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Post by Alexo on Jan 19, 2020 8:47:45 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Pearl the westie ]
Hi. I really need some help. I can't login or register so posting as a guest. I'm in the UK and my dear little 8 yr old westie Pearl has had emergency spinal surgery on Friday for IVDD. Fragments of disc or disc contents were compressing her spinal cord. The surgery removed the fragments and should have decompressed her cord. The surgeon made it clear that her clinical signs were pretty poor and that she was as bad as a dog with IVDD can get. Ascending and descending necrosis of her cord was a possibility. She was unable to support herself on her back legs prior to the surgery. She also had pain sensation in her toes but was unable to urinate.
Yesterday, 24 hours after surgery she had some muscle tone in her rear right leg and was trying to correct her foot from turning over. The physio took her outside in a sling.
Overnight [1/19] she seems to have gone downhill-no muscle tone in her rear right leg or anus and apparently no deep pain sensation in her left leg. We're very worried that this is the onset of Myelomalacia. Can recovery/muscle tone/sensation come and go like this after surgery? Should it be an upward trajectory albeit slow? We're prepared to do what we can to assist rehabilitation and we know that she may not walk again but we know that there is no coming back from ascending myelomalacia. Please can you help, even if it's just some kind words and information? We were able to spend almost an hour and a half with her today with plenty of time for cuddles and kisses. We're preparing to say goodbye to her but not if there's still hope.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2020 9:06:50 GMT -7
Alexo, welcome to the Forum. Very good that Pearl is being monitored for changes in the cord by a qualified surgeon to identify "M" so quick action could be taken. I'm praying for you and Pearl that it is often after a surgery that nerve loss can be due to all the swelling that the surgery itself causes. Typically it takes about 2 weeks for all this surgery caused swelling to subside where you and the surgeon will have a better idea on the path of nerve healing to come. Still having deep pain sensation (DPS) in the right leg is a good sign for more nerve healing to be able to take place! I'm sorry that this waiting and observing for "M" is such a stressful thing. The best approach is as you are doing---- enjoying every moment with Pearl but moving to the back of your mind if need be you understand why giving the hardest ever gift would be truly a blessing for Pearl should it be "M" would be moving upwards towards the lungs. We will be anxiously waiting along with you to learn updates on your girl as you get them. Illustrated what to expect during registration may help you to more easily register. I hope so as then you have access to all the Forum features and it helps us too: www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/RegisterFORUM/register.htmTake care and update us as you are able to. |
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Post by Alexo on Jan 19, 2020 9:15:36 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your kind and quick response Paula. Knowing that you're all here with all your wisdom is such a gift. I'll keep you posted. Xx
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2020 9:19:42 GMT -7
Thank you for your communication. Our thoughts are with you during this very stressful time.
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Post by Alex & Pearl on Jan 21, 2020 13:46:25 GMT -7
Just an update on Pearl.
She's coming home on Thursday with lots of cage rest, physio, sling walking and cuddles ahead. Her rear right leg is coming along well and muscle tone is building up niceley-left leg, not so much. This forum is a godsend!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 21, 2020 14:07:09 GMT -7
That's good news. Dogs always do better at home.
Please let us know how many weeks of crate rest the surgeon wants and what PT is recommended.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 21, 2020 17:26:11 GMT -7
Woohoo, I'm so happy Pearl is recovering and that there's no more worry about M!!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2020 19:17:05 GMT -7
Alex, just got on to see your most wonderful news of no "M" and Pearl coming home! Thank you for registering. I'll move Pearl over to the SURGERY board now. Check out the supply list for lots of tips and ideas to make crate rest go smoother: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmLet us know what meds Pearl comes home on. For how many weeks does the surgeon want for crate rest which will include PT. |
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