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Post by Mom to Duchess on May 29, 2013 17:11:58 GMT -7
Hi. My name is Paula and I am Duchess's mom. i received a call from my daughter around 1:00 p.m., in the afternoon on May 8, while I was at work that my little mini doxie had taken a few steps toward her, then wobbled over in a sitting position. I called the vet and made an appt. for the following day for an exam. By the time I arrived at home Duchess had no feeling in her hind quarters and could not walk or stand on her own. After trying to contact the vet after hours, i made the decision to take her to an emergency vet near by. After examining her, the emergency vet told me that she had most likely ruptured a disk. We initially opted for medication and hyperbaric therapy, but after talking to the surgeon the following morning, decided to go with surgery, and it was performed that afternoon. Duchess came home on May 11 and has been on complete crate rest since then. I only take her out to express her, wash her, or for vet visits and therapy twice a week. She still has no DPS or bladder control. She is starting to wag her tail, although this only happens when I have her out and supporting her in a standing position. She tenses up when trying to express her bladder,which makes if extremely hard and very frustrating. She now has a bladder infection, so the vet has prescribed her 25 mg of Zeniquin once a day. I've tried 3 times to express her since 4 p.m., today, with no luck, although she seems to be leaking when in her crate. I would love any suggestions on expressing her bladder. I know patience is the key, and it seemed like I had gotten the hang of it, until a few days ago.
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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 29, 2013 17:58:06 GMT -7
Paula welcome to Dodgerslist. If Duchess can now wag her tail because she is happy…if you do some happy talk to her then the next neuro function to return would be bladder control. As control returns a dog may not like you expressing them. How about giving her the sniff and pee test. The only way for us humans to know if there is bladder control is with the sniff and pee test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then released. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. You should do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. Let us know what you observe. Outdoors my Clark tenses up too much with smelling and watching things going on in the neighborhood., so I find it much easier to express indoors. You can express in the shower stall or on a pee pad. You will find lots of good information on our main website on nerve healing www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm |
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Post by Pauliana on May 29, 2013 18:25:14 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Paula! Please let your Duchess know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmCrate rest 24/7 for 6 weeks for post op healing of her disc and spine and I am glad you started that as soon as she came home. What day was her actual surgery. so I can correct your subject heading.. In order to have a clearer picture of what's going on with Duchess, what medications except for the Zeniquin was she sent home with, along with the dosages and frequencies given?
Since she has a UTI, and it is painful to pee during an infection, that may be why she is resisting her expressing. How long has she been on Zeniquin? Let the Vet know of the tensing during expressing and not letting you express and about the leaking. They may request another urine sample to determine whether this antibiotic is doing the job..or if another one may be needed..
So wonderful to see a tail wag, isn't it? That is a sign that some nerve healing has already taken place.. You may take her outside to her regular potty place and try the sniff and pee test and see if she can urinate.. Sometimes they fight expressing also when they are getting bladder control back..
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Post by Mom to Duchess on May 30, 2013 2:35:00 GMT -7
Duchess had her surgery on the afternoon of May 8, and was released to come home on Saturday, May 11. She was sent home on Prednisone, Tramadol, Diazepam and Phenoxabenzamine??. she has completed taking all of her meds, except the Diazepam. At her last therapy visit (Tuesday, May 28) I expressed concern, because I hadn't been successful in expressing her bladder for 2 days. We were able to express a little bit, but didn't have a full release, like we were experiencing before. They ran a urinalysis on Duch and found that she had a bladder infection and prescribed 25 mg of Zeniquin once a day. Finally, this morning at 4 a.m., I was able to successfully express her bladder with a significant amount of urine released. The doctor told me that she is harder to express than most dogs, as she tends to tense up during the expressing process. I have to admit the tail wagging made me burst into tears of happiness. One thing we have learned is that Duch does not like "doggy jail." She is very vocal about it, if no one is in the room with her. Thank you all so much for your words of wisdom. I have read most posts and updates on the fur babies progress on this site, as this gives me hope that my baby girl has a fighting chance at a full recovery.
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 3, 2013 17:41:48 GMT -7
This Wednesday will be one month since Duchess had her surgery for a ruptured disc. She is still wagging her tail and seems to whine when she needs to potty, although she still does not have bladder control. She is still going to therapy twice a week. Other than that and being taked out to be expressed, she is still kept in her crate. Still keeping hope that my baby recovers fully.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2013 20:59:02 GMT -7
The important thing in Duchess mind is to get back to enjoying life. As long as she is not in pain, she can do that while waiting on more nerve repair to take place.
Can she move her legs at all?
How are you doing with expressing now. Is she still on Diazepam and Phenoxabenzamine?
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 5, 2013 17:58:03 GMT -7
Duch got a great report from her vet/therapist yesterday. She has DPS now and has some motor control. I believe she is very close to regaining bladder control. She starts whining when she is ready to have her bladder expressed. I have not been able to take her out to do the sniff and pee test, because it's been raining for the last several days, off and on. She knows when she is having a bowel movement, also, as she is whining right before she has one, and I'm sure it's because she doesn't want to mess in her crate. She's moving her legs while on the water treadmill during therapy, but is not moving them when she is in her crate. She is still scooting on her behind. I do take her out of her crate to massage her back legs and hips, and snuggle with her on the floor. She loves that, and espcially loves the belly rubs (her favorite). Personality wise, she is back to herself. She is finished will all of her meds, with the exception of the Zeniquin for the bladder infection. I've been able to express her bladder successfully since she started on this med last Tuesday. Next therapy appt. is this Friday.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 5, 2013 21:19:16 GMT -7
Paula, what wonderful news!!!! I bet Duchess may have bladder control returning since she is starting to move her legs at water therapy. Do get an umbrella out and try the sniff and pee test or go under the eaves of the house…. let us know.
Keep the progress reports coming… sounds like good news will keep on coming!!!
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 8, 2013 5:46:29 GMT -7
We tried the sniff and pee test several times in the last few days, and so far, she hasn't been responsive to that. She's more into the smells and sounds outside and seems too distracted to pee. I will keep trying. I'm sure eventually it will happen. She is dry in the morning when I get up, so I know she is holding it in. I told the vet tech that yesterday morning when I took her in for her therapy session and she said she is most likely getting feeling back there. Wonderful news for me to here. She wagged her tail this morning while sitting down, which is a first. She's been wagging her tail for a few weeks now, but it's only been when I have her in a standing position. I got her out of her crate for our daily snuggle time and belly rub, which she loves. She's getting more active in her crate (she bounces on her front feet when she gets excited). We call it her seal imitation. We try to keep her calm, but Duch is pretty stubborn.
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jun 8, 2013 6:11:47 GMT -7
Just keep trying the sniff and pee. You could even express her outside in what was a favorite area if she seems distracted while out. Sometimes if I'm in a hurry I have to remind my dogs to potty to get them to ignore the squirrels and neighbors and whatever else and get their job done so disctractions are something to consider especially when she's used to being expressed and you are used to things happening on your timetable.
I have one that does that boucing thing too, hard to make them stop that. I've often withheld the thing that's making him jump...food, treats, opening the crate door when I get home, etc...until he settles down but he still does it from time to time. Limit it as best you can.
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 10, 2013 15:46:04 GMT -7
We are still trying the sniff and pee test, with no luck so far. I'm sure she will eventually catch on. She is being expressed outside, along with on the pee pads after dark. Duch only has 3 more scheduled therapy sessions left, so I'm going to discuss keeping her in therapy for awhile longer with her vet. We're trying to discourage her little seal imitation (bouncing up and down on her front paws), but it seems most anything will set her off. Even just walking into the room.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 11, 2013 9:49:39 GMT -7
How about drapping a blanket over the top of the crate and down to her eye level. This way if she bounces up she will not be able to see anything….so that and coming in low to the ground yourself as you approach the crate may help.
Can you teach her the command "lie down" to avert the bouncing thing.
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 12, 2013 14:52:04 GMT -7
I have covered most of her crate with a blanket to calm her down at night to sleep. I just hate having it on there all day while I'm at work. Today is the 5 week mark since surgery. I've decided to keep her on crate rest for 8 weeks, just to be sure she's had plenty of time to heal.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 12, 2013 18:42:40 GMT -7
Post-op dogs typically do 6 weeks of crate rest because the offending disc material has been removed. unless the surgeon saw something that makes him decide 8 weeks would be better. Did your surgeon specify 8 weeks?
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 14, 2013 16:45:58 GMT -7
The surgeon actually told me it was okay to let her out to move around on a tile floor, but my house has 3 different levels of floor. I decided to follow the guidelines posted on this website for crate rest. Her 6 weeks of crate rest will be finished on June 19. I am going out of town for a week, so to make it easier on my daughter to care for Duch, I've decided to keep her on crate rest at least until I return. We do get Duchess out and snuggle on the floor with her every night, just so she doesn't feel neglected or ignored by being left in the crate. She has two therapy sessions left, so I scheduled an additional 6 sessions after that. i feel that the she is benefiting from the therapy (acupuncture and hydrotherapy) sessons.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2013 18:40:09 GMT -7
OK, now I understand. If you will not be at home when crate rest is over to supervise her slow reintroduction back to physical activity, then it may be prudent to do an extra week of restriction for safety reasons. Hopefully your daughter will continue the night sessions and maybe a bit more of walking at potty times til you get back.
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 15, 2013 11:51:28 GMT -7
My daughter's been helping me ever since Duchess has been home. It's been such a blessing, because, as you know, it's like taking care of a newborn baby while they are crated, especially the first few weeks. I don't know how I would've been able to do it alone. Duchess is still very much like a puppy, even though she's 7 1/2 years old. She wants to be where the action is and where she can get the most attention from everyone. My boyfriend opened the door to her crate this afternoon, just to reach in and pet her, and she made a bee line for the kitchen. She knew I was finishing up lunch. She's still not able to walk, so she was dragging herself across the family room carpet. He spoils her rotten and she gets away with a lot when he's here. I really just think it would be in Duchess' best interest if she stayed crated until I return. This website is truly a blessing. When I get discouraged, because Duch is not progressing like I want her to, I read the success stories on here to remind myself that all babies are different and they all heal differently. Thank you so much for creating this website.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 16, 2013 19:51:50 GMT -7
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 24, 2013 8:17:03 GMT -7
Thank you so much for the links. I am back home and Duchess is doing well. Her 6 weeks of complete crate rest were up on last Wednesday, but we extended that time until I returned home. She is still in therapy twice a week. She is not walking, as of yet. I am in the process of preparing the house for her return to normal life.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 24, 2013 8:36:47 GMT -7
Hi, just wanted to ask, have you tried acupuncture and laser light therapy? They are excellent complementary treatments 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/ The fact that Duchess has leg movement and tail wagging ability are great signs that nerves are starting to be able to travel through the spinal cord. Some dogs stand up a week after surgery, and others, like my Goosie, require a much longer time. It took him 11 months to walk on his own again. Feel free to read through some of our Success Stories to get an idea of the various IVDD recoveries. Dogs with an "S" next to their names have had surgery. You can access my Goosie's story by clicking on the link below my signature. Please keep in touch and let us know how Duchess does. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 25, 2013 8:43:12 GMT -7
Hi, Lisa. yes, Duch is getting acupuncture treatments as part of her therapy (she has her next appt. this afternoon, actually). They initially scheduled her for 12 therapy sessions, but I have asked that they schedule an additional 6 sessions, because I know they help her. She is still not standing up on her own. That worries me a little, but I remind myself to be patient. She has graduated from complete crate rest. We still keep her in there at times, but she is out with us a lot, also, but under direct supervision. My house has several levels, but they are single steps into the kitchen (about 4 inches), and I don't want her trying to drag herself in there. I need to fix something to cover her, so that she doesn't get rug burns or sores from dragging herself on carpet. I saw through one of your links that someone altered a t=shirt for their puppy and that seemed to work well. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 25, 2013 10:48:37 GMT -7
Congratulations on the your graduate! There are several ideas for scooting garments to prevent rug burns at # 6 including the very clever no-sew Charlie' Bear's scoot shirt! www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/Graduate.jpg |
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 25, 2013 14:37:04 GMT -7
Duchess did very well at her therapy visit. Per her therapist she peed on her own. I was so happy to hear that. I haven't been able to get her to go on her own. She also told me that rather than spending a ton of money on a sling for Duch that I could just cut the sides off of a cloth grocery bag. I did this when I got home, and it works great. Only problem is - she takes off like a rocket and I end up running behind her to keep up. Will have to put a harness on her along with her leash, so that I have total control of her. The therapist was very positive on her progress and feels it won't be long before she is walking on her own. I stopped by my mom and dad's house on the way home, so that she could visit. She loves her papa and gets so excited when she gets to see him.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 25, 2013 14:47:05 GMT -7
What a wonderful update on Duchess!! So glad to hear she's doing well and got a good report from the therapist. Please let us know how she does in the future. You've got a positive attitude which is definitely a necessary virtue with IVDD.
Great idea about the cloth grocery bag! I will have to write that one down and share it with our moderator, Paula, in case she hasn't heard of that before. Thanks for sharing.
Good decision to get a longer course of acupuncture. I did the same thing with Goosie. After a few months, we started to spread out his appointments to once a month, then once every three months, then six months.
Can't wait to hear your next update! Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 25, 2013 15:33:15 GMT -7
I was laughing at Duch today. She absolutely loves to think she's going for a ride in the truck, but then gets nervous once we're moving down the road. She settles down after a little while, but the nerves kick in immediately when she sees we are at the vet's office. She acts like she's afraid of Traci, her therapist, when she comes to get her for her session. By they time Traci brings her back out to me they are best buds Everyone loves her there. She has the sweetest personality and just loves everyone. I'm so glad that going through all that she has had to go through has not broken her spirit or changed her personality in any way.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 25, 2013 15:40:12 GMT -7
She sounds like a complete angel...would love to see some PICTURES!! Hint, hint...lol ~Lisa
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 25, 2013 15:52:35 GMT -7
Lisa, I've tried a few times to get a picture of Duch on here, but have not had any luck. Will try again.
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 26, 2013 17:22:49 GMT -7
I've posted a picture of Duchess in the Recovery album. It isn't a very good picture (she hates having her picture taken), so it was the best I could do.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 26, 2013 17:50:45 GMT -7
Oooh!! I see Duchess! She looks so cute all snuggled up in her blankie. Thanks for sharing her picture. Hugs, -Lisa
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 27, 2013 5:16:13 GMT -7
Lisa - she loves to snuggle and burrow under blankets. Usually she's completely covered, unless I'm talking to her, and then she'll just poke her head out. Yep, she's my baby. Love her to pieces.
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