Brandon's Flash Oct 2018 surgery 6wks

Thank you both for the advice with the tea. I went out and got a box to try. As for taking him outside, Flash is actually more trained on Pee Pads vs. going outside. He will do both but as a puppy I trained him on both because my work schedule was hectic so he is more used to going on pee pads. But I don’t think it’s him going on his own so I expressed him this morning and got quite a bit of pee out and he’s stayed dry since.

I was given Prazosin for Bean to relax her sphincter but took her off it after a couple days because it was making her release her urine too easily, even with a lower dosage. Luckily she's female, which makes it easier to express, and I'm home often enough to express her 3-4 times a day to avoid a urinary tract infection. I just think that the Prazosin was too much for her and we seemed to be doing fine without it. Maybe you could ask your vet if you should adjust the dose or if it's necessary at this point.

I think the only way to know if they have control of their bladder is like what the moderators/advisors have said, which is the brain to bladder connection. For Bean I've seen her lift her left leg and squat on her own when she tries to pee. Not much comes out, sometimes just a few drops, and then I express for the rest. But I definitely think it's signals from her brain as this is how she used to pee on her own. It doesn't happen every day, maybe depends on how full her bladder is. It would be difficult to know if Flash peed on his own when you're not actually there looking - could be him, or could just be full or the Prazosin/loose sphincter. On several occasions when Bean gets too excited (which is common for female dogs), she'll leak too But she's been doing that since she was a puppy. 

Please don't lose hope. It's still very early. Many dogs take a long time to heal.

It's not uncommon to see 6 months, 18 months, or more of healing.

The first 2 weeks there's still a lot of surgical swelling.

Also, keep in mind Flash has had not one, but two, major surgeries to heal from.

What helped me was writing down even small things that I saw daily in my dogs recovery.

Then I could see that yes, there was progress.

Flash looks to you as his pack leader. He needs to see that you're confident he's doing well.

Even if Flash doesn't eventually get back to where he was, he can still have a happy life.

I know how gut wrenching and exhausting this whole process is.

Been there, done that, got the t shirt. Lol. We all have.

Flash is lucky to have you in his corner.

God bless.

Brandon and Flash -
Today is 3 weeks since my Olaf's surgery. I understand how awful and stressful this is for you. It brings me to tears when I think of all the extra problems and additional surgery that Flash has had to endure. As humans we have so much negativity in our lives it seems difficult to keep a positive energy around our little guys that need us. I check your site every day to see how Flash is doing. Know that others are thinking of him and wishing him well. I know our little guys will walk again!

I echo what everyone is saying and please know that there are a handful of us on the same path with you, like me and Bean, waiting and waiting, working tirelessly, but staying hopeful for even the smallest of improvements day to day. Some days are pretty crappy and other days are better or great but Flash will make it through. Just be there with him as much as you can so he knows things are okay right at that moment. Dogs only think of what's happening around them in the present moment rather than worry about whether they'll walk tomorrow. So hug him, massage him, speak to him and let him know things will be okay even when it's hard for you and you're scared. The energy we give really does help the healing process.

As for other things you might be able to do, I was wondering if Flash is on any supplements? If not, I suggest purchasing supplements from the company Standard Process which is what holistic vets recommend. Bean is on Gotu Kola which helps with post surgery reparation of nerves and also Ligaplex II. I also suggest finding a holistic vet for a consultation about what other things you could give to Flash that could help him along with his recovery (like acupuncture or Chinese herbs). I am a big believer in holistic medicine and practices, since regular medication is usually just for treating symptoms rather than helping the body repair. If you can swing the additional costs it's worth it. Or at least check some good resources online on holistic care to see what supplements can help. [not sure if dodger's list has a page on it] Even though it may take months to a year for him to fully recover, they say that the first month or two is a critical time to help the body along, so being as aggressive with the care, which means going beyond just the standard regimen of meds and PT, is crucial. In my opinion.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I definitely needed the picking up given all of the things happening in my life at the moment. Flash and I are very thankful for the support!

Lately Flash has been crying a lot and trying to lick his penile amputation site and possibly his legs. We’re unsure if it’s his surgecial site or relating to nerve pain. He goes Monday to see the surgeon who did his penile amputation to have his stitches removed since they weren’t ready for removal at his two week checkup. Additionally, on the same day, he has his 6 week checkup with his neurological doctor and starts therapy at a rehab center. We got him 6 laser treatments before starting physical therapy because he had to have the second surgery so we didn’t want to do anything to intense. We’re trying to avoid any additional vet visits before his 3 appointments on Monday because this process has been costly but are wonder if anyone on this board recommends anything? We giving him Gabapentin, Tramadol, and half of a Benadryl when he has these episodes and it tends to calm him down for the most part until the next episode.

Flash surgeon who completed the amputation provided the meds and recommended Benadryl if he became itchy. I will give them a call tomorrow. He has since calmed down since posting this and we keep a e-collar on him if we see him bothered by the area. Below is his dosages and frequency.

[18 lbs]
Gapapentin 100 MG twice a day
Trmadol 50MG half a pill a day
Benadryl 25MG up to one pill per day
Trazadone 100MG quarter to half a pill as needed

thank you for posting your story. I am 3 days post op with a stage 5 case also with no returning of DPS and your case has given me some hope. Mine hasn't come home yet from the hospital but I think she will today. I am concerned because my BF passed away in August so I am all alone and I work full time so all of this is a bit overwhelming but I am going to do what I can for her. I don't have any discharge instructions but I have read your case and other info provided by the forum so I can prepare. I wish you the best of luck in Flash's recovery.

Hi all -

It’s been about 2 1/2 months since Flash surgery and unfortunately he still isn’t walking.


He’s been going to rehab weekly where he is doing acupuncture and hydrotherapy. He has deep pain sensation in both back legs as determined by his rehab doctor and surgeon but he still isn’t wagging his tail much nor is able to stand up. It’s weird because when you pinch his paws he will pull them back and will kick back while rubbing them but if you pinch his legs he doesn’t seem to feel them because he never looks back. We’re really starting to lose hope that he will never walk again. He seems unhappy and does try to crawl around everywhere but it looks so awkward because his back legs get tangled in every direction so I can’t imagine that’s good for him so we really limit his movement which he doesn’t like. I feel so bad for him because he seems so bored. As for bladder control, it’s hard to say if he has control or not. Sometimes we can hold him up and say go potty and he will go and other times he will have large puddles around him. We still try to express his bladder and typically can but he fights us on. Lastly, the person who’s been helping with him likely won’t be in the picture much longer and I don’t know how I will be able to take care of him alone. I don’t know what to do and I am sad that he hasn’t been able to return to walking. Moreover, I can’t imagine trying to take care of him alone and the amount of time he will have to spend in a create while I’m at work. That’s no way for a dog to live. I feel so sad for my little Flash and don’t know what to do. It kills me inside because he means the world to me.

Brandon, sorry we did not get a chance to offer you some ideas after post-op crate rest was over on Nov 14th. So let's go over them now and address some of your concerns.  Julie, a single pet parent, has already shared how she manages things, so you know it can be done!  

Share with us your particular concerns so that we can offer some ideas..never hurts to think outside the box with brainstorming for solutions to a challenge!

GARMENT to protect
Is Flash seal like or a frog like scooter?  There are garments to protect him depending if his back legs go forward or drag behind.  Some are no-sew or little sewing. Some are commercial garments to buy.  




Custom Heavy Duty or Outdoor drag bag for disabled, handicapped, paralyzed, or amputee pets: www.etsy.com/listing/192118583/outdoor-protective-scootie-overalls-for?ref=related-1 $50+


Clark’s Bumpad: users.cyberport.net/%7Emilnerwm/bumpad1.html [for dogs who scoot like a frog]

Tandy’s Butt Protect: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/aftercraterest/Buttprotect.htm

Airy mesh panel
www.handicappedpets.com/index.php/walkin-wheels-drag-bag.html [drag bag]

NEURO status
STill quite early in the nerve healing department!  No one can tell you when a function will come back, but there is a predictable step by step textbook order that most dogs will follow

1. YES!!! Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. YES??? Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. LET us know: Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
     Carry outdoors, set them on an old pee spot to sniff. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. See if they will release urine on the old urine area. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. When it is returning often a dog will fight you expressing them.  You should, however, continue to do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. 
4. _?_Leg Movement exclusive of potty times, and then _?_ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm

WHEN at work
How long is your work day from leaving the house til you get back home?

When away you will want Flash in a place where he is safe from being caught in furniture.  Likely he will do as most dogs do....sleep all day til you get back home. So the "Place"  might be a small room with no furniture.  An expen that has more area than a crate facing the sliding glass door for Flash to watch outdoors  goings on.

Some options that might fit with your circumstances IF you are not able to hire a dog sitter to come by mid day for a potty break. My sitter, a next door neighbor, was willing to learn how to express and my vet chimed in that she could come by the clinic any time for a refresher expressing lesson. Pays to ask around, friends, at church, neighbors, family, etc. 

1) Mattress with catch basin: www.facebook.com/ultimatehealthypetbeds/app/251458316228/ The Ultimate Healthy Pet Bed. As for the review of the above mentioned bed.... I am using the inner layers in the bottom of her crate. On the occasion she has to pee, the urine immediately seeps through the material and goes to the plastic tray of the crate. This way she isn't sitting in urine. It is machine washable and dries quickly in the dryer. I am also lining the crate tray with a pee pad hoping that it will lock the urine. The inner layers that are part of the bed aren't something you can just buy, or at least I can't find a source anywhere else. I plan to buy a couple more of these as backups. They originally come with a cover but I found it wouldn't allow the urine to seep through fast enough, this defeating the purpose Jan 13, 2015 at 7:30pm dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2176/marcies-trixie-10-conservative-neck?page=4

2) Good for apartments where it is difficult to get dog to the outdoors. www.freshpatch.com 16" x 24" disposable patch of real grass (approximately $30 including FedEx delivery.
Review of Freshpatch and alternative options: www.k9ofmine.com/dog-pee-pads/


3) A raised mesh bed


You can buy, there are many brands. Or no-sew make yourself if handy. Brand name "Coolaroo" mesh fabric yardage or the pre-made replacement covers is one choice for good drainage fabric.
www.columbusdogconnection.com/elevated-dog-beds.html

Tightly surround to enclose the elevated mesh bed with an ex-pen and a collection pan underneath. This would be for those times you are not at home.

4) Sleeping crate with expen attached for a potty pee pad place and for scooting around space
 

So for right now, there is no reason to limit Flashes movement. He should be able to get back to all his normal family activities of scooting about the house.  You may need to make your home slightly more friendly for  andiCAPABLE Flash, by blocking off areas were he can get caught, stairs, etc.

Lots of great ideas in living with Flash after crate rest is over:   www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm

These blockers or using the panels from an ex-pen, kid/dog gates, etc. can help to block off areas Flash should not be in or get caught by:  www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm

I'm glad to hear that you and Flash are hanging in there.

You're both in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi Brandon, I'm sorry this is a late response but I wanted to offer some practical tips regarding your concern of leaving Flash home alone and to increase his mental stimulation.

Do you have any windows that face the street or activity outside? If you do, I recommend that you build a pen that brings up the height of the floor so he can look outside anytime of the day when you are not home. We built this simple table like structure for Bean using 4 x 2 wood and some long pieces of wood for legs from Home Depot (around $20?) and got a higher gate from Amazon ($50), covered it with foam, blankets and a dog bed and attached a water bowl. 



Also we got a stroller for Bean so if possible, I would take him out in the stroller every morning before work (even if it's really early) so he can be outside sniffing the scents in the air and have some mental stimulation from the outdoor environment. You can also do this when you get home. Even if he doesn't walk around, being up and about will tire him out so he can sleep better during the day when you aren't home. I dont know if you've already done this but we started to try and get Bean's brain to back nerve signals going by also placing her in spots where we knew other dogs have been or where we might see pee/poo. If Flash is a marker like Bean, it might trigger his brain to want to mark and help with the firing of nerve signals. 

You can also put his food in a kong like the link below where you freeze it and put some peanut butter on top to help with boredom. 

Bean and I are rooting for you both!

Hi Everyone-

Thank you all so much for your support and the wonderful things this forum does. I wanted to let everyone know that it does appear Flash will be paralyzed for life even though at one point it looked like he was making promising progress. This has easily been one of the toughest things I’ve ever personally dealt with both personally and financially. I’m still deciding if I will continue to take Flash to rehab since he’s seemed to plateau in his progress but also the countless visits have really taken a toll on my savings. I created a Go Fund Me page to try to help so feel free to check it out.

Anyone who reads this in the future, feel free to reach out to me if you ever need someone to talk to as it’s a long journey but if your pup is happy it’s all worth it.