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Post by Mary & Rodney on Oct 19, 2016 4:54:27 GMT -7
Rodney is having surgery [Oct 20th in Australia]. There is fluid leak in one of the dics.
I pray he comes out successfully and makes a full recovery. This is his second surgery in 4 years and as he was not yet paralysed the surgeon is hoping for a quicker recovery.
Thsnk you for your support through these weeks. I could not have coped without it.
I shall keep you posted
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 19, 2016 9:26:25 GMT -7
We'll be watching for your updates and sending best wishes for a successful surgery to remove all the offending disc pieces.
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Post by Mary & Rodney on Oct 19, 2016 23:02:57 GMT -7
Hi the damage was big and it was not where they were expecting to find it. It was in the thoracic disc and was severely compressing the spinal cord.
3 hours of surgery later , the surgeon said the cord sprung back and is still hoping for a full recovery.
He suggested I wait till tomorrow to visit as Rodney would be feeling very bad at the moment.
Hoping he is right.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 20, 2016 5:06:13 GMT -7
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Post by Mary & Rodney on Oct 20, 2016 23:57:06 GMT -7
Wonderful news. The surgeon said it was the biggest and worst disc rupture he had ever seen and he has been doing this operation at least twice a week for nearly 10 years.
He called Rodney the miracle dog as not even 24 hours after 3 hour surgery he was standing and walking. He said he deserves a medal.
So pleased with outcome
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2016 9:45:55 GMT -7
Angela, what a good path of nerve healing so quickly!
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Post by Mary & Rodney on Oct 22, 2016 23:06:21 GMT -7
Brought Rodney home today. They let him walk a few steps out to me. It was beautiful. He is back in his cage for the next 6 weeks.
I would love to post a short video of him as inspiration. Where do I do that please?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 23, 2016 6:24:34 GMT -7
So happy to hear about Rodney now being home with his loved ones once again, Angela. And doing so well.
Please let us know the names of all meds he's currently on, with the dosage in mgs and frequency given. Is his pain completely under control with no sign of pain arising from one dose of meds to the next?
Did they give you any PT to do at this point? Sometimes when a dog can walk after surgery, the only PT prescribed will be to allow the dog to walk out to potty and then back into the crate to rest. Please let us know what the surgeon prescribed for PT, if any.
As for a video, first upload your video to YouTube. At the top of your browser when viewing your uploaded video you will see a "share" button below the video window. Pressing it will expand to reveal the URL (it starts with <http...> you can paste into a Forum post. If you have any questions, let us know. Looking forward to seeing it!
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Post by Mary & Rodney on Nov 3, 2016 19:45:37 GMT -7
Hi
We went for our 2 weeks checkup today and the specialist is amazed, calling him Rodney the wonder dog.
I too am amazed at the difference to last time, where he couldn't walk for nearly 6 weeks.
Thank you again for your support, I couldn't have done it without you.
He is still on crate rest for another 3 weeks to ensure he does minimal walking. He doesn't like it and has cage fever but I keep telling him I have to be cruel to be kind.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 4, 2016 9:12:09 GMT -7
Angela, good to hear how nicely Rodney is recovering neuro abilities. So now the surgeon is wanting 5 weeks of crate rest?
Dr. Becker, DVM, explains "During your dog's mandated rest time for recovery, her movements will be restricted, but her mind will still need stimulation. Teaching her tricks and games appropriate for her temporary physical restrictions will help relieve boredom.
Horwitz suggests training your dog to "shake" with one paw and then the other. You can also teach her to do a chin rest or to touch your hand with her nose on command.
You might also want to use clicker training to help your pet learn to follow quiet commands during her recovery period. Additional ideas for [SURGICAL] crate rest activities can be found in this video:"
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Post by Mary & Rodney on Nov 7, 2016 4:25:25 GMT -7
After 3 weeks of being his usual self, today he is very quiet and lethargic.
Is it something that can happen, or is he just having one of those days.
No other symptoms. I think I'm getting paranoid about him and stressing too much.
It is very warm here today 35C [95°F]
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 7, 2016 5:08:52 GMT -7
It could be the heat, Angela. Try placing a fan near his crate but not directly on him to help cool him if he's too hot or give him some ice cubes to lick. You know your dog best. Is he usually like this in the heat? Reluctance to move could possibly be a sign of pain but you'll usually see at least one other sign of pain, such as shivering, trembling, yelping, tensed up tummy.
Lethargy could be caused by meds but usually there wouldn't be any meds three weeks after surgery. Is Rodney still on any meds? If so, please let us know the names of each med, the exact dosage in mgs and frequency given.
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