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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 19, 2018 17:37:53 GMT -7
This is the story of my little boy Olaf. He is a 17 lbs Dachshund we rescued about 2 1/2 years ago, and he is 4 years old this month. We also rescued his sister Elsa who was born blind, and a half brother Frank. Olaf is a double dapple, hence his sister's blindness. (and a brother who is deaf.) On Wednesday, Oct. 10th at 2pm, all were napping on my office floor. We got up for afternoon potty break and Olaf struggled to stand and drunk walked his way to the patio door to go out. He sat down at the door, and had not been able to get up again. I rushed him to his regular vet, they x-rayed and told me to give him complete cage rest and prednisone. On the way home I called the rescue agency (Luv-a-Pet) he came from and asked if they had any experience with such. They suggested a neurosurgeon within 24 hours. I took him to the emergency hospital at 6pm. By the time we arrived at the hospital, he no longer had bladder or tail control and pooped in the car. He had surgery on Oct. 11th at 8am. He remained in the hospital for 5 nights and came home on Monday evening Oct. 15th. Hospital: Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists - West Palm Beach, Florida Dr. Robert G. Roy DVM, MS, PA [ACVS]Hemilaminectomy Myelogram w/surgery Hospital and surgery costs were $5,500. Prescriptions: - Clavamox 1.5ml by mouth - Completed the day he came home.
- Prednisone 5mg. - 2 daily until the 17th - 1 daily until the 22nd, then every other day.
- Gabapentin 100mg - 2 times daily
- Famotidine 10mg - 3/4 tablet daily - Completed
- Prazosin 1mg - 3 times daily
- Bethanecol 2.5mg - 3 times daily
- Omeprazole 20mg - 1/4 1 time daily - last one tonight. (10/19).
( Most of his meds are finished in the next day or two. ( except the Prednisone and Gabapentin))
Physical Therapy - Light physical therapy, deep muscle massage, range of motion, and stand strengthening. He had a laser treatment on the day of release. Exercise - None, cage rest. Outside for elimination only 2-3 times daily. Re-Eval - 10-14 days and to remove sutures. It was difficult to diagnose of deep pain loss. Olaf has never been a complainer (unlike his siblings....) and doesn't react to pain. Even if you pinch his front toes, he might give you a look, but that's about it. They had shown us how to express his bladder although they did say he has been doing well when going outside. Night 1 - Lots of wet bedding. Ate well. Tuesday Oct. 16. First full day at home. Using a sling (upside down tank top), he went potty outside. He had several wet bedding issues, but went potty outside including poo poo. He tried with all his might to head into the swimming pool which he always did, several times a day. Thursday Oct. 18th - A friend brought him a stoller. He seems to enjoy it, as I can always keep him nearby and he can sit and look over the top, or lay and look out the mesh window. He still tries to head to the pool. Friday Oct 19th. 8 days since surgery. He is able to wiggle his tail when someone comes home. Potty is outside. Cage has been dry for 2 days. He gets home therapy 3-4 times a day. Mostly bicycle, massage, and toe massage. Hospital recommends, Laser and E-Stimulation at $44 each. I do not see any movement in the legs or toes. He does get cold fast with the shaved backside, so I try to keep him covered and cozy. His incision is 3 inches long. He eats and drinks normal, but I give him a little less and he was always very active hunting lizards, digging in his huge hole, and swimming in the pool every day. His cage is on the kitchen island on a rubber backed rug. I didn't want his siblings tormenting him in the cage, or for him to have to struggle looking up at us. He's never been in a cage since we rescued him. It's torment keeping him in one, but I know it's for his own good. Even though it's only been 8 days since surgery, it seems like it's been weeks since I've seen him run around. I do not have pet insurance on any of the three, and wonder if I should consider it for his siblings. There are so many to consider. Several with negative reviews. Advice and healing energy and prayers are greatly appreciated!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 19, 2018 21:41:27 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Peter! So glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you! While Olaf is healing continue to feed him his normal amount, his body has a lot of healing to do! Avoid high calorie treats instead.. It sounds like he is healing very well, so far.. It takes 2 weeks for the surgical swelling to go down and after that time you will be better able to see the direction his healing will take.. Knowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!! The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD soonest possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. ➤ Follow the "surgery button now. In the next days do all the other colored buttons to become the IVDD savvy pet parent you dog will need. All Things IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm➤ Use the “search box” to easily locate topics over at our Main www.dodgerslist.com website: www.dodgerslist.com/index/searchBOX.jpgIVDD has a genetic component and it is possible his siblings could develop IVDD, so take precautions with them by teaching them not to jump on and off furniture, and avoid stairs. Hopefully they will be lucky. Here's how to have a back friendly home: dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmPet insurance companies won't cover pre-existing conditions and they may not cover Olaf's siblings since there would be a risk of them developing IVDD.. What I would do instead is start a savings account.. I had pet insurance on Tyler and they wouldn't cover his disc surgery because his Vets mentioned he could have IVDD or patellar luxation, it wasn't even a firm diagnosis but it was in his records the year before and that was enough to get him declined. I cancelled the policy. I wished then that I had put the money I had paid them in a savings account.. Thank you for the detailed information on Olaf. I can tell he is getting the best of care..It's good you are preventing him from reaching that swimming pool, as they continue to feel better they become more of a challenge to control their activity..The sling and a harness and leash help though.
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 21, 2018 7:22:26 GMT -7
The Pet savings account you suggest might could be a good alternative to the costly pet insurance. Sunday (morning) October 21 update: Ten (10) days since his surgery. So far a good day for Olaf. He was very excited to go outside to go potty this morning. When I got him out of his cage and placed him next to it, he tried standing!!! This is the first time I've seen him able to get any leg control in 11 days, so it was a very exciting morning. Plus his tail was wagging much more than it has been. Again, once outside, he still tries to head to the pool, or chase lizards. I don't let him, as even with a little progress I know he needs the cage rest. We came inside, and I put him on the bed for his home therapy. I always tell him to push (against my hand) with his legs, I do both front and back legs to help him understand. After he pushes with the front, I move to the back. Today I felt him trying to push with the hind legs. Then bicycle and toe massage. So far, no movement in his toes and no walking movement outside. His cage has been dry for four (4) days now.His medication is now just the Prednisone (1x) and Gabapentin (2x)
It may not look like much.... but here he is trying to stand outside the crate.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2018 8:02:30 GMT -7
Peter, wonderful news on making an attemp to stand up on his own. He will get there. Still very early in the nerve healing department. For how many days does your surgeon want for post op crate rest. Depending on the dog's case some may want 4 or six weeks or even longer. In addition to the Pet Savings account you are considering starting, I would also encourage learning more about the two treatments for a disc episode. What action to immediately crate upon any suspicion of a disc related issue---crate at once to protect the disc from worsening and causing damage to the spinal cord. Since the sister and brother are genetically related, these two links would be good to know for them as well: - How to handle an emergency disc problem: www.dodgerslist.com/faq.htm- Considerations with surgery and conservative treatment: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmWe have a directory where members can help a new members trying to make surgical decisions. Would you put your information here: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting THANKS! State: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments:
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 21, 2018 9:40:34 GMT -7
The Surgeon as recommended a minimum of 3 weeks cage rest. No dragging himself around, and light home physical therapy to begin with. They would like him to come in this week to start in their rehabilitation facility with laser and e-stimulation. It is a bit costly at $44.17 for each modality per session. Oddly enough, I myself am going for an epidural injection tomorrow, and met with a neurosurgeon last month for my own spine. Jokingly, I mention to the Olaf's surgeon that depending on Olaf's outcome, maybe he can do my surgery too! I guess me and Olaf are two peas in a pod... and I don't jump off the couch... (I also added Olaf's hospital information to the directory.)
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2018 12:17:42 GMT -7
Thanks, Peter for the directory add.
Maybe they have a package rate for the laser/e-stim session that could be more cost effective for you? Maybe underwater treadmill is even the better way to spend those precious funds now that you have seen him attempt to push up into a stand.
The movement of the hip joints and muscles and the changes in pressure on the paws from the underwater treadmill triggers spinal cord communication with the brain. Water bouyancy makes it easier than leg movements against gravity. There is not only the potential to regrow damaged neuronal pathyways but also for neuron to muscle re-education to learn the art of walking again.
Keep up the good work of not jumping off the couch with your own back issues!!! <ggg>
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 25, 2018 12:26:00 GMT -7
Thursday (afternoon) October 25, 2018 Update: 14 Days since surgery. Olaf continues to make improvements each day. His tail wags quite well. And when I take him out of his crate, he tries to stand on the back legs. No toe movement yet. When I take him outside for potty, he tries to stand, and I can adjust his feet / toes. He's not as weak as he was, and you can feel leg strength as he tries to stand. Crate has been dry for 8 days! His energy levels are up, and he tries to go fast when outside. Today he even got himself out of the leg straps to go faster. As I don't want him to drag, I swiftly got him up, and brought him back inside for rest. He is scheduled to have his stitches removed on Saturday. Friends from Long Island sent him an orthopedic pet bed which I'm sure will help in his comfort. Thinking of getting a Swim Jacket so when he's approved, he can finally go in the pool. He still tries go drag me there every day. His medication is now Prednisone (1 every other day) and Gabapentin (2x) Not a very good picture, buy you can see his butt is higher than a few days ago when he'd try to stand outside the crate.
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Oct 25, 2018 13:25:06 GMT -7
Glad all is going well. Your dog is beautiful
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 26, 2018 9:32:38 GMT -7
Friday (noon) October 26, 2018 Update:
15 Days since surgery.
Olaf makes a little more progress. We both noticed that his right rear leg is stronger than his left. He also has a tiny bit of right leg movement when we take him out on potty breaks. Today when outside I adjusted his feet as he was standing, and I was able to slack his support straps so that he was able to stand almost on his own for a few seconds.
Last night when I tucked him in for bed, I tickled the fur on his right toes and he pulled back his foot! I was pretty excited to see that. Up to this point he hasn't had any reaction to his toes.
His medication is Prednisone (1 every other day). Tomorrow, the stitches come out!
I told him that if he's walking on his own by Thanksgiving, I'd make him his own turkey. hmmmmm.... Nothing motivates a dachshund more than food!
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 27, 2018 17:40:29 GMT -7
Saturday October 26, 2018 Update: 16 Days since surgery Today Olaf went to the Doctor to have his stitches removed and have his first follow up appointment. Everything went well for him. Dr. Roy was pleased with his progress. And Olaf got the OK to go swimming!!! (we'll call it water therapy.) Dr. Roy and his staff were genuinely happy to see him and the progress he has made. I'm so glad that we found out about them when there was no time to research for a neurosurgeon on our own. Today he went swimming in his new swim vest, and was happy to be in the pool. He is making progress on standing when he is outside. His legs are a little stronger each day. Still no toe movement and I always adjust his feet when he tries to stand outside. We continue our home therapy, and I also have him do squats now as well. Sit.... stand.... sit... stand. I have to do most of the work for him, but hope in due time, he will be able to do it.
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 1, 2018 7:03:34 GMT -7
Thursday November 1, 2018 Update:
21 Days since surgery
It's been a few days since posting an update. Olaf has now been in our pool 1x daily for 4 days. Each time a little bit longer. About 15 minutes now. Took him a while to get used to the swim vest. I think the water therapy is helping, and he really enjoys being in the water. Plus it gives him a little "self" time. It's the only time he's not either in a crate, or held. He can swim for a few seconds on his own like he used to as he swims toward me.
His "standing" time has increased. When out in the yard for potty time, he can stand for about a minute now. I still have to adjust his feet and toes and support him with his straps. When down by the fence, he can stand if he leans on the fence while he watches the turtles and ducks. When in the crate, and he sees food coming he tries to stand and lean his butt against the crate sides. I think he now has full tail wag like he had prior to IVDD.
Yesterday when on potty break, I tripped and stepped on his toe. He stopped and looked at me and lifted the leg I stepped on. So.... I took this as a positive sign that he felt his toes. (Olaf never shows signs of pain, it was very hard for the doctors to even detect DPS.)
Progress is slow, and just a little at a time. It's so difficult putting him back in the crate, but he needs the rest. His brother and sister want to play with him and I know it's hard on them too. I know that dogs can take several weeks, months, or years to regain ability to be back to their normal self.... It's just so much more difficult when it happens to your own dog and trying to keep the positive attitude.
Well.... time to turn on the pool heater and get him ready for swim therapy.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 1, 2018 13:23:30 GMT -7
A full tail wag is terrific. He seems to be making really good progress. Aqua therapy helps a lot of dogs, including my Frankie after his surgery.
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 4, 2018 13:23:28 GMT -7
Sunday November 4, 2018 Update: 24 Days since surgery All prescriptions are complete. Does anyone know of any over the counter type of things to help regenerate the nerves? Or anything special that you've experienced that works in helping heal? Olaf continues his progress and his therapy at home. Each day we swim with his life jacket on. While in the water we also work on leg strength and toes. His right leg remain stronger than the left, both are getting stronger. During his potty breaks, he is now moving both legs as he tries to walk. They aren't able to support him or even keep up with the front legs, but there is some movement happening. Again the right is stronger. Toes are not yet keeping up, and still knuckle over. Yesterday he tried to squat when he when pee and I adjusted his toes. He then tried to stand up and move on.... Of course I was there with his straps on for support, but he is trying. What he really wants to do is chase squirrels and dig in his hole. Someday Olaf.... Off the the ce-ment pond with my little buddy for his swim therapy.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 4, 2018 14:13:16 GMT -7
Peter, the body self heals nerves....there are no medications that do that. Nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal and that really takes patience on our part in our instant society. No one will be able to give you a timetable as to when Olaf will be approaching a normal gait. All that we know is the classic textbook order that nerves heal in. Take a look at the typical order things happen in and you will be heartened to know that in time now being able to see movement in the legs bodes really well for even more nerve repair to take place! 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. YES Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.4. YES Leg Movement, and then ability to __?__move up into a stand 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.htmKeep up the good work on stimulating the muscles, nerves. Think of Olaf sort like a stroke victim in having to relearn the art of walking. Do you have carrots or tennis balls to inspire him to walk in water and make the experience a fun thing?
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 11, 2018 8:56:26 GMT -7
Sunday November 11, 2018 Update:
31 Days since surgery
A month has passed. Olaf slowly improves. He is happy and bouncy when he sees food or someone coming to his crate. He tries to stand each time, and tries to get himself out of the crate when the door is opened for his break time. Once out of the crate I have him stand and sit, stand and sit again, and again. He finally is getting control to sit without my helping. I do still help to get back to a standing position. Outside I have noticed that during poo poo time he is now trying to position himself in a squat.
His right foot is still much stronger than the left. The right is starting to gain ability to keep his toes up as he tries to walk. Left still knuckles over.
Each day we go swimming together with his life vest on. He seems to like the vest as he seems less nervous about staying afloat. Before IVDD he was a good swimmer and went in the pool everyday on his own. He's still a long way from being able to do that. Yesterday, I did try to video his back legs as he was swimming, as they were moving along.
He is still his normal crazy hunter dog self. Again he got away from me trying to chase a squirrel. His back half is not able to keep up with the front in any way.
It seems his progress may have become slower being off all medications for a while now. Maybe that's just me as it seems so long since I've seen him walk on his own.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 11, 2018 9:18:57 GMT -7
Peter, wonderful report you saw his back legs moving in the water!!! Did you first upload your video to Youtube? Then all you need to do is paste the video's address into your post. —First upload your video to YouTube.com —At the top of your browser when viewing your uploaded video you will see a "share" button below your video window. — Pressing it will expand to reveal the URL (it starts with <http...> you can paste into a Forum post. —How to details for mobile devices and computers: support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?hl=enOK, thanks for adjusting your youtube...I see it now and WAHOOO another step accomplished on his journey to self repairing nerves. Good job in all the wonderful care and devotion you give Olaf!
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 19, 2018 9:22:01 GMT -7
Monday November 19, 2018 Update:
39 Days since surgery
Progress is slow, but seems to continue. His left leg is getting a bit stronger, and both legs are now "walking" when supported with the legs straps on. After dinner I let him lick the plate.... but it's out of his crate, and I have him stand on carpet when doing so. He is very wiggly so I let him lean on me. Squatting is going better at potty time too.
His 6 week follow up appointment is November 27th.
This weekend we bought a 4' x 4' plywood and made a ramp for the couch for his brother and sister to use. Trying to minimize jumping for them as well. It turned out well, and didn't cost much. Covered the ramp with an old scrap of carpet.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 19, 2018 10:30:02 GMT -7
Peter, I see that the surgeon directed Olaf to be on crate rest for 3 weeks, so belated congratuations on graduation for Olaf. Glad to hear you are making your home back friendly for all your doxies. Have you begun giving Olaf some time out of the recovery suite to enjoy his home? A gradual build to release time, of course, and also when you are there to supervisie? Good news on both legs now moving in a walking motion. He will get stronger and stronger and better coordinated over time. Check out this "After Crate Rest. then what" article for lots of ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm
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Post by Camille & Bean on Nov 19, 2018 15:24:27 GMT -7
Hooray for Olaf! Peter if you can or willing, I'd love to see a picture of the ramp you built. I'd love to see some ideas as we start to think of what ramp options we have at our home (we have two other non-IVDD dogs that could also benefit from it).
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 20, 2018 12:49:43 GMT -7
Here are pics of our homemade ramp. The ramp was fairly easy to make. Bought a 48" x 48" piece of plywood from Lowes and had them cut two 1 foot length sections off before my purchase (made it easy to get in the car). Also bought 4 rubber feet. The ramp section is 12" x 48". I used that to measure the diagonal cut of the remaining 24 x 48 piece. So it is 24" high and just less than 48" long. The ramp is at a height of 18" which leaves a side rail of 6". Olaf's sister was born blind and she needs the rail sides for guidance. I had a few scrap pieces of wood in the garage that I used for a base and supporting the rail. Let me know if you need any further info., or "inside" pics. Not sure if I'll paint the wood or use a staple gun and finish with fabric sides to cover the wood. That's Frank in the pics.... Larger and taller version for the bedroom. This one is covered in faux leather. I used wood / fabric glue. Big mistake.... doesn't hold for long. Will have to redo with staples. (Again, Frank being a ham in the picture.)
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Post by Camille & Bean on Nov 20, 2018 13:23:40 GMT -7
Thanks so much Peter. The ramps look amazing and looks like Frank easily adapted to it. I'm worried that Bean, in her excitement might jump/fall off from the sofa and hurt herself, so I was considering a ramp like yours but built out of foam. But yours looks very sturdy and probably better for stability when climbing up.
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 28, 2018 14:01:26 GMT -7
Tuesday November 28, 2018 Update:
48 Days since surgery
Olaf met with his Surgeon yesterday. He feels Olaf is doing very well, and expects that he will continue improving. He mentioned the same things that others mention on this site, there is no time frame for healing. As long as you continue to see things progress, expect they will continue. Once you no longer see improvements that will probably be where he will plateau. His next visit is January 2.
Olaf does continue to improve, this week he has started to scratch his ears with his hind legs. He gets bursts of energy when outside and has figured out if he bunny hops with his rear legs, he can go very fast without his sling. (that's when he get's away from me.... such as when he sees a squirrel in the tree.) Walking in the sling is better as well. Most of the time his toes are now in the correct position when he walks and squats for potty. One day he even tried lifting one leg to pee on a shrub.
In the house we added a few large area rugs for playtime. His siblings do get a little rough on him and he tips over very easily. Walking on his own is very difficult, but possible with a lot of wobble and tipping over. I have him eat out of the cage and stand in a correct position.
It's all difficult as you know.... but we do the best we can!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 28, 2018 15:30:37 GMT -7
Olaf is doing very well 48 days after surgery. I agree with your surgeon that he will continue to improve. Even after a plateau you may find he is improving again. That is what happened to my Frankie. We thought he had improved as much as he was going to but he surprised us.
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Jan 9, 2019 12:58:30 GMT -7
Wednesday January 9, 2019 Update:
3 months since surgery (Oct 11)
Olaf is doing well and he continues to make progress. Last week he met with his surgeon and he was also very pleased with his progress.
Olaf is out of his crate most of the time now. As of Christmas he began sleeping on the bed again. He has made considerable progress and is able to climb the ramp to the couch and the bed. It takes him a while to do so, but he is very determined.
He is also able to go outside without any assistance of a strap! Between Thanksgiving and Christmas he learned to bunny hop. He figured out that if he hops like a bunny he can go very fast. Since Christmas he has been working hard at walking as that has been the most difficult for him. Coordinating all his feet to walk has been challenging for him as he'd tend to fall over. His hind feet always ended up too close together and he tips over. I think the ramp to the couch and bed has made a big difference in helping him learn to walk again. Can't bunny hop up and down the ramp!
It has been a long 3 months with some very difficult times. I still don't let him jump off anything or walk up or down steps. This week I added a wooden ramp over the step out the back door so that he can walk out on his own. (up to now I'd carry him in and out.) It's only 1 step, but I felt it was best for him to not have to try and hop up or down.
He does get tired out much quicker than he used to when playing with his brother and sister. Toward the evening, his back legs start to spread out a bit too far, he stares at me, and I know it's time to relax on my lap.
He's come a long way. Three months ago, he couldn't do anything on his own. We're very thankful for the progress he has made and hope he continues to do so!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 9, 2019 21:14:52 GMT -7
Peter, thank you for the update!!! Olaf IS doing well and with time likely even a better gait. Olaf is great inspiration to those just starting the IVDD journey. Stay in touch!
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Post by Camille & Bean on Jan 12, 2019 14:42:55 GMT -7
Yay for Olaf. So good to hear about his progress, thanks for the update!
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Sept 24, 2019 6:48:09 GMT -7
Tuesday September 24, 2019 Update:
Almost 1 year since surgery (Oct 11)
Olaf has been doing very well with his recovery. I would estimate his recovery at 90-95%. He is still the happiest little boy ever! He runs and plays every day with his brother and sister. He does still hop like a bunny when he wants to go fast. If you never met him and saw him, you would just think he walks a little funny. He also tends to sit when he eats. Oh and he is finally able to lift one leg when he goes peepee, that has taken nearly 9 months to do. Still very wobbly when he does so.
He was able to jump on the furniture around June for the first time. We don't encourage it, but he wants to keep up with his crazy siblings. We have several ramps and a few very thick cushions near furniture. You know how it goes.... I wanna be on that chair that doesn't have a ramp... Anyway, this did give him a short setback as well. I believe I saw him fall asleep on the couch cushion, then roll over and somehow ended up rolling off, landed on the floor cushion, then even rolled off that. He did hurt himself, and went on meds for a few days, and complete rest. Thankfully it only lasted a few days.
This past spring we sold our house in South Florida and moved to North Central Florida. The move was more difficult than I expected on the 3 dogs. It took them about 3 months to settle in and start acting normally again. Now, we need to look for a new vet and an emergency clinic should the need arise.
Just wanted to give an update and let everyone know that Olaf is doing well.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 24, 2019 7:26:28 GMT -7
Peter, nothing better than to hear how happy Olaf is to run and play every day. Lifting that leg to pee at 9 mos post op shows healing still going on. Do you have any furniture blockers to keep him off of un-ramped furniture? That fall, must have be scary to for you to know if he had muscle hurt (a few days rest) or a disc episode hurt (8 weeks to repair). Here's the info on blockers: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm
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Post by Julie & Perry on Sept 24, 2019 9:10:56 GMT -7
Another possibility for furniture blockers is a foldable fireplace screen.
They're easy to move, lightweight, and inexpensive.
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Jul 17, 2021 13:56:27 GMT -7
It's been a long time now.... 2 1/2 years since Olaf's surgery. He has recovered 95%+, runs, plays, and digs holes, and hunts lizards. We do have ramps in the living room and bedroom, and although we don't encourage it... he has enough spring in his step again to jump on anything he sets his mind on. His sister Elsa went in for cervical surgery in January 2021 and has also made an excellent recovery. Elsa was born blind, and does well keeping up with her 2 brothers.
A huge THANK YOU to dodgerslist for all that you do in helping the humans cope with the issues of our furry family members.
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