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Post by danielw90 on May 29, 2013 17:56:41 GMT -7
Hello! I am so happy I have found this website! I have been reading a lot of everyone's stories and they are very encouraging! On Sunday May 26th I came home around 5pm to my 4 year old miniature dachshund Chloie, acting very weird. She was pacing around, wasn't excited to see us, and made several attempts to get on the couch that weren't successful. We took her outside and she sat in the grass and didn't do anything. We brought her back inside and then decided to take her to the Emergency vet clinic. Brought her in, the vet evaluated her and said that maybe she had torn a muscle. She gave her an anti-inflammatory and sent us on our way. I laid her down in the front seat. I got home and carried her to the front door. I sat her down gently to find the house keys. I noticed her fall over to the side, her legs sent crisscross. I panicked and rushed her back to the vet. She told us that Chloie had ruptured or slipped a disk in her lower back. She lost feeling in her hind legs and lost deep pain sensation. The vet made some phone calls to try and find a surgeon in our area (Beaumont, TX) but didn't have any luck. We decided to keep her there for the night so that they could monitor her every so often. We woke up on Memorial Day to call saying they had found a surgeon in our area. We brought her in around 10am. They told us that Chloie had a 25% chance of regaining feeling and use of her back legs. We decided to go with the surgery anyway. After the surgery was over the vet called and said that it was the most disk tissue he had ever removed, but that he was able to remove it all. She will be there for a week. We will get her back Monday June 3rd. We were then told she had to be on crate rest for 3 months. No exceptions. I know a lot of people have experienced this. Is there any hope for her regaining feeling and use of her legs even though she has lost all deep pain sensation? She is 4 years old and in great shape. We were able to get her surgery within 24 hours. We are staying positive!!
thanks everyone
Daniel
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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 18:09:01 GMT -7
Daniel, welcome to Dodgerlist. There is always hope as nerves can be very slow to heal… think in terms of months even close to a year for some dogs. In the meantime while nerve healing continues, Chloie can enjoy life after post op crate rest. Crate rest after surgery is usually for 6 weeks and on occassion for 8 weeks if it was a particularly difficult surgery. I have not heard of 12 weeks… you will have to ask what the extenuating circumstances were that makes for the longer time. While waiting for her to return home, this is your chance to do your homework so you can give good care, understand that Chloie has a progressive disease but it can be lived with. You will want to get her recovery suite set up and start making a list of questions for discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm [the phases of healing] www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm [tips and ideas for setting up the recovery suite] www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm [getting a list of discharge day questions started] www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm [Answers about post op surgery] |
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Post by danielw90 on May 29, 2013 18:18:59 GMT -7
Thank you Paula. I will update when we bring her home.
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Post by danielw90 on May 30, 2013 15:57:26 GMT -7
i'm hoping for some more feedback from any of you!
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 30, 2013 18:54:16 GMT -7
I wish I had video of my Polly running and playing to show you. She had surgery in January, and has recovered well. I really didn't expect to see her run again, though. She will probably never be 100%, but we're very happy with how far she has come.
IVDD is such a scary disease. Spend these weeks of crate rest reading, and educating yourself. It will serve you well. This site is full of good information. I find that the more I know and understand, the less fearful I am. I also feel much more competent in talking with the vets now. You need to become an advocate for your dog. Gone are the days of blindly following the vets instructions.
Keep us posted on your progress.
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Post by danielw90 on May 30, 2013 20:30:04 GMT -7
Thank you for your reply! This website has been so encouraging to me. It's made me so much more hopeful! We get her back on Monday so I will give an update then. Did Polly experience the same thing? Complete loss of feeling and deep pain sensation??
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Post by Pauliana on May 30, 2013 21:38:36 GMT -7
Hi Daniel, Looking forward to your updates about Chloie as she recovers from her surgery and her homecoming on Monday. My Tyler lost the use of his back legs on January 28th, had surgery that day and then post op crate rest for 6 weeks. He recovered better than I even imagined he could. His success story is in the link on my signature line.. Also to give you hope please read the success stories on this link.. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmHealing wishes over the miles.. |
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Post by Michelle on Jun 3, 2013 6:10:12 GMT -7
Daniel, my name is michelle. i have been readying your post. i wonder if you came across "Matt's Tau" story in the updates section. I know "good" stories are so helpful!!!
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Post by natureluva on Jun 3, 2013 9:22:30 GMT -7
Hi Daniel, is today the big day that Chloie comes home? Be sure to remember to bring the list of discharge questions Paula posted above. We follow what the most knowledgeable Board Certified surgeons recommend for IVDD post-op care, and that is 6 weeks of crate rest. The dog is allowed out for potty breaks and for whatever physical therapy is prescribed. Please let us know what PT is prescribed for Chloie and what meds (and dosages and frequency of dosing) she is discharged with. Here are two links to help you with crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm If she does not have bladder control, be sure to get a HANDS ON demo from the vet on how to express the bladder for her. You will need to express 4 to 6 times per day until control returns. Don't panic. It is easy but takes practice. Watch our expressing video beforehand: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm My dog had a stage 5 disc rupture (the worst there is) and had no DPS or bladder control going in or coming out of surgery. It took him 11 months to walk again. You can read the progress of his recovery by clicking on the link under my signature line. The point is - try to be patient while Chloie recovers. Each dog recovers 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. While Chloie is on crate rest, you may wish to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm Here is how to pick up an IVDD dog (support both front and rear and keep the spine aligned): youtube.googleapis.com/v/kyD2IW5m0qY Acupuncture and laser light therapy 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. 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 best way for you to help Chloie is by learning about her 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 We look forward to hearing about Chloie's homecoming! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 3, 2013 14:24:30 GMT -7
Hey there everyone! Thank you for all of the replies!
We picked Chloie up from the vet a couple of hours ago- He showed us how to express the bladder and the bowl. It was difficult for me at first, I wasn't aware I had to press as hard. It will probably take me a couple of trys to get it perfect. We were told to express 3-4, but I see on here it is reccommended up to 6? - The only medications that she is on at the moment is Prednisone- we were told to give her that once every other day, and then an anti-diarrhea. She was so happy to be home! She was happy crying in the car on the way back. We have gotten her crate all set up for her, blankets and all that. We ordered her a therapeutic like bed that should arrive in a couple of days that we will put in the crate. The vet told us that in a couple of days we need to start water therapy. He wants us to put her in the bath tub, fill it up a little bit, and help her paddle while moving her back legs. He also wants us to bring her in weekly for a check up. So far still no movement in the back or feeling- but i'ts only been a week since the surgery! I am going to be positive! There have been so many success stories on here that have BLOWN my mind! I know Chloie can be in that 25% that will regain feeling!
Michelle- Hey there! No I haven't read that story, but I definitely will later this evening.
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Post by Scott Squared on Jun 3, 2013 16:07:18 GMT -7
Happy homecoming! =)
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Post by Mom to Duchess on Jun 3, 2013 18:08:00 GMT -7
I was so happy when my Duchess was able to come home. She is nearing the one month (this Wednesday) since her surgery for a ruptured disc. I am keeping positive thoughts that she will walk again. It is very reassuring to read the success stories on this website. It keeps me from thinking that all of her milestones will happen quickly, as all of these success stories prove that healing for every dog is different. So glad that your Chloe is home with you. I believe having them at home promotes their healing.
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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 21:11:11 GMT -7
Chloie I'm sure is as happy as you are to be home again! Expressing is a new skill, so do not be hesitant to express in your local vet's office and have the vet tech check your work. If she stays dry, then you are expressing often enough plus fully voiding the bladder at each session. As long as she is on prednisone and drinking more water you will likely need to express every 2-3 hours and you are just learning as well. Once off of pred expressing can easily go to every 4-6 hours even up to 8 hours. Watch for a tail that can wag when you do some happy talk or when she sees you enter the room. At that point then give the sniff and pee test periodically. 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. What is the name of the anti-diarreah? Usually the water therapy does not start until the staples are out to avoid infecting that area. Is that what your surgeon meant? More info on home water therapy: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmAre you also doing any of this post op at home range of motion and massage as per your surgeon?: |
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 4, 2013 11:30:37 GMT -7
I don't know the name of the anti-dirreah off hand. I will get back to you on that. For the PT he wants us to start doing water therpay with her in a couple of days. He wants us to fill up the tub place her in it and move her back legs in a rotation. He wants us to do that three times a week. I am still having some trouble with expressing her bladder. I sat there with her for about 30 minutes last night trying to do it- I would wait about 30 seconds after each attempt. I finally got it randomly. I guess its going to take practice and patience. Thank you scott!! Thank you Mom to Dutchess! Thank you for your help Pauliana  |
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 5, 2013 13:51:10 GMT -7
Question for everyone! I've been reading that a lot of people on this site have given their dogs Vitamin C?? Where do I purchase this for dogs at?? Went to PetSmart today and didn't see any vitamin C tablets. Also, how does it help the dog?? Thanks
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jun 5, 2013 14:17:20 GMT -7
Hi Daniel, Expressing does take some practice. If you are not sure, go back to the vet and have them check to be sure you are getting it all. Dodgers has a real good article on supplements. I think this will answer your question www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Supplements.htm |
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 6, 2013 14:27:11 GMT -7
Thanks Linda!
Paula- For some reason I just now noticed the video you posted in your previous comment. The surgeon did not tell us anything about at home range of motion or massage? Should I start that immidiately?
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 7, 2013 21:11:50 GMT -7
I would ask your Vet/surgeon about doing the range of motion and massage and if he ok's it, I would start right away..
Keeping you and Chloie in my thoughts and prayers..
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 13, 2013 10:19:33 GMT -7
Hey everyone! Chloie is doing well- she hates being in the crate, but I think for the most part she has gotten used to being in there. Some day's she cries, others she doesn't. So I have a question for everyone- The past two days, when I have taken her out to be expressed, I will massage her legs and her back area, I don't know if its just reflexes or what, but her one leg will jerk back when I mess with the toes.....It has never done this before.. Along with her tail, her tail will move around, almost like it's trying to wag. Could she be slowly regaining feeling/movement?? Or is this normal???
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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 13, 2013 10:40:31 GMT -7
The neuro function you want to observe for is head level involvement with a movement. Such as happy talk makes the brain send a message to wag the tail. Seeing a treat makes the brain send a message to the tail. Leg and tail movements at pottytime and tickling feet are most likely reflex movement. Those reflex movement should be part of the daily exercise program as they make the muscle fire. Are you doing those exercises from this page as well as the other ones mentioned? : www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmToe Pinch: This exercise stimulates a reflex and is not representative of motor function. It will stimulate the nerves as well as the muscles. Apply a firm pinch to the webbing between each toe. It should not cause pain; you should feel the leg stiffen up a bit and then pull away from you towards the body. Repeat up to 5 times between each toe and then repeat on the opposite leg. Tickles: Stimulation is an important factor of nerve reconnection. Tickle between the toes and the foot pads of the paralyzed or weakened limbs to activate the kick reflex for up to 1 minute. |
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 25, 2013 14:52:02 GMT -7
Took Chloie to the vet this past Monday. We are still having no leg movement with her. However, when we take her out of the crate, her tail wags. When we do happy talk to her, her tail wags sometimes, but not all of the time. It's strange. Vet said to start taking her out of the crate more often and stand her up a couple of times a day.
I also forgot to mention that she has peed on her own several times when we take her out of the crate and place her on her side to express her.
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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 Jun 26, 2013 8:06:52 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen and I am just catching up with this thread. That is awesome news about the tail wagging and peeing! Love it when you see neuro function starting to return Keeping you in thought and prayer |
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Post by danielw90 on Jun 26, 2013 8:28:33 GMT -7
Thank you for the support Maureen! Hopefully it will continue and we sill get some function in her back legs! |
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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 27, 2013 18:50:09 GMT -7
That wonderful tail wag is an indication that nerves are repairing!!!! Next will be bladder control to return. 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 with the sniff and pee test.
No matter how many time we hear of neuro functions returning we still get very excited with the news. Check out his article so you can be observant for the order of nerve repair.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 30, 2013 12:04:14 GMT -7
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Post by danielw90 on Aug 5, 2013 13:30:09 GMT -7
Update on Chloie. Chloie is still on crate rest- she has not regained any deep pain sensation in her legs or any movement in her legs whatsoever. Her last check up with the surgeon was about 2 weeks ago, he told us we could keep her on crate rest for about another month to see what happens, but we were told it is not likely she will regain movement. However, her tail wags..So its very strange. Any one have any good wheelchair recommendations?? We have started to look at carts/wheel chairs online. Thanks in advance. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 5, 2013 17:15:08 GMT -7
Chloe has finished crate rest…the purpose was to let the disc, the surgical incisions heal…that has happened. Crate rest is not going to heal nerves nor strengthen muscles. It is time to get Chloie out her crate and start enjoying normal life again!!! Are you doing acupuncture or laser light therapy to stimulate nerve regeneration? Do you still see her wag her tail due to being happy to see you or to get a treat? Has any bladder control returned evidenced by the sniff and pee test? That is 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. Let us know what you observe. You will need to start her on a gradual reintroduction back to physical activity, scooting around the house, some garment protection, and a schedule are all addressed in this article, wheelchair features to consider for an IVDD dog. All this information is in the far right column under "After crate rest then what?" www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm#afterrestLook forward to hearing back how you are implementing after crate rest. |
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