|
|
Post by Jane & Seiji on Jul 25, 2013 11:43:38 GMT -7
Hello,
First of all, thank you for this wonderful site for providing both resource and support. It is a great comfort to know that there are many success stories out there, and it helps to be able to talk to others who have had similar experiences with their pets.
My 11 pound mini dachshund had spinal surgery on July 10th from the T12 to L2 sections. He has been recovering nicely and we just had his sutures removed yesterday. He has a good appetite and has tail movement, feeling in his feet and can mostly urinate and deficate on his own, (with support). He is in pen rest still for another 4 weeks, but he is very lively at times and seems to want to scoot about more than he should. The vet is very optimistic about his chances for full recovery, and we certainly want to do everything we can to help realize that goal.
I do have a question though. My vet says that we can provide some physical therapy by trying to flex his legs several times throughout the day. However, I called some pet physical therapy clinics near me and they informed me that if I took my dog there, they would be doing things like trying to walk him with a harness, and use a water treadmill, etc.
These physical therapy clinics are very expensive. $300.00 for initial consultation, and $150.00 per visit. The cost is not something we cannot fit into our budget right now, since the surgery was over $6,000. Therefore, we would like to do some therapy at home, but not sure how to approach it, or whether we should do such aggressive therapy after only 2 weeks recovery time.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
My heartfelt wishes of comfort and healing to all who is going through this with their beloved pets. I know how stressful and difficult it can be, but knowing that we can support each other gives me great hope.
Thank you--
Jane
|
|
|
|
Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jul 26, 2013 1:24:12 GMT -7
Hi Jane! My name is Stevie and my mini dachshund, Cleopatra had her surgery about 2 1/2 months ago now. I was in the exact same boat you are, my husband and I spent every penny we had on the surgery and had nothing left for physical therapy. I did water therapy at home with Cleo, but only after her sutures were removed. I bought a doggie life vest on eBay for about $20, and filled my bathtub up. I could get Cleo to swim a little bit, but mostly I did bicycle movements with her back legs in the water.
Our surgeon also recommended walks with the sling starting at 5 minutes a day and increasing by 5 minutes each week until we got to 30 each day. After about 6 weeks, she no longer needed the sling. Today Cleo is walking and running everywhere! She still walks a little more like a raccoon than a dog, but she is loving life. You should talk to your surgeon about what kind of home physical therapy he or she recommends. I just want you to know from my experience that while it takes some time and dedication (and a dog with a good attitude) it is totally possible to do physical therapy at home.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jane & Seiji on Jul 26, 2013 10:41:50 GMT -7
Hi Stevie,
Thank you so much for your reply. I am very happy to hear that your Cleopatra is doing so well. Kudos to you and your family for taking such good care of her!
I definitely will contact Seiji's surgeon about the physical therapy options we can do at home, and will reference your experience when I talk to him.
Your story gives me great motivation and hope and I feel that with the dedication as you described, we can do this at home for our little guy.
Congratulations on your success, and thanks again!
Jane
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda Stowe on Jul 26, 2013 11:12:08 GMT -7
|
|
|
|
Post by Jane & Seiji on Jul 26, 2013 11:36:16 GMT -7
Thank you Linda for this valuable information!
I will contact my surgeon to confer with him on starting the assisted walking, physical and water therapies.
|
|
|
|
Post by dianne on Jul 26, 2013 13:46:16 GMT -7
Our 8 year old 12 lb Poodle had surgery June 4th. He was sent home 4 days later still with no movement of his hind legs. I was given a sling for walking and PT instructions on discharge. I spent all my time the first 2 weeks caring for Noodle. (Whoever thought a dog could have a Bowel Movement while being held up with a sling?- No Problem). In 2 weeks he was walking with very little assistance and today, 7 weeks later, I have trouble keeping him quiet at all.
I agree a positive attitude by all is really helpful. I know every case is different but from my experience you should be able to do the physical therapy.
Dodgerlist is great. I had never heard of this disease and spent many hours educating myself.
Dianne
|
|
|
|
Post by Jane & Seiji on Jul 26, 2013 14:03:15 GMT -7
Thank you Dianne! Another great success story. I wish I would have found this site earlier myself, but so glad to be able to have this resource now, as well as all the personal experiences that I have been reading. Your story is very encouraging indeed.
Did you also follow a 5 minute per day increasing 5 minutes until reaching 30 minutes?
|
|
|
|
Post by dianne on Jul 26, 2013 19:35:31 GMT -7
At first I carried him out 3-4 times a day just to go to bathroom. After he started walking a little it was 5 minutes at a time 3-4 times a day for the first 2 weeks, although as he started walking better it was hard to stop him. I am sure I cheated some.
I did massages, passive range of motion and standing exercises several times a day.
I am lucky he always had control of his bowels and urine. We live in a wooded area and he always "pooped in the woods" so that is where I would carry him.
The only problem now is when he urinates, his aim is off and directly hits his front legs.
I will never complain. I am so blessed to have him to clean.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jane & Seiji on Jul 27, 2013 10:54:22 GMT -7
Dianne,
Looks like your love and hard work has paid off big time!
I know what you mean about appreciating our pets. Things like just going out to pee has now become a major accomplishment worthy of high praise. Even the littlest victories like a slight tail-wag fills my heart with joy.
This has been another lesson for me to appreciate every single day because we never know what tomorrow will bring. One day he was perfectly fine running around the house like usual, and the next day he couldn't walk.
You all really inspire me to work extra hard to get my little guy to recover as best he can.
Best wishes to you for continued success.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Jul 28, 2013 19:29:13 GMT -7
Hi Jane! 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. When my Tyler lost the ability to move his back legs,and had surgery, every little improvement was a source of great joy, his first steps, his tail wag.. It really is true you don't know how special little things are until they are taken away..but he healed rapidly and his wobbly walk became steadier and stronger with each passing day.. I wish the same for your Seiji. |
|
|
|
Post by Jane & Seiji on Jul 29, 2013 11:21:13 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana,
Thank you for sharing your story about Tyler. It's always encouraging to hear the accounts of people who have been through similar experiences with outcomes so positive and successful.
I will definitely look into the therapies you suggested and see what's available in my area. In the meantime, my surgeon has approved the passive physical therapy posted on this site, and also the sling walking for Seiji's home treatment.
He seems to be getting stronger every day and returning back to his old self. No back leg movement yet, but we are ever hopeful.
Thanks also for your good wishes.
Jane
|
|
