|
Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 19, 2020 19:53:24 GMT -7
Sounds like you're doing everything possible for Max.
Now it's just a matter of giving his body time to heal.
|
|
Michelle & Max
New Member
MALE - G. Shepherd 15yo Hansens II
Posts: 23
|
Post by Michelle & Max on Mar 31, 2020 19:07:57 GMT -7
I’m not sure if I’m the only one feeling so depressed and hopeless here, it’s almost 11 weeks since Max had the ruptured disc episode. I have been telling myself every single day that I need to be patient and do whatever I can for Max. But I don’t know if it’s because Max is too old (15.5 years old) I don’t know how much longer it takes to see improvements.
Took him to the vet for hotspot recheck, the hotspot heals well. But I also asked the vet who has been working with us for years (she is a great vet) and she told me frankly that she thought the chance for Max to be able to walk again is slim to none, 5% chance. I was heartbroken and there is no word could describe my sorrow feelings. Max is still very bright and alert [😊], great appetite to eat [😊], full bladder control [😊] plus control of bowel movement. He also flips over on his own when sleeping [😊]. I thought he is not that bad and maybe time could heal. But adding the age fact, now I’m starting to question! During the COVID19, I could not go anywhere to relax or distract myself a little bit. I just want to know the real stories and experience for those who have senior large breed, do they ever heal without surgery or I’m just in my own fantasy?
|
|
|
Post by Trent & Apollo on Mar 31, 2020 23:23:29 GMT -7
It’s really hard seeing our animals like this I know, but please have faith and continue doing everything you can for him. My dog Apollo went down a little over 4 months ago now. I’ve been giving him massages along with water therapy in my tub and he recently the last week or two is trying to stand even more now and try’s to walk. He can stand for a few seconds with his legs properly underneath him and he’s still making progress in healing now 4 months later. He went from no movement at all, to trying to turn around in his bed, to dragging his legs, to lifting his butt up using his spine, to being able to wiggle toes some, to being able to move his legs some in the water and try to stand, and now trying to stand and move his legs out of the water. He’s still healing and improving every day it seems. It really does take time and for some dogs a lot of it. I haven’t given up I’ve heard dogs walking 6 months to a year and half after they went down. My thread is on here dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7311/trents-apollo-2019-conservative-bulldog if you’d like to read it and see the things I have and am still going through with my dog Apollo. You are not alone in this. I wish you and your dog the best.
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Apr 1, 2020 3:16:07 GMT -7
Michelle, look at how you described Max: bright and alert (happy), good appetite, bowel/bladder control, able to turn over.
He is happy and comfortable. It's still possible that he could walk again. If not Max is still loving life.
Since Max is a recent graduate from crate rest he is still very early in the healing process.
Keep hope alive and stay in the moment with Max!
|
|
Michelle & Max
New Member
MALE - G. Shepherd 15yo Hansens II
Posts: 23
|
Post by Michelle & Max on Apr 1, 2020 8:03:07 GMT -7
Thank you Trent and Julie!!!! Trent, i will check your thread for sure! Thank you for sharing your story about Apollo. May I ask you some questions after reading your thread later on? I know I have a lot in my mind and really would like to know more from experienced people like you.
Julie, yes you are right, I should feel lucky that I do not need to express his bladder, I do not need to flip him over during night, I do not need to change his position every few hours during the day, he could do all of these himself. Other than taking him out to potty I don’t have too much to do. I guess I’m just mentally exhausted and overwhelmed, plus the COVID19. I constantly worry about his quality of life by not able to move around, especially when I’m not in the same room I feel bad and guilty. I understand i still other responsibilities like being a mother to my daughter, a wife to my husband. I didn’t do so well to them lately. They are so loving and understanding, I need to focus on them more.
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Apr 1, 2020 8:37:47 GMT -7
Would it be possible to get a dog wheelchair for Max? If finances are an issue, there are different companies that may rent to own or that re-sell used chairs. There's also an organization called Red Flyers that takes donated wheelchairs and when they find a fit for your dog it's loaned to you for the life of your dog. You can use the wheelchair as a walker and it could give Max some indepedence. There's a link about wheels on the main website at www.dodgerslist.com. I'd encourage you to start checking out the options for Max.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,535
|
Post by PaulaM on Apr 1, 2020 9:28:11 GMT -7
|
|
Michelle & Max
New Member
MALE - G. Shepherd 15yo Hansens II
Posts: 23
|
Post by Michelle & Max on Apr 8, 2020 22:58:36 GMT -7
Here is the update for today 4/8/2020
Took Max for electro acupuncture and laser treatment again today, the acupuncturist was finally back to work after two weeks off. The acupuncturist said Max can feel one point each on his hind feet, LH>RH. Non reactive to laser the whole body which is good.
Then tonight I went to check on Max during his sleep, found he was comfortably lying on his side and suddenly all his four limbs were kicking. I know he must be dreaming something excited. I did see both hind legs/feet kicked strongly and hard with big movements. He was deeply sleeping.
Is this kind of kicking brain controlled? Does it mean the nerve is connected with the brain or this is still reflexes?? I’m not sure so I need some clarification here. Thank you.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,535
|
Post by PaulaM on Apr 9, 2020 7:34:32 GMT -7
Michelle, dreams are produced in the brain. Whether dreaming about chasing a squirell or swimming, the dream gave direction for the legs to move. That message successfully traveled the spinal cord out to the limbs for you to see all four limbs moving with big movement! You know no matter how many times since 2007, I read about nerve healing taking place, it is still an awesome thing to hear about the body self healing nerves. We all share your excitement in this new development!!
Max could easily move the legs without gravity to deal with while lying down. Does Max still do the underwater treadmill? If yes, how is that going re: Max being able to move his legs in the water?
|
|
Michelle & Max
New Member
MALE - G. Shepherd 15yo Hansens II
Posts: 23
|
Post by Michelle & Max on Apr 9, 2020 7:58:52 GMT -7
Thank you Paula, I’m so glad to know that his kicking was a sign of nerve healing!! Because of his hotspots his regular vet suggested to pause the hydrotherapy for a few weeks until the skin totally healed. Before we paused the hydrotherapy, Max already could move both hind legs in the water with the stepping motions, LH is better than RH. His LH can correctly put pad down position in the water, RH only sometimes though.
We are going to restart his hydrotherapy in a week also. Thank you for your inputs and I will keep on my observations for Max and hopefully I could see his progress day by day.
|
|
|
Post by Judy & Vesper on Apr 9, 2020 10:02:35 GMT -7
It's so wonderful to read good news like this.
Hydrotherapy is the best modality in getting the muscles stronger, enhancing proprioception and all over fitness. Swimming is also very good.
I am so glad Max is doing so well.
|
|
Michelle & Max
New Member
MALE - G. Shepherd 15yo Hansens II
Posts: 23
|
Post by Michelle & Max on Apr 9, 2020 10:39:51 GMT -7
Thank you Judy for your encouragement!! We will restart hydrotherapy for Max once his hotspots are all cleared, seems like Max has very sensitive skin always, easy to get dandruff and hotspot, not sure if that’s something typical for German Shepherd or just Max. His regular vet just prescribed him Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food to help his skin problem, I also added salmon oil in his daily diet. One more week of the antibiotic to go for his hotspot then we can add back the hydrotherapy.
One day at a time for Max and for us as well especially in the pandemic. Stay safe and positive.
|
|