Myrna's Lucy 5/28 surgery

Myrna, the surgeon can't know at this point about the prognosis for walking…. and our dogs just don't get those negative vet memos about walking… and they end up surprising everyone. So shut out any negativity as Lucy needs you at the top of your game with happy, cheerful thoughts because there is no doubt Lucy will be back and enjoying a happy life after crate rest.

There is not anything the hospital will be doing that you can't do much better at home. Many surgeons know this fact and when they see a dog not eating at the hospital they might even send them home a bit early. Right now what Lucy needs is to feel comfortable with proper pain meds for at home IF she is still feeling some post op pain. She needs you to know how to express her bladder. And she needs your love and positive thought to help her heal in her recovery suit. Let us know when you have her back at home.

Hi Myrna,

Did they give you an idea of when you will be able to bring Lucy home? I hope it's very soon. So glad you saw her leg move. See? There is hope! 

When she comes home let us know what medications, the dosages and the times given and let us know how your expression lesson went.

Fingers crossed she is home with you ASAP. They do heal better at home..

Myrna, kudos to you on advocating to get Lucy home where you can care for her. Unless you can tell us she has some complication or they just can't get her pain under control with oral pain meds, then there is no reason to feel guilty. Dogs go home all the time while nerves continue to heal to bring back bladder control. There is no doubt you will do just fine in caring for Lucy.

Make sure she has had something to drink an hour before you get there so you'll have something to practic on with the expressing lesson. Jot down your questions so you get everything answered in the excitement of picking her up tomorrow. This list will help you get started: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm

Myrna, be sure to get a HANDS-ON demonstration from the vet on how to express Lucy's bladder. Watch our video beforehand here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

Try not to be afraid of learning to express. It is easy but does take practice. You should express her bladder for her 4 to 6 times per day until control returns.

Usually, when neurological functions return after a disc injury, they return in this order:

1. Deep pain sensation
2. Tail wagging ability
3. Bladder control
4. Leg movement

So watch for these neurological functions in the coming weeks and months. Acupuncture can help bring bladder control back more quickly - it did for my dog. I know your funds are limited but thought I'd mention it anyway. Each dog recovers at a different rate and to a different degree. Some dogs stand up a week after surgery, and others, like my dog, Goosie (read his Success Story by clicking on the link below my signature) require a much longer time. It took Goosie 11 months to walk again after his surgery.

Please let us know the names and dosages of the meds she is discharged with, along with what physical therapy is recommended.

We look forward to hearing about Myrna's homecoming! Best wishes, ~Lisa

Hi Myrna, glad to hear that Lucy is home! I bet she is in better spirits now that she is with you. How are you doing with expressing her bladder 4 to 6 times per day? Did the vet give you a hands-on demonstration? That's great that she isn't in any pain! Best wishes, ~Lisa

I'm sorry you are so tired. It does indeed take a few days to get into the new routine but rest assured you will and this will soon become the new normal...just in time for Goosey to regain some functions and change up the routine on you. :-)

Bladder expressing can be tricky to learn. Don't be afraid to contact either the surgeon's office or your regular vet for another hands-on demonstration. Contact whichever is closest to you as even your regular vet and their staff should be competent at this skill. Having two or three actual hands-on demonstrations is usually necessary...where they have you do the expressing but with their hands guiding you to proper placement and pressure, etc.

Also, here is a link to bladder expressing you can refer to as a refresher, sometimes even just another approach to the description helps.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

Do you soak her kibble in equal part of the warmed broth? Since both tramadol and the meds she was on in the hospital can slow down movements in the digestive tube causing constipation, try some pumpkin.

Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potoato.

Have you seen her wag her tail when you do some happy talk? or when you enter the room?

Myrna, your sister just had to be there to appreciate what a wonderful new skill you just acquired…. being able to express for poop! Congratulations, girl!!!

Let us know the details on the tail movment… you know we are a group who LOVE the detail. Did the tail move because you did some happy talk to her? Tail movements during potty time often are due to reflexes rather than the brain sending a message.

Lucy is a little devil….she destroyed the playpen?! No need to be upset… we LOVE to hear about poop….it tells so much and learning to express for poop IS a big deal!

Myrna this is good news that she has deep pain. We've heard about the hyperbaric chamber but haven't had any real feedback on if it works for IVDD so anxious to hear what you think. Think you will see a difference with the water treadmill too. Its been great in getting these dogs walking again.

Good job!!!

Absolutely, he doesn't have a choice.

Hi, my name is Maureen. I am trying to get up to speed on surgery and post surgical treatments. Thank you for sharing so much valuable information and experiences.
ps- I cheered and laughed like a crazy woman in my backyard when Stevie pooped by herself for the first time

Hi Myrna, can you try to tempt Lucy to walk while in the water treadmill with a treat or a toy? Sometimes if you stand in front of her and coax her along, she might respond. Best wishes, ~Lisa

Tyler loves the Freeze dried beef treats by Halo.. I have his undivided attention when I have that package in my hands. LOL