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Post by Max & Frank on Feb 6, 2020 7:07:23 GMT -7
[Original subject line:Frank (French Bulldog) Post Op ] Good morning All, Our dog, Frank, had IVDD surgery 4 weeks and 2 days ago (January 6, 2020). ![]() At this point he is able to barely stand for short periods of time (10 seconds) but his rear legs knuckle easily. He definitely is not able to walk unassisted. He goes to PT 3 times a week and can't use the water treadmill yet because he has limited (but improving) control of his bladder and bowel movements. Yesterday the PT person changed her tone somewhat dramatically from "everything will be fine", to "I'm not sure he'll make a full recovery." Naturally, this made us a little upset. Personally, I have observed small improvements in him (a week ago he couldn't stand at all) and I'm not sure that the PT's strong change in attitude was necessarily warrantied... then again, I'm not the expert. If you could share your experience or thoughts on this level of recovery after 4 weeks and where your dog is now, that would be greatly appreciated. Frank is currently only on medication that helps his bladder tone. He was also able to walk up to the time of his surgery. Thanks so much! Max
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 6, 2020 9:11:10 GMT -7
Max, welcome to the Forum. It looks as though your dog has graduated from post op crate rest with now completing 4 weeks of rest. OR did the surgeon direct a longer period to stay in crate rest which would also include the supervised PT he has directed? Let us know. 4 weeks after a surgery is quite early in the nerve healing department. Nerves are the slowest part of the body to self heal. Better to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks. HOW to observe for improving neuro function
For us humans to be able to distinguish between reflex and brain directed, we have to see some sort of head level involvement with the tail, with a limb or with release of urine so we know the movement was done with purposeful thinking. --- Sniff (head level nose) then release of urine would be brain directed. --- Hear (head level ear) you doing some happy talk and then tail wags is brain directed. Tail movement during potty time can often be a reflex --- Itchy sensation at at neck and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement. Tickling paws, etc can cause reflex leg movements. What is the name of the bladder med? ? mgs ?x/day do you giveNerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord. No one would be able to give you a timetable only the order in which nerve healing typically happens.
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by the neuro/ACVIM or ortho/ACVS surgeon.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. Leg Movement, 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--Have you seen a happy tail/butt wag when you specifically do some happy talk? --Does he attempt to move his body up into a stand? --Do you see his back legs move when attempting to change position when he is lying down?
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