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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jun 15, 2013 8:05:13 GMT -7
My baby Oscar (Precious we call him often) is almost 1 week post op. It all started last Saturday June 8th. He kept looking at his back end and not being able to jump on the couch. At first he was walking but it was very wobbly. I didn't know what was going on at first. Then he legs went out...he was dragging them..then I knew...I knew something happened to his back. I have another dachshund whom is 15, I was always aware that this is common in Dachshunds, just honestly never thought it could happen to one of my boys. We then took him to the emergency vet. He was a candidate for surgery because he was still feeling deep pain. They did surgery on Sunday June 9th.
So far he seems to be doing well, he actually has some movement in is back legs and pees and poops all on his own. The Doctor told me he will walk again it will just take a lot time. 6mos - 1 year. I really don't worry about Oscar recovering I know he will..he is a strong boy. The only thing that worries me now is living in fear constantly. I worry this will happened again somewhere else in the back or even in the same spot. The Doctor can't tell me it won't happen again...but what are the chances that it won't?? I'm so scared once he gets off crate rest and back to his normal self that this will happen again.
Does anyone have any stories about their little ones doing well long after surgery??
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2013 8:27:38 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, we are glad you are here. My name is Paula what is yours? This is a disease that can be lived with. Some dogs have only one disc episode their entire lives while others can have multiple. So what we do is become educated on the disease in order to best protect them and then we let them live their lives within reason. Education also helps us to calm our own fears. There is a wealth of information available just for the time you wish to invest in learning. Do you have his recovery suite set up to help make the 6 weeks of crate rest go smoothly. Look at the pink colored box on the right www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmLiving with the fear of IVDD is a great article reprinted from a post on our facebook page from a Dodgerslist member about her Mia: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/410/living-fear-ivddAs for getting up to speed on this disease check out these two pages: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.htmlwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmWhat did your surgeon direct for crate rest and for PT? Is he on any medications at this point? |
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jun 15, 2013 11:52:48 GMT -7
Hello Paula my name is Danielle. Oscar's surgeon recommended a smaller crate because he is trying to drag himself everywhere and she told me to absolutely NOT let him drag himself anywhere it's a crucial part of his recovery. He is on tramadol, prozosin, prednisone, and famitidine. As far as PT, I've been doing that 3-4 times a day with him...bicycling and moving his joints, I will start water therapy after he gets his stitches out on the 19th. Thanks for the info on the literature I will def check it out. I hope he never goes through any major surgeries again...a year ago he had a eneculation due to an iris tumor that was causing glaucoma and before that he had stomach surgery to remove a bag he ate (don't know where he got it from) :/ He's a strong little guy though  I love him so much! I will do anything for him, I just worry so much!! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2013 20:52:20 GMT -7
Does his crate have only enough room to turn around and why lying down to fully stretch out his legs?
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jun 16, 2013 8:46:21 GMT -7
Yes, his crate does...I noticed I added a picture of my dog the other day...and someone photoshoped and eye on him...he only has one eye..and honestly he is more beautiful with one eye!! Who photoshoped my dog???!! I took it down and added the real pic.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 19, 2013 6:21:02 GMT -7
Hi Danielle. Oscar certainly is a beauty! I love his ears. :-) Dachshunds can make the cutest "ears," can't they? So expressive! It is great news that Oscar already has bladder control back and leg movement. Some dogs stand up a week after surgery, and other dogs, like my Goosie, require a much longer time. It took my Goosie 11 months after his surgery to walk again. So Oscar is doing wonderfully! Some dogs have only one IVDD episode during their lifetime, and others have more than one. Did your surgeon tell you how the rest of Oscar's spine looked? There are things we can do to help minimize the risk of a recurrence. While Oscar is on crate rest (which is usually 6 weeks for post-op dogs), check out our link on how to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm You may wish to get a consult with a holistic vet. Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary treatments for IVDD. They reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate the nerves to heal, and acupuncture induces a state of well-being. A holistic vet can also give you tips on a healthy diet for the IVDD dog. Be sure to feed a high-quality kibble and wet food. Here is a link to help you with that: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/ and here is a good article on nutrition: www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/8_7/features/15728-1.htmlMy holistic vet prescribed one sardine (packed in water only) per day for lunch for my Goosie to help reduce inflammation. You may wish to ask your holistic vet about that. Here is an article on supplements which you can also ask about: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Supplements.htm Feel free to read through some of our Success Stories (my dog's name is Goosie Sullivan) to get an idea of the different types of recoveries. Dogs that have had surgery have an "S" next to their name: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmHere is how to pick up and carry an IVDD dog. It is a good idea to have everyone in your household watch this: youtube.googleapis.com/v/kyD2IW5m0qY The best way for you to help Oscar is by learning about his 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 how Oscar does in the coming weeks and months! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jun 20, 2013 11:14:28 GMT -7
Oscar had his 10 day check up and his incision is healing great! I'm confused on when to start water therapy with him?? Should I wait until after all his 6 weeks of create rest is complete or can I start it now since his incision is healed?
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 20, 2013 11:52:28 GMT -7
Hi Danielle,
I would ask Oscar's surgeon about his recommendations for water therapy and when to start. I know some therapy can be started during post op crate rest such as short duration walks..Our vet started Tyler on 3 minute walks and we built up slowly as the weeks went on.. Glad Oscar is recovering nicely! Music to my ears!! : )
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jun 22, 2013 7:48:07 GMT -7
Does anyone know where I can find a scooting garment??
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jun 22, 2013 7:56:13 GMT -7
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jun 30, 2013 9:48:30 GMT -7
Well today is 3 weeks post-op!! 3 more weeks of crate rest to go!! Oscar is doing great!! He actually moves his back legs in walking motion when he is in sling! He still pees and poops great on his own and his mood is great!! He doesn't like being in the crate much, but he's managing.He is done all his meds, and I am weaning him off of his pain meds. He doesn't seem to need them anymore. He tries to run when he sees the stray cats outside lol He just wants to go!! I have been doing some PT with him at least twice a day, and after his crate rest I will start some water therapy with him. But I do believe he will walk again!! I think it will be much sooner than I think!! Thanks to Penn Vet and Dr. Wormser! |
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Post by Michelle on Jun 30, 2013 10:55:29 GMT -7
Oscars story is very close to my Lucy's. Lucy is now 9 weeks since surgery. She started walking about one week out of crate rest- so at about 7 weeks. She was wobbly at first but now is doing great. I think only me and her physical therapist know she is not walking normally. She will occasionally stumble but mostly on grass. I think the water therapy helped tremendously. She started water therapy right after her stitches came out. If that is an option for Oscar I think it may help him.
Hope Oscar continues improving!!!!
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jul 1, 2013 14:07:47 GMT -7
They told me I can start but I'm just scared, I don't want him to hurt himself again. I can't go through that again. I did buy him a life vest so it can help with floating. I really don't have to wait until crate rest is over, maybe I will start it slowly this weekend. Just once a week and then progress as he gets better and better, but I do think it will help him. He needs to build his strength back.
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Post by Mel & Coco on Jul 1, 2013 15:57:47 GMT -7
My Coco had surgery Dec '08...she was trying to walk in the sling within a few days post op...
I kept up the regimen that Dodgers list suggested...and she stayed crated for 6 weeks...not what the DR suggested...but what Dodger's list suggested!!! And all went well...she has ramps everywhere that she and the newer Chiweenie rescue use...Coco has a mild deficit on one rear leg, but not noticeable when she is running full speed!!!! So, don't ever give up hope...they are amazing animals....
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Post by Mel & Coco on Jul 1, 2013 16:03:46 GMT -7
With Coco, I tried the bathtub with a vest...she doesn't like water!! So, I did water therapy in my kitchen sink with the sprayer nozzle...warm water pulsing on the effected areas...that seemed to help..you have to see what works best for your own furbaby! Mel
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Post by Michelle on Jul 1, 2013 18:27:48 GMT -7
I know how you feel!!!! I was a little more than scared about the water therapy. I was fortunate and have an animal therapy clinic close by. Even with a professional I was scared!!! What can I say ... She is my baby and just went through the scariest experience of her and my life. I read a lot of experiences on this site and decided to go for it because of the positive feedback. I really feel it helped. I also did laser therapy and some acupuncture. She always seemed a little stronger the day after her treatments. That being said - you have to be comfortable with any treatment you do.
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Post by Mel & Coco on Jul 1, 2013 18:53:49 GMT -7
I couldn't afford more therapy other then home stuff...after paying for the surgery...and as an RN, felt I could manage it at home..it worked OK for me....but, not everyone would be comfortable doing that...it still was very overwhelming at the beginning...I would not have gotten thru it had I not found Dodger's list!!! They gave me all the tips and info I needed to bring my Coco home and get her well!!! Crate prep etc...fleece lining for the crate...sling walking help!! Help with constipation issues!!! Pumpkin!!! They covered it all!! Mel
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Post by Mel & Coco on Jul 1, 2013 19:08:13 GMT -7
Might I add...it says I'm a new member.....only because the site changed "faces".!! I started out here in Dec 2008!!! I was a basket case when I joined! Like most newbies!! My Coco's outcome was like a Cinderella story...all went well...her story was I think featured as the Dec 2009 story in the newsletter...she continues to do great!!! I am blessed!!
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Post by Mel & Coco on Jul 1, 2013 20:06:29 GMT -7
I'm a bit upset...I can not find my Coco's story of the month on this site...and I can't copy and paste it either....where did it go??? Was a Dec 2009 story of the month?? I don't like this new site and format!!! She was even featured in a Dodger's list calender!!! Mel
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 1, 2013 20:36:42 GMT -7
The link to Coco's Dec 2009 story is currently broken on our main Dodgerslist.com site in the success story section www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm. Thank you for reporting it. We will work on fixing the link and tell you when it is working again. I apologize for the inconvenience. UPDATE 7/4/2013: Coco's Story, the link is now working: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory/Dec09.htm |
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jul 3, 2013 17:55:49 GMT -7
So...I started Oscar's water therapy today...I bought him a life vest that fits perfectly! Since I have a large spa tub, I filled it up with him and I in it. Once the water got high and he started to paddle he freaked out. He almost flipped his front legs out the vest! I panicked and just took him out of the tub. I hope he didn't injure himself :/ How am I supposed to do this if he's so scared of water!?
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 3, 2013 19:10:16 GMT -7
Hi Danielle,
Since he was afraid, I would try him out in a regular bathtub with less water and get him used to it gradually. If water therapy doesn't work out, a different type of PT might be better for him..
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jul 27, 2013 6:55:15 GMT -7
Ok so! Oscar is walking!!! His crate rest is finished and doc said we can go back to living a relatively normal life! Of course no steps or jumping but he's doing soooo great!! I'm so happy!!! He's a little wobbly, but he can walk all on his own!! It will be 7 weeks post op tomorrow. Is there a way I can post a video of him walking?? |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 27, 2013 12:22:38 GMT -7
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Post by Danielle & Oscar on Jul 27, 2013 13:22:48 GMT -7
Thank you!! I feel so better now that he is walking...it was a long road, but so worth every penny!! Thanks for the links I will be sure to check them out! I will keep you updated on how he is doing. |
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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 Jul 28, 2013 14:35:54 GMT -7
Congratulations!! Please keep us posted on Oscar's continued progress and please consider sharing your experience and IVDD knowledge with the new members that come to Dodgers List! Way to go Oscar!!! |
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I love him so much! I will do anything for him, I just worry so much!! 
