now walking tho a bit wobbly. Sherry is right about this being a slow process so stay positive and communicate with and treat Rags as you did before this happened. He will pick up fear and sadness from you. I used a playpen for Ally when she began to move around or I was not with her. I modified the bottom half of a plastic grate which I used before she began moving around and I was present to supervise. This also made it easier to turn her before she began moving. I would put Ally by a window or door so she could see out. We would also sit outside weather permitting. Remain positive and patient knowing you are not alone on the journey. Stay in touch with dodgerslist they are wonderful. Donna
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 10, 2013 15:58:25 GMT -7
I don't recomment a pack and play. My Duchess chewed a whole in the side of hers and went to the floor while I was at work.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 13, 2013 16:49:08 GMT -7
Hi there! Can you give us an update on how Rags is doing? Please know that each dog recovers from IVDD surgery at a different rate and to a different degree. Some dogs stand up a week after surgery and others, like my Goosie, require a much longer time. It took Goosie 11 months after his surgery to walk again - but he did it! And during those 11 months, he was completely fine and had a great quality of life - he could have cared less that his legs didn't work, lol. You can read his Success Story by clicking on the link beneath my signature line. Does Rags have bladder control? If not, are you expressing his bladder for him 4 to 6 times per day? How are you doing with that? We have a great video to help: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Usually, when neurological functions return after a disc injury, they return in this order: 1. Deep pain sensation 2. Tail wagging ability (to exciting things, not during poop/pee) 3. Bladder control 4. Leg movement So watch for these things in the coming weeks and months. 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 inducing a state of well-being. 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/ We look forward to hearing how you and Rags are doing! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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. I have never crated a dog but am willing to do whatever it takes to give him his best shot (laser treatments, eddie's wheel cart, etc.). We have looked all over the place for a crate that has a door on the top but cannot find one. Plus, our surgeon said he believe the crate causes more bad than good in this case. He suggested secluding him in a room (which we want him by us).
