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Post by Kristen & Leo on Jan 18, 2020 13:25:10 GMT -7
Leo is a 2 year 9 month old beagle, chihuahua, terrier, cockapoo mix. He weighs 15.5lbs.
He had surgery on Jan 12th for a herniated disc at T12/13.
He came home 2 days later and he’s in a recovery suite.
He was prescribed Tramadol after surgery but we were told we could discontinue once he seemed more comfortable so we already stopped giving [tramadol] it to him.
He is able to pee and poop on his own and is now walking wobbly on the grass.
My biggest concern for the future is the rupturing of another disc because he has about 4 other spots of calcification on his spine. I pray that without jumping, stairs, tug of war and the use of the harness and leash that we will be able to prevent this. We wouldn’t be able to afford another surgery without help!
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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 18, 2020 20:21:07 GMT -7
Welcome Kristen! Wow, sounds like the surgery went very well and Leo is well on his way to even more self repair of those nerves causing the wobbly walking.
What PT did the surgeon direct?
For how many weeks does the surgeon want for crate rest plus the PT he directed?
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Post by Kristen & Leo on Jan 19, 2020 15:40:31 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
We go back to the surgeon to get Leo’s staples out on Friday 1/24. He said he would let me know if he recommends PT at that time depending on how Leo is doing.
He recommends about 6 weeks of crate rest and obviously all the preventatives for the future such as no jumping or stairs and all.
I’m just so worried about his other discs. I am wondering if acupuncture or hydrotherapy would be beneficial to help prevent this from occurring again or if that would mostly be to help with his current recovery.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 19, 2020 17:35:26 GMT -7
Hi Kristen, IVDD is totally unpredictable in that we never know when a disc could have a problem.
Avoiding stairs, using ramps, not allowing jumping off/on furniture, avoiding rough play especially with head shaking motions, keeping to a lean weight, and exercise/walks to keep fit are all things that can help.
Accupuncture and hydrotherapy are great for helping with recovery but don't believe there's any preventative effect.
Unfortunately, living with IVDD and the fear of future episodes is something we have to learn to live with.
I do everything I can for my two IVDD dogs and we live one day at a time.
Learning all you can about IVDD will give you knowledge and the power to advocate for your pup.
God bless, Julie, Nala, and Perry
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 19, 2020 17:49:11 GMT -7
Acupuncture can give nerves a jump start in healing but it would not be a preventative of further disc tears or ruptures. Hydrotherapy is a great therapy to help nerves heal but again, that would not be a preventative. Most often when a dog can wobbly walk, a gradual increase in walking once post-op crate rest is over is the best PT to do. Possibly the surgeon will OK some walking, maybe to and from his potty spot, when you see him on 1/24. We can take some precautions to help prevent a disc from tearing or rupturing by not allowing our IVDD dogs to go up or down steps/stairs, jump up and down on furniture, using a harness (no more collars), not pulling on leash, no tug-of-war pulling games, no rambunctious playing with other dogs. However, any disc can deteriorate to the point of tearing or rupturing at any time. If you ever do see any sign of pain or loss of neuro function, you need to immediately crate Leo to prevent further damage to the spine and get him to a vet ASAP. Many times, catching a disc problem early can prevent it from deteriorating to the point where surgery would be necessary. If surgery is not a financial option for you in the future, please know that many dogs recover with conservative care (8 weeks of very, very strict crate rest and meds). Some dogs only have one disc problem their whole lives, while others can have several. The best thing you can do for Leo is to learn all that you can about IVDD so you can fight this disease on Leo's behalf. You can start your education here: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmPlease also be aware that Leo having calcified discs does not mean that those particular discs are necessarily going to rupture. More info on that here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CalcifiedDiscs.htmHere's how to make your home back friendly with a link on how to train Leo to use a ramp: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmThe worry will ease up for you as time goes by. The more we learn and know about IVDD, the less our fears are, so do learn all you can. Healing prayers for Leo. |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 19, 2020 17:52:57 GMT -7
Disc calcification doesn't mean that disc will necessarily have problems. Or that other discs won't have issues.
There's a good article about this on the main website for Dodgers List. Go to the search engine and put disc calcification.
Also, in case of a future episode, conservative crate rest could be an option.
I'd encourage you to explore and learn about IVDD and the two treatment plans; surgery and conservative crate rest.
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Post by Kristen & Leo on Jan 20, 2020 19:19:44 GMT -7
Thanks so much everyone for even more info! I have definitely been reading a LOT and feel pretty informed now.
One question I do still have is, how concerned should I be with my dog lifting up his front 2 legs when he is excited to see someone? I’m telling him no when he’s doing it in his pen and kinda holding him down, but I don’t know how to prevent it forever or every single time.
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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 20, 2020 19:36:27 GMT -7
Kristin, during rest for the surgical siites to heal, raising up front legs could be more stress than should be. During crate rest, this tip is from our supplies list at the main website. Take a look as you may might the other ideas on the supplies list may be helpful for other things. LINK: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm___ Tamara's homemade lowering of crate roof to prevent standing on hind legs: Cut a cardboard box to the length and width of the crate. Punch holes around the cardboard edges. Use string or plastic ties to attach the cardboard inside the crate at a height that only allows standing up, but not room to jump up or stand on hind legs. ___ Option 2 to keep dog from jumping in crate. Drape blanket to head height of standing dog, so he can't see if he jumps or stands on hind legs. 
Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc. TRAINING 4 on floor for after crate rest is over: |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 20, 2020 19:38:48 GMT -7
Jumping up on his back legs is not good for Leo.
Have you tried turning away and ignoring him when he does this?
Or you could have him sit and then get attention and a treat.
Just make sure that whatever you decide it's consistent and that everyone does it.
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Jan 22, 2020 2:13:21 GMT -7
Hi Kristen,
I was just reading your posts. Sounds like Leo is doing great to be wobbly walking so soon after a big surgery.
In regards to your concerns with calcification on other discs - our dog Keira had surgery in October 2017 and at the time they did a full body scan and also found there to be some mild calcification in other disc sites. Our surgeon told us not to worry about this, and that many dogs with mild calcification can live full lives without them ever presenting to be an issue. Over 2 years on and my Keira is doing very well.
Focus on the recovery stage now and try not to worry too much about the future. Just do your best to stop jumping and stairs etc after crate rest is over. Dogs will be dogs, and unfortunately we can't control every jump/move they make!
Wishing Leo all the best with his recovery.
Michelle
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