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Post by dianne on Jun 21, 2013 19:53:10 GMT -7
Noodle is our 8 year old 12# poodle. He is smart, creative and can manipulate me to do whatever he wants.
Sunday morning 6-2 he did not want to go for our usual walk through the Pines. I thought he was just wanting attention. As the day went on he was walking but very quiet and sitting in corners as if he had done something wrong. By late Sunday night he was in a lot of pain. I sat up with him all night. Monday morning I took him to our local Vet and was told to take him directly to the Vet hospital in Gainsville 1 1/2 hours away. The MRI confirmed the ruptured disc. He now had no movement in his back legs. Surgery First thing Tuesday morning.
Now I was really feeling guilty for not doing something Sunday. I had wasted precious time. I had dogs all my life, but never heard of IVDD. He had all the warning signs which I missed.
He was in the hospital for six days. He did not want to eat and drink. He still had no movement in his legs. No urine control. Now I am sure I had made him worse.
Well Saturday morning my husband and I picked him up. Tramadol. valium, antibiotic and 3 medications for his stomach. Well home was what he needed! No more stomach problems, peeing and pooping outside (with sling on), eating and fairly content in his crate. Two days after he was home I found him standing in his crate, a little crossed legged.
Now 2 weeks later I am feeling really blessed. Noodle is about 80 % back to normal. I still take him on brief walks with his sling but he is ready to run and go find those lizards. I found dodgerslist while waiting for Noodle to come home. Thank you for all the information, education and everyone sharing their story. I found encouragement when I needed it most.
I just wish for everyone the happy ending we seem to be having. Now I will have to learn how to live with the fear that this could happen again. How much running, jumping, "being a dog" will he be allowed to do? I will miss him sleeping on the bed with me or following me upstairs but we can do other things together.
One big problem I am trying to think out, is my 91 year old parents. Noodle is their "grandchild" and spent several days a week with them. They are so really missing his visits. When will I feel safe for him to spend time alone with them?
Well thanks for listening and wishing and praying for everyone a happy ending.
Dianne
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 21, 2013 21:48:58 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Dianne! Good for you for reading about IVDD while you were waiting to bring Noodle home! That will serve you well as you continue to care for him. I am glad Dodgerslist was here for you when you needed us. So happy you decided to post and share Noodle's story. -- What are the exact names of medications currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Two weeks down and 4 weeks to go on crate rest. I am glad Noodle is recovering so well. My Tyler recovered very quickly as well. As far as the fear of it happening again, the best thing is to be proactive in preventing problems from happening. Here is a wonderful article that tells how to make your home back friendly. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm. No stairs, no jumping up or down from furniture are the biggies as well as making sure if you have hardwood or tile floors that you have carpet runners to keep Noodle from slipping. It's hard not to worry but with time you get used to a careful new normal. Later after crate rest is over when you are sure he is well recovered I would go with him to visit your parents but I would hesitate to leave him alone with them until you are sure they would follow the safety rules.. Please keep us posted on how Noodle is getting along. |
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