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Post by chilismum on Jun 15, 2013 21:02:45 GMT -7
Hello Everyone,
Im so glad to find this website full of hope and support! I have a 5 yo dachshund (Chili) who was recently diagnosed with back problems.
I took Chili to my vet a week ago because I thought something was wrong with his leg, as he was walking strangely. After being examined it was determined that it was a back injury and we were sent home with orders of crate rest with anti-inflammatory and pain meds.
However, Chili's condition worsened quickly. By Sunday he could no longer stand or walk and was dragging his hind legs. Chili was immediately checked in to the vet Monday morning and was put on IV meds. Unfortunately surgery was off the table due to finances. I called to check on him daily, but was always given the same report- no improvements. On Wednesday they started laser therapy, but by Friday told me I could come pick him up-- still no improvements.
He does still have deep pain sensation, as determined by the toe pinching test, and his tail still wags. Yesterday when I went to pick Chili up the vet told me he had lost control of bladder/bowel function. He told me if he does not regain function within two weeks it is best for Chili to be put to rest due to quality of life. Since then I have been a crying mess... But then I started researching and found that many owners of paralyzed pets have mastered urine/feces expression and their dogs are able to live a happy life!
I feel 2 weeks is just too short and my husband and I are willing to try anything to keep our baby with us, so long as he is pain free and happy.
Currently urine leakage seems to be the main problem. Also he is not wanting to poop... I am assuming because he is uncomfortable/can't stand. I've been trying the sling method, but think I will try the "poop on command" methods I've been seeing online.
I also need to be more strict with crate rest. Chili sleeps in bed with me and my husband, but I saw on this website that is not conducive to healing. So, as much as it pains me i am going to get castors for his crate tomorrow and keep him in the crate.
This has been very hard for me and my husband. Any tips, trucks, or words of encouragement you can provide would be much appreciated. We don't have children yet and Chili is our baby. We really don't want to lose him. It would be devastating.
Does anyone have recommendations for Chili's urine leakage problem? If your dog had loss of bladder/bowel control, how long did it take them to regain? My vet gave me a timeline of 2 wks but that seems so short and I would be sick thinking I had put him to rest when he just needed more time...
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2013 21:30:00 GMT -7
Steph, reading is how you protect Chili from those who do not know IVDD..so keep on reading on our main web page. Putting to sleep is NOT any kind of treatment option! There IS good hope that Chili WILL be back enjoying life with his family whether he is walking or waiting a bit for more nerve regeneration to take place! Glad you are getting educated and will have the patience to give Chili a chance. Here is a good place to start your reading: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help chili-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. So we will use 6/15 as the day you have started STRICT rest.
The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm
The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal.
You will need to get a hands on top of your hands type of lesson to manually express his bladder. This is a serious health issue that needs to be addressed first thing in the morning. By now Chili may already have a UTI and need antibioitics. A urinalysis will determine for sure. You will get more out of the expressing lesson if you read and view this before the lesson: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Pain under control should be the first phase of healing that is accomplished in an hour of the right meds on board. Let us know what you observe. -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Pepcid AC 5mg 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory should be on your list, if not…. Ask your vet in this particular way… is there any health reason that would keep my dog from taking Pepcid AC? If there is no reason, get it on board pronto. -- Can you tell us specifically if you do some happy talk whether Chili can still wag his tail with happiness? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Eating and drinking OK? -- When is the last he pooped. The meds can slow down things and cause constipation. Try Pumpkin. It 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. |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 15, 2013 21:44:32 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Steph, so glad you found us! I am so sorry you had that experience at your Vet's office.. It is unfortunate that he is not comfortable in treating IVDD the right way. I am so glad you are smarter than he is and know better. Kudos to you in realizing he was giving you the wrong advice about the quality of life with IVDD. Please read this link, I know it will give you so much comfort. www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm It is best to find a Vet that is IVDD knowledgeable and here are some links to find one in your area. Board-certified neuros (ACVIM) and ortho (ACVS) surgical specialists can be found at University vet teaching hospitals. You can locate others in your area here: www.acvim.org [neuros] www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/DiplomateDirectory/ [orthos] Here is a link to Dodgerslist members Vet recommendations: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting Did your Vet teach you how to express Chili for pee and poop ? If not have the vet tech teach you how ASAP. In the meantime here is a link with information on how and also a video to help teach you. It takes practice but you will get the hang of it. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmPlease let your dog 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.htmHave you started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM)? I know it is hard to not have them in bed with you but it is vitally important for the healing of the disc and spine to have limited movement. The crate acts as a cast of sorts to prevent re-injuring of the early healing disc. Here is some info on creating Chili's recovery suite so he can heal in comfort and safety. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm and: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration. Find a holistic vet here: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Sending lots of healing wishes over the miles! |
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Post by chilismum on Jun 15, 2013 21:53:16 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
We have looked at online tutorials for bladder expression and have expressed Chili several times today. I will be calling my vet Monday to see if they can give me a one on one to make sure I'm doing it 100% correctly. I thought it was odd that they did not go over this when I picked Chili up yesterday, but the vet seemed - to me- convinced that Chili would not regain bladder control and therefore would need to be put down. My husband and I discussed and we are NOT on board with this. We want Chili to live a full and happy life.
He does not show any signs of pain. Mostly he just seems kinda sluggish-- not his usual perky self.
As far as meds he is on:
Methocarb 500 mg- 1/4 tablet every 8 hrs
Prednisolone 5 mg- 1 tablet every 12 hrs
Tramadol 50 mg- 1 tablet every 12 hrs
Famotidine 10 mg- 1 tablet daily with morning meds
Chili does still wag his tail- not excessively, but usually when we take him outside or he sees a friend.
He is drinking A LOT, which the vet said would happen due to the meds. I've just been making sure he has fresh water available at all times. He also has an appetite-- he will beg for food when we are eating but doesn't seem too interested in his dry food. He will eat his food, just takes his time with it.
He pooped twice today, but it seemed he cut himself short. It's like he is uncomfortable and will stop himself from going. The stool seems very normal-- not hard but not too soft. The vet did say to be aware he does not get constipated so I will pick up some pumpkin to have on hand!
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Post by chilismum on Jun 15, 2013 22:04:17 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana,
Thank you so much for the links! And yes, Starting immediately Chili will be on 100% strict crate rest! There may be tears, but it is worth it for him to heal properly!
I think I will definitely schedule an appointment with a vet well versed in IVDD. My vet even told me Chili would only need 2 weeks crate rest and was allowed to sit with us on the couch when we are home! Yikes! I'm so glad I started doing my own research.
I have also contacted a local vet that does acupuncture and have gotten a quote. The husband and I are going to try to work it into the budget.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 16, 2013 6:32:29 GMT -7
Hi there, not trying to be a negative nelly, but do you think you should look for a vet who is more comfortable treating IVDD conservatively? Just a suggestion. Sounds like your vet might not be up to speed on IVDD. IVDD is not a fatal disease. Just as we would not euthanize a person with a back problem, why would we euthanize our beloved pups? IVDD dogs do heal and have an amazing quality of life. I'm glad you are going to try acupuncture. It is a great complementary treatment for IVDD. It stimulates the nerves to heal, reduces pain and inflammation, and induces a state of well-being. Remember that it is the 8 weeks of strict crate rest (minimized movement of the spine) that heals the disc. The meds only mask the symptoms. So, try to be creative about crate rest to make it more bearable for you and your pup. I kept a wire crate in the living room, and one in the bedroom. I actually put my pup's crate on my bed against a wall so he could "sleep" with me. :-) A pet stroller is a great help during and after crate rest! You can easily wheel the dog from room to room, and it is easier to lift a dog out of a stroller than a crate. Here is a link on strollers: dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm Some folks have great success with playpens or baby cribs, too. See what works best for you and Chili. If Chili is upset being in the crate, ask your vet if you can give an herbal calmer such as Composure Soft Chews, plus a pheromone spray in his bedding area. There are DVDs that can help calm and entertain your dog: petsittervideos.com/ and www.petmusic.com/ If finances are an issue, consider applying for Care Credit. They offer no interest or low interest financing for veterinary costs. You can apply online and be approved the same day. Here’s the link: www.carecredit.com/faqs.html. FYI, Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores have a generic drug program and you can get a 30-day supply of some drugs for $4 each. Walmart has Tramadol in the correct dosage for our dogs and also Prednisone. Target may have Methocarbamol. So, you can ask the vet for a prescription and take it to the store and have it filled. Just tell them it is for a K9. Here is a Generic Med List: genericmedlist.com/ Just a couple more tips. While Chili is on crate rest, it is an excellent time to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm Also, here is how to pick up and carry an IVDD dog: youtube.googleapis.com/v/kyD2IW5m0qY To help yourself feel more comfortable about the situation, read through some of our Success Stories. The ones marked with a "C" are IVDD dogs that treated conservatively, like Chili: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmThe best way for you to help Chili 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 Lastly...I absolutely LOVE your avatar - Chili is just adorable - I want to hold him!! :-) We look forward to hearing how he does in the coming weeks. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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threnners
New Member
Woobie Status: Crate Rest
Posts: 13
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Post by threnners on Jun 16, 2013 7:29:48 GMT -7
I would find a new vet who is sympathetic to IVDD. It really does make a difference for both your and your dog's well being. My vets do not let me think it's a lost cause, and I am grateful for that.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 16, 2013 7:38:20 GMT -7
You will be well served with an IVDD knowledgable vet to support you and Chili… it makes a world of different to have good medical support. There is no doubt that Chili with your care and dedication to learning about this disease WILL have many more very happy years with you both. Kudos for getting educated and fighting for Chili!!!
If you believe Chili is in pain at poop time the advocate for Tramadol 3x a day. This med has a very short half life of 1.7 hours and likely would not fully control pain unless given every 8 hours. Signs of pain is reluctance to move, shivering after moving or nearing the next dose of pain meds, not his perky bright eyed self.
While on Pred you may have to express every 2-3 hours to keep him dry and with improvement in your new skill having the ability to feel the bladder for the last stage of emptying. At the last stage you can almost feel your other hand's fingers as your press. Let us know how expressing is going today.
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Post by chilismum on Jun 16, 2013 11:27:25 GMT -7
Hi Natureluva, Thank you so much for all the information! And yes, I agree with you all about finding a vet that is well versed in IVDD. I've already looked up a few that I will be giving a call first thing Monday morning! Here is an update on Chili: Today is day one of 100% STRICT crate rest. He seems to be doing well. We have him in a wire kennel in the living room with the TV on while I'm at work and my husband is out with our family for Father's Day. Last night Chili wet himself and just laid in it  I will make it a habit to express him during the night as well. I rinsed him off with warm water this morning and wiped him off with some pet body wipes. Since then bladder expression has been successful. I was also successful in getting Chili to "Go on demand" with the ice cube method. He was very calm and it seems to be something that will really help us during his 8 weeks of rest. The news for today is that I've now noticed small blisters on his under belly (groin region). I will address this with a vet ASAP, but what can I do in the meantime? It looks painful. He was already red and chapped when I picked him up from the vet, but this is the first I've seen the blistering. I'm still learning and taking it one day at a time. I'm so grateful to have an army of supporters behind me and filling me with knowledge to keep Chili safe and healthy. Oh, and Natureluva, thank you. That is probably my favorite picture of Chili. It was a rare moment where he actually LET me take his picture for once! |
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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 16, 2013 12:37:45 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen. Chili is a cute one that is for sure! You can line his crate with pee pads (the ones used for house training puppies), they are not expensive at can be purchased at Wal-mart or the like. They work like a disposable diaper to wick urine away from the skin. Your Vet can recommend an ointment to protect his skin from the urine, one that won't make him sick if he licks it off - I have totally blanked out on the name of it. I used flannelette sheets folded 8 layers thick to line Stevie's crate- she destroyed pee pads by chewing them up...sigh...The folded sheet acted like an old fashioned diaper to keep urine away from her skin too  I hope that this helps a bit. You are doing a terrific job of learning about IVDD and advocating for your dog. Let us know what we can do to help keeping you in thought and prayer |
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Post by natureluva on Jun 16, 2013 15:21:08 GMT -7
Hi, sorry to hear about Chili's rash. Make sure you have a fleece blanket inside the crate on top of pee pads. The fleece will help wick away the moisture. If possible, schedule a bladder expressing for the week hours, say 2 a.m. Once he's weaned off the steroid, you will be able to express less often, say every 4 hours, and he may stay dry through the night because dog's have less urine production then. You will soon learn a schedule that works. It's definitely "play it by ear."
Do ask the vet for an ointment (make sure there is no zinc in the ointment as that is poisonous to dogs). Make sure that he does not excessively lick the area. This is important because licking can turn to gnawing or biting and dogs can accidentally mutilate themselves. This can be caused by the wound alone, or it can be caused by what is called neuropathic pain, which is something that some IVDD dogs get when their nerves are misfiring. If you see excessive licking or gnawing that you think might be due to neuropathic pain, put an e-collar on him and ask your vet for the medication, gabapentin. Again, this rash is probably due to urine scald, but do keep an eye out for excessive licking.
Glad you are expressing poop! It is easy and convenient. I do the same for my pup. :-)
Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by chilismum on Jun 16, 2013 20:23:40 GMT -7
Hi Everyone, It is the end of Day 1, STRICT crate rest. I bought a few fleece baby blankets at the store and put one in Chili's crate over some pee pads. I have noticed him licking his rash and try to discourage him when I hear/see him do it. Tomorrow the vets' office will be open and I am excited to get a second opinion from a vet that understands Chili's situation and will work with him. My husband and I moved our mattress onto the floor in the living room so I can be close to Chili's crate. This will be the first time Chili has slept in his crate and not in the bed with us. He whined for a bit, but is now laying and seems comfortable. I've got my alarm set for 2 a.m. for bladder expression, so I hope he will stay nice and dry tonight. I am going to express him before we go to bed also(prob about 20 min from now). I also have back up fleece and pup pads just in case. Thanks everyone for all the support. I'm finally feeling hopeful for the first time since Chili's injury |
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Post by chilismum on Jun 17, 2013 15:01:43 GMT -7
I made an appointment with a different vet for tomorrow at noon. I hope they will be more supportive of Chili's treatment.
I'm planning on asking for a hands on demo of expressing the bladder to be sure I'm doing it correctly. I'll also be asking for something for his rash and to possibly adjust his pain meds. He is not yelping but he is just not himself and I noticed he is a little shaky by the time he is due for his meds. At this point I'm giving him the pain meds 3 times a day: early morning, midday, and evening before bed.
I'm going to make a list of questions to ask the vet. Any suggestions?
Also, Chili's crate won't fit in my car... How can I transport him successfully to and from the vet?
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Post by natureluva on Jun 17, 2013 15:15:34 GMT -7
Hi, we look forward to hearing what the new vet has to say. Are you still giving the methocarbamol 3 times per day and the Tramadol twice per day? If Chili is still in pain, ask your new vet if you can give the Tramadol 3 times per day instead of twice. If he is still in pain, you can ask your vet for an additional pain reliever such as gabapentin.
I have a soft-sided crate in my car. They come in various sizes, I run a seatbelt through the handles on either side so that it stays secure.
I would ask if the new vet's office offers acupuncture and laser, and ask for quotes on that. And do be sure to get that hands-on bladder expressing demo! :-)
Best of luck, ~Lisa
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Post by chilismum on Jun 17, 2013 15:38:21 GMT -7
Hi Lisa,
I'm going to Target tonight to get Chili an egg crate or memory foam pad, so I'll be sure to check for a soft crate! Thanks!
Another question: Chili's pee smells VERY strange. Is this a side effect of the medication or indication of UTI? I will def have the vet check it out tomorrow, but just curious if y'all have experienced this?
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Post by callibos on Jun 17, 2013 16:08:32 GMT -7
Hey,
The urine smelling could be a UTI and you should definitely talk to the vet. In my experience though, it could be that his urine is just very concentrated because hes not going as much or not enough water. Not sure if that's the case with your dog but that was what happened with my Buddy just a few weeks ago. I gave him more water and his urine cleaned right up. BTW you should check out the video on my post Tony's Buddy it shows my own dog's progress through his ordeal.-Tony
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Post by natureluva on Jun 17, 2013 17:42:32 GMT -7
I agree with Tony. Strong smelling, dark-colored urine is a sign of a UTI, probably due to stale urine sitting in the bottom of his bladder and forming bacteria. So ask your new vet to do a urine culture, and they will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Don't forget to check the generic med list to see if the medication is available for $4 from Walmart or Target. Just tell them it is for a K9. Here is a Generic Med List: genericmedlist.com/ Once you learn how to properly express and express often enough to avoid accidents, you will be able to avoid UTIs. Don't worry, this is a common issue and is very treatable. Expressing is easy, but takes PRACTICE! :-) We look forward to hearing how things go tomorrow. ~Lisa |
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Post by chilismum on Jun 19, 2013 11:16:30 GMT -7
So things went well at the new vet yesterday. He was knowledgeable about IVDD and even gave me a pamplet with info. Chili does have a UTI so the vet is putting him on antibiotics for 10 days. They also cath-ed him while there to empty the bladder. I feel like he is acting more like himself He still doesn't wag his tail at sweet talk, but MAN that thing is like a propeller after I express him. He has not leaked urine in his crate at all last night and today so far. Is this a good thing? Does that mean he is gaining control of his bladder? Is there a general time frame as far as looking for improvement on bladder control? |
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Post by natureluva on Jun 19, 2013 11:46:44 GMT -7
So glad things went well at the new vet's!!
It is good that Chili is not having accidents in the crate. That means you are expressing fully and often enough to avoid accidents. Keep up the great work!
Usually, when neurological functions return after a disc injury, they return in this order:
1. Deep pain sensation
2. Tail wagging ability (to exciting things, not during potty breaks)
3. Bladder control
4. Leg movement
So watch for these things in the coming weeks and months. To test for a return of bladder control, do the "sniff and pee" test. Carry Chili to an old pee spot, support his rear with a sling or your hands, let him sniff and tell him to go pee. See if he can release urine on his own. If he can, bladder control has returned. If he can't, express his bladder right there on the ground so that you'll have a fresh pee spot to try with later. Periodically do the "sniff and pee" test.
It can take several weeks for bladder control to return. As the disc and nerves heal, and inflammation is reduced on the spinal cord, nerve messages may start being able to travel from the brain through the cord. This is when you will see a return of neurological functions. Most dogs will regain bladder control, but those that do not, such as Paula's Clark, can easily and conveniently be expressed. If they are not on meds, it is not unusual for dogs without bladder control to hold their pee all night, so don't panic if bladder control doesn't immediately return. Acupuncture may help bladder control return more quickly. It did for my dog anyway.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you both are doing! Best wishes, ~Lisa
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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 19, 2013 17:40:35 GMT -7
I am so happy that you have found a new Vet versed in IVDD. |
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Post by chilismum on Jun 24, 2013 10:48:21 GMT -7
Me too Stevieluv! I feel much more comfortable with the new vet's level of knowledge on IVDD!So here's an update on Chili: This morning I rolled over, looked at him in the crate, and said "Good Morning Baby"... And TAIL WAG!! Yay! I'm so excited and have been telling everyone at work He is also acting SO much more like himself. He barked at the neighbors today. I never thought I'd be happy about him barking! Lol. He is still having bladder incontinence but we are taking it one day at a time. In my book TAIL WAG is the highlight of my life in the last 3 weeks  |
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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 24, 2013 13:02:34 GMT -7
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 24, 2013 17:07:50 GMT -7
Just the good news I needed to see today! Yay Chili dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 26, 2013 18:27:57 GMT -7
Hi Steph. How is Chili Dog doing today? |
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Post by chilismum on Jun 26, 2013 19:39:41 GMT -7
Hi Everyone! Huge update! Bladder Control is back!! Chili was acting strange when I was trying to express him yesterday (tightening his belly on purpose, whining) so I took him downstairs for the sniff/pee test. He waddled over to a bush, sniffed, and PEED! Eeeeep! I'm so happy for him! Since yesterday he has been peeing and pooping outside on his own. Still no leg movement but I'm hopeful! I'm on vacation from work next week and am going to set up an accupuncture appointment. He is also acting just like himself again barking, whining, wagging away when his Daddy or myself come home or talk to him I haven't let my friends and fam come over to visit him. I feel he will get overexcited, plus he will just be tortured not being able to get out and go all kiss-mania on them! I'm very lucky they are understanding and supportive and will let Chili rest so he can fully heal! Oh and Jen, your little Tucker is such a handsome boy. My Chili has a very strong bond with my husband also so I definitely feel for you with your hubby being out of town! Hope everyone's pups are doing well tonight! |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 26, 2013 20:11:11 GMT -7
And the news gets even better! So happy to hear the continuing progress Chili Dog is making. He is following this list to a T. Usually, when neurological functions return after a disc injury, they return in this order:
1. Deep pain sensation
2. Tail wagging ability (to exciting things, not during potty breaks)
3. Bladder control
4. Leg movement
So excited and happy for you and Chili Dog!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jun 26, 2013 20:14:17 GMT -7
Wonderful news Chili Dog!!!!!
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 26, 2013 20:58:56 GMT -7
That's awesome news! I'm so happy for you and Chili!! So far Accupuncture is good with Tucker. He loves the Dr. we only went once but the knowlage she has is great. Good luck and healing vibes!! Yay Chili! Keep it up buddy!! |
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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 27, 2013 21:32:22 GMT -7
Great news - YAY Chili dog!! |
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I will make it a habit to express him during the night as well. I rinsed him off with warm water this morning and wiped him off with some pet body wipes. Since then bladder expression has been successful.
I hope that this helps a bit. You are doing a terrific job of learning about IVDD and advocating for your dog. Let us know what we can do to help 
