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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 14, 2013 0:25:39 GMT -7
My name is Stevie, and my husband and I are the parents of two beautiful daschunds, Augustus (Smooth black-and-tan) age 9 and Cleopatra ( long- haired silver dapple) age 5. We have been incredibly lucky up to this point, but just last weekend, Cleo gave us a serious scare and a crash course in IVDD. Just like so many of the stories I have read, it started with a little crying and reluctance to use her ramp to the bed, then suddenly, my husband and I came home from a church function on Saturday and Cleo was dragging her back legs and in obvious pain. In a panic, I got a referral to an emergency vet from our regular doctor, and we drove Cleo to the center. Initially, we were told that we could take the conservative approach, and Cleo stayed overnight for observation.
The next morning, we were awakened by a call from the vet who told us that Cleo's condition was deteriorating and she needed to get to a neurologist ASAP. We immediately picked her up and transported her to the nearest specialty center, where she got a MRI. The doctor told us that she had a large rupture, but luckily it had gone to the side and not straight up her spine, preventing complete paralysis. We were told that if she went into surgery immediately, she had a 90% chance of full recovery. We signed a lot of papers and relinquished a lot of money. I will be more than happy to eat Ramen for dinner for the next 5 years if it means Cleo will be OK.
Cleo had surgery on Sunday at about noon, and the neurologist called us to say it had gone very well. We visited her for the fist time after surgery today, and I was surprised to see that far from looking zonked, Cleo looked like her happy, tail-wagging self. She was even sitting with her legs underneath her, instead of out to the side where they were before surgery.
The last couple of days have been some of the most emotionally overwhelming I have ever experienced. I was so scared that we would make the wrong decisions for Cleo, and I felt a tremendous responsibility to do the best I could for her. I have been reading this website obsessively, so that I can be prepared for when Cleo comes home. I am also adding more ramps to my home and blocking any jumping sites to protect my older dachshund. Thank you all so much for sharing your stories, it really helps to know that we are not alone.
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 14, 2013 7:21:50 GMT -7
Welcome do Dodgerslist. Sounds like you did everything just perfectly for Cleo and you are continuing to do all the necessary research and making the changes to your home she and her "siblings" need. Most of us here learned the hard way just like you. I'm glad she's recovering so well post-op. Here is a link to our IVDD101 page in case you haven't discovered it yet. Lots of good info here. Some applies to surgical dogs other to those doing crate rest only so read what applies to you. Education is key to keeping your dogs safe from now on. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWhen you pick her up you'll get some instructions on post-op care. Likely she'll spend a few weeks in the crate with some time out for physical therapy. We have a page that elaborates on instructions for post-op care, it may be more restricted than the surgeon gives you but we've discovered better safe than sorry in the healing process. Here is a link to our page on surgery. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmSince he'll be spending so much time in the crate you may or may not need to pick up some supplies. Here is a link to a page with some hints on how to make him more comfy. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmA few questions to ask if they don't cover them on discharge. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThose are just a few of the things you need immediately. Keep referring to that IVDD101 page, there's a lot of great info there. Let us know how things are going and don't hesistate to ask questions. |
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 14, 2013 15:37:41 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your reply! I just visited Cleo in the hospital this afternoon, and she looks great. They asked me to bring her favorite treat because she was not eating, so I brought a Lunchable because she adores lunch meat. The minute I opened the package I could tell she wanted it, and she ate every piece of meat! She also drank water and tinkled while I was there, I am going back tonight with her regular food.
Thank you for all the information, I have been reading all day. I am sure I will have more questions when Cleo comes home. I am preparing a recovery suite as we speak. I will also take the time to post some pictures of our little princess soon!
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 14, 2013 19:07:42 GMT -7
Sometimes it takes a bit for appetite to return to normal after surgery. Vet hospitals can't possibly stock every food option so dogs are offered a "strange" meal, in a strange environment and anesthesia can take hours and hours to fully wear off so they are groggy to boot. Even dogs that generally would be predicted to eat anything can suddenly be picky and lacking in appetite. I'm glad she ate for you and hoping her own food will seem more appealing tonight. If not I'm betting when she gets home she'll soon return to a good schedule.
We'll be looking forward to updates and pictures!
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 16, 2013 22:40:19 GMT -7
I think Cleo is coming home tomorrow! We went to visit her this afternoon, and she is just beginning to put pressure on her legs. She has been in the hospital in Denver for 5 days now, and each afternoon my husband and I drive up there accompanied by Cleo's brother Auggie. At first, I was so scared that we were putting Cleo through too much pain, but she is amazing. She looked like her old self today, and she was eating, drinking and wiggling around in her kennel. I am so happy that we did the surgery, and I am ready to have her home.
She has not had a bowel movement yet, but the vet said this is to be expected since she didn't eat for several days. She tinkles a lot, which is also just like the old Cleo. My house has always been full of puppy pads since Cleo tinkles out of happiness almost constantly. She has done that since we got her at about 8 weeks old.
Thanks to all the info on this site, I am prepared as possible for her post-op recovery. I am very lucky in that I work at home and go to grad school online, so I will be with Cleo 24 hours a day. I am sure I will have more questions soon!
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on May 17, 2013 6:29:05 GMT -7
How exciting.... let us know when she is home, what meds if any she comes home with. Also what are the surgeon's directives for crate rest and for PT.
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 17, 2013 18:03:34 GMT -7
Cleopatra is home! She is sleeping comfortably as I write this. I took her outside on the sling as directed when we got home and she pooped immediately. She can walk in the sling although she is dragging her back feet, and she can push against her back legs but she has not stood up on her own yet. The only medication she came home with is Gabapentin in liquid form.
The doctor prescribed at least 3 potty breaks a day on the sling, no more than 5 minutes each. The vet said that after 2 weeks, she should begin a short walk each day, after her sutures are removed. My only question so far is about the medication, we have a syringe to give her 7 ml by mouth every 8 hours. I have given it to her once, but it was difficult because she hates the taste. Any ideas about making liquid medicine easier to administer?
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Post by Michelle on May 17, 2013 20:10:20 GMT -7
I just want to chime in here because my Lucy had surgery in Denver three weeks ago. Sounds like we have the same story.
Lucy is doing very well. They were great at the clinic we were referred to(maybe it was the same clinic). She is still on crate rest. The dr said four weeks of complete rest but I am going to go the 6 weeks. We are half way there. She has pt once a week which I think is really helping. Because this site encouraged acupuncture and laser therapy I decided to do this. I think it is helping. She starts water therapy next week.
She is not walking yet but she is able to sit up and sometimes she will stand up. I assume the not walking is a result of being in the crate so not much place to practice. She does well in the sling. The dr was very positive - so I am too!!
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 17, 2013 20:44:55 GMT -7
Hi Michelle! Thank you for chiming in with Lucy's story, we may well have gone to the same place because I think there are only a couple of places in Dever that deal with IVDD. Lucy's picture is adorable, and she sound like she is doing well. I am also very positive, this crate rest thing is a lot like having an infant, but I would much rather have Cleo than a human baby!
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Post by natureluva on May 18, 2013 6:53:56 GMT -7
Hi! Sounds like Cleopatra is doing very well this soon after surgery! I would ask the vet if you can mix the gabapentin into a little canned dog food. While Cleopatra is recovering, you may wish to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm We look forward to hearing how Cleopatra does in the coming weeks. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 21, 2013 16:17:53 GMT -7
Hi all! Just a quick update on Cleopatra, she is still doing well, she even seems to like her crate which is quite a surprise. She walks with the sling to go potty 3 times a day, and while she still cannot stand on her own she has started to flip her back feet in the right direction when in the sling. Starting tomorrow, I actually have to dog sit a corgi at his house, so I am moving Cleo, her crate and her brother Augustus to a new location where we will all live for 5 days. Should be fun!
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Post by Michelle on May 21, 2013 17:35:29 GMT -7
Glad to hear Cleo is doing good. Lucy is about the same as Cleo and her surgery was april 27th. We start hydro therapy Friday - exciting!!
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 21, 2013 18:12:06 GMT -7
That is exciting, I can't wait to hear how hydrotherapy goes for you, it was recommended for us too after the sutures are removed. Where is Lucy going to go for hydrotherapy?
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Post by Michelle on May 21, 2013 18:27:13 GMT -7
I live in the aspen area and there is only one place but we have been going there for laser therapy, electrical stimulation and acupuncture. I like this place. I think it has all helped. It seems like after her treatments she does something new. This week she scratched behind her ear!!!
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 1, 2013 10:40:38 GMT -7
Hi all! Just an update on Cleo's progress, she is now almost 3 weeks out from surgery and she is doing great! It is a challenge to keep her entertained while she is confined, but she absolutely loves the stroller we got her. Cleo and I just returned from a 40 minute walk in the sunshine (me walking, Cleo riding) and now she is napping. She has started 5 minute walks a day with her sling, and she can actually walk on her own but she is very wobbly. My husband says she looks like a raccoon when she walks.
I have a question that maybe someone can help me with. I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with Cleo 24 hours a day because I make my living selling things on Ebay. This has been my job for many years now. I have been thinking recently about how lucky we were to be able to pay for Cleo's surgery, even though it cost us pretty much everything we had. I would like to donate a small percentage of my personal Ebay sales to an organization that could help other people pay for their IVDD surgeries. I looked on The ebay giving works list of charities, and there are quite a few dachshund rescue charities. Should I do daschund Resue of North America? It's not like this will be a lot of money, because mostly I sell things for clients and I can't donate their money, but I also buy and sell things quite a bit and I would love to do some charitable giving that way. Any suggestions would be appreciated!r
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Post by natureluva on Jun 2, 2013 7:41:03 GMT -7
Hi Stevie! What a wonderful update on Cleopatra. Isn't it amazing how much mental stimulation dogs get out of stroller rides? My dog's surgery was almost five years ago, and I still use my pet stroller today! They are SO helpful during and after IVDD treatment.
Great news that Cleopatra is walking! Ask your vet if you should increase the sling walking so that she can start regaining any muscle tone that was lost. Are you considering water treadmill at all?
Regarding your idea to donate toward IVDD surgeries - my goodness - it is a wonderful gesture!! So many people cannot afford to get their IVDD dogs surgery. Thankfully they can also try conservative treatment, but in some cases where pain cannot be controlled, surgery is necessary. I have advised the Dodger's List owner and lead moderator about your idea, and I'm sure they will get back to you with suggestions.
You're doing a great job with Cleopatra! We look forward to your next update. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 2, 2013 16:36:44 GMT -7
Thank you Lisa, any suggestions about donating would be great. The doctor said that after the stitches came out, Cleo could have a 5 minute sling walk a day during the first week, with 5 additional minutes added each week until we reach 30. So, tomorrow we start 10 minutes a day.
As for hydrotherapy, I would love to take Cleo to a place with an underwater treadmill, but the surgery kind of took all of our additional funds for the moment. So, I have read about doing water therapy in the bathtub ad I have watched a bunch of videos about it, and we are starting next week. I found a good life vest for Cleo used on Ebay, and it should be here by Wednesday.
I also dog sit for a friend who rescues Corgis, and she had one who passed away last year that was paralyzed. I stay at her house with her Corgis when she goes out of town, and she has a huge bathtub that was actually professionally rigged with a hook from the ceiling that attaches to a doggie life vest for physical therapy. So if Cleo likes walking in our tub, I am going to go to her house so that we can do therapy in her tub, which is the size of a small pool!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jun 2, 2013 19:56:36 GMT -7
Hi Stevie, How nice of you to want to donate some of your profit to help dogs who need surgery. I have been thinking about it today. I don't know of any organizations that specifically help people pay for surgeries. A rescue would be paying for surgeries on a dog they rescue then finding them a new home. I do believe DRNA does do surgeries as many other rescues do. I'm sure DRNA would appreciate any amount you could donate. Just be sure you specify that you want the money used for surgeries.
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 3, 2013 18:48:12 GMT -7
Ugh, Cleo has been doing SO well and then this afternoon she acts like she is hurting. We did our first 10 minute walk today, and now she is hunched up against the wall of her playpen and she squeals if I touch her. Before the surgery, Cleo always had a very low tolerance for pain, so if even a hair was being pulled by something she would scream, so I used to take it with a grain of salt. Now, I am worried about everything.
She has been sitting with her legs underneath her since right after her surgery, and now she has then stuck out to the side. I hope she just overdid it because she has been feeling so good lately. I hate knowing she is uncomfortable and not knowing what to do about it! Her next dose of Gabapentin is not until midnight.
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 3, 2013 20:46:15 GMT -7
OK, I just called her surgeon, Dr, Lane at VRCC in Denver, and a vet tech called me back to say that the doctor just thinks Cleo overdid things today. She said to keep Cleo quiet and give her the night off. She also said I can give her more pain meds if I have them, and I do have some that they gave me before the surgery when we were going to take the conservative approach. So, I will be keeping my fingers crossed that she feels better soon!
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 3, 2013 20:47:20 GMT -7
Stevie,
Sorry to hear Cleo is in pain once again. I would call the surgeons office and tell them she is having a relaspe and is in a lot of pain and tell them she needs to be seen right now.. If they can't see her, take her to the ER vet in your area to get instructions on what to do next.. They can give her something for pain that will help her right away..
Oh I see we were writing at the same time.. Glad to hear you have spoken with her surgeon and have her on additional pain meds and some time off to rest.. I hope after some rest and pain medication that she feels better tomorrow.
Go back to only walking her as few a steps as possible to get her business done and then back in the crate until she is back to feeling better. Later on after she has recovered and has been cleared to increase her walking by the Vet, increase each of the 3 or 4 walks per day, by only a minute or two each.. When she works back up to 5 extra minutes per day, divide those 5 minutes between all the walks and gradually work up to the 10 minutes divided by the 4 walks. This ways she is working up to it slowly and doesn't over do it. That is how our Vet told us to do it with our Tyler that also had surgery and he seemed to do well with that..
Prayers for dear Cleo and comfort being sent to you over the miles..Please let us know how she feels tomorrow..
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Post by Michelle on Jun 4, 2013 6:09:37 GMT -7
So sorry to hear about Cleo's episode. How is she today?? I hope much better!!!
By the way - Dr.Lane at VRCC did Lucy's surgery also.
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 4, 2013 8:21:12 GMT -7
Well, I have what I think is good news this morning, Cleo does hurt but it appears to have nothing to do with her surgery. When I pick her up, she squeals when my hand touches her chest, but her back legs and her back seem to be just fine. In fact, when my husband was talking to her in her playpen last night, she stood up and took about 3 steps by herself, no problem. She has stood up on her own before but never walked without the help of the sling.
I think maybe she is bruised, perhaps from the metal connector on the front of her harness. She is eating and drinking normally, and is enthusiastic about going outside, but if you touch the front of her chest she freaks out. She seems less sensitive this morning than she was last night. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Is it possible that this is pain unrelated to the surgery?
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Post by natureluva on Jun 4, 2013 13:53:23 GMT -7
Hmmm...glad she seems ok. Can you glue a bit of felt over the metal piece on the harness? If not, I've had great success with Puppia harnesses. ~Lisa
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 4, 2013 15:06:47 GMT -7
Thank you for the suggestion Lisa, for right now I am just leaving off the harness and seeing if it gets better, I think it already is. And to Michelle, we have been very happy with Dr. Lane, I am so glad he did Lucy too!
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 5, 2013 9:58:57 GMT -7
Well, Miss Drama Queen is absolutely fine! It must have been a bruise because yesterday she squeeled less when I picked her up, and today she is completely over it. She had her first bath tub therapy session this morning, and it went great. She seemed a little confused as to why she was in the tub and not having a regular bath, but she walked back and forth and I did several sets of bicycles with her legs.
I have been walking my male daschund, Auggie separately from Cleo and last night, I walked her first on her sling and then put her back in her playpen. Then, I walked Auggie and when we came back I saw the most amazing sight. I had accidentally left the door to Cleo's playpen slightly ajar and Cleo had walked right out and was standing by the front door waiting for us. Luckily, the playpen is on the floor about 6 feet away from the front door so she didn't go far. But even though it was a stupid mistake I was elated, she looked precisely like her old self, looking out and wagging her tail.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 5, 2013 15:07:30 GMT -7
Wow, what a great update on Cleo, the Drama Queen, lol!
Glad to hear she's feeling well. Water therapy is excellent (and if you have a pool, put a life vest on her and let her swim after a toy or treat, with you beside her in the pool).
Please let us know how she does in the coming weeks. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 15, 2013 0:09:46 GMT -7
As of today Cleo is off all medication and she is flourishing. June 24th is her official graduation date and our house is slowly transforming to meet her needs. Both dogs are now confined to the living room, which is the biggest room in our very small house. There are baby gates on the other doors, and today my project is to move both of the couches to the middle of the room away from the windows. We have a ramp to the couch and I am buying large pillows to block off any other access points. The only other thing I need to figure out this week is where to get (affordable) rugs to cover my hardwood floors. Cleo seems to love sleeping in her playpen, now I just have to figure out how to get back to sleeping in my bed with my husband instead of in the couch next to the playpen!
I bought a kiddie pool and Cleo has been swimming in it a few times a week. She keeps getting stronger and more energetic. I do have a question; when do we stop walking with the sling? I am not putting any pressure on it anymore since she can walk totally on her own, but I keep using it because she sometimes loses her balance. Should I let her walk on her own with just the harness? We are up to 15 minutes of walking a day.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 15, 2013 6:57:51 GMT -7
Hi! Sounds like Cleo is doing SO well! I would start walking her in a harness without the sling on soft grass, so that if she loses balance, she won't be harmed. If she loses balance too frequently, then I would go back to the sling until she is stronger. You certainly don't want her to be falling over more than she walks. How often would you say she loses balance? I suppose I would use that information to make your decision on whether to lose the sling.
I do hope you will be able to walk Auggie and Cleo together again soon. :-) We look forward to your next update. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 19, 2013 12:09:36 GMT -7
We are on a countdown to freedom for Cleo, 5 more days!
Our family had another crisis last week so now we have another recovering dog. On Friday, Auggie (our male who is about 10 years old) rushed out our front door when he saw a neighbor walking a yellow lab. I thought the storm door was latched but apparently it wasn't, or he jiggled it loose. In any case he rushed straight for the other dog while barking, and the lab picked him up by the neck and started shaking him. My husband and I were were right behind Auggie, and the man who owned the lab was freaking out because his dog would not put Auggie down. My husband had the presence of mind to put his thumb behind the lab's jaw, causing him to release Auggie. I was sure our boy was dead or dying, because he looked paralyzed and was bleeding. Well, we brought him in the house and set him down and he got up and skipped around like nothing was wrong.
After another emergency vet trip, it turns out Augustus has 4 large holes in his neck from the other dog's canines. They are not deep thank heavens, and I have to clean them twice a day and give him an antibiotic and an anti-inflamatory. He is currently resting beside me. The vet actually said she could not believe Auggie did not have any back problems as a result of being picked up off the ground and vigorously shaken.
We are so grateful to have a house full of recovering Dachshunds and I can't wait until things get back to normal!
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