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Post by Angie & Shiner on Mar 17, 2020 7:14:02 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Post-Op 6 Weeks - Set back]
I have a 10 yr old dachshund who is 6 weeks post-op yesterday. We've been told to take him on 5 minute exercise walks in addition to his potty walks and have been given PT exercises (which I haven't been diligent with). He went on several walks in the back yard this weekend and had an anxiety moment sunday with the thunderstorm. He is showing signs of pain (a little shaking) starting last night and
not really wanting to walk around much this morning only to get his potty done and with a wobble walk and a little "tight." Could we have overdone his movement over the weekend? I gave him Gabapentin last night and this morning. He has wagged his tail at us, is drinking and eating. Should we just back off so much walking for now? I really was ready to start water treadmill and laser but a little apprehensive now unless he shows improvement in the next day or so. Thoughts?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 17, 2020 7:45:05 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Paula, what's yours and your dog's? Welcome to the Forum.
Did this walking increase in wobbiness (neuro damage) or is the wobbliness something new as of this morning. If increased or new, then crate at once and contact your vet.
If no neuro diminishment, crate anyway and observe as it may well be he over did exercising and is sore. Would not be a bad idea to also get to the vet to verify just muscles and not the start of a new disc episode, by seeing the vet asap this morning to see if disc episode meds are needed.
--- anti-inflammatory on board to work on inflamed tissue around the spinal cord
---pain meds are to provide comfort while the antiflam drug is at work.
--- Pepcid AC is a must with any use of an anti-inflammatory drug.
For how many weeks did the surgeon want for crate rest which includes his directed PT.
What where the neuro deficits prior to this weekend:
-- wobbly waking?
-- legs crossing
-- Paws knuckling under?
How much does he weigh?
Did the several 5 min walks build up gradually?
Or was this the first time your dog did several 5 min walks was this weekend?
How much did he walk several times a day all along with those potty walks?
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Post by Angie & Shiner on May 16, 2023 17:02:09 GMT -7
I have a sweet little 13 yr old boy who had successful L1/L2 surgery back in February 2020. Never lost any function or total loss of mobility. The past few months his back legs seem to be getting weaker with not alot of strength. Still walks on them slowly but does alot of " drunk" walking and bunny hopping (sort of like his early recovery). He doesn't seem in pain. Is this something to accept with age and prior surgery? Should I start some sort of physical therapy? Just seems age is catching up to him.  Side note: After his MRI before his surgery, surgeon said the remainder of his back was very healthy. He also never had complete control/strength in his back legs after successful surgery. Has always been a bit weak in them and a bit off balance but was better than before surgery!! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 16, 2023 17:11:12 GMT -7
If there is any suspicion this could be another disc episode going on then crate at once and get to a vet for a treatment that matches the disease. secure the crate in your vehicle. Transport carefully using a crate padded out with rolled up towels on either side of the dog to prevent movement or jarring the spine when braking or turning corners. We depend on what the diagnosis is from a vet. Then we have lots of information to share in home care is this would be a disc episode. When is the last time your vet has seen your dog? What did he think when it began several months ago? |
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Post by Angie & Shiner on May 16, 2023 17:17:04 GMT -7
I don't feel its another episode as he has no pain, is very alert, eats and drinks well, and gets around pretty good (other than the back legs). I just wasn't sure if this was something that could come along with age? He doesn't get a ton of exercise so possibly also too sedentary and needs short walks, PT, etc. (sort of like getting older--stay active). The vet didn't examine him for this particular issue because I didn't have any concerns about it and didn't feel it needed to be addressed. We have moved and he doesn't have his same doctor where we are. I believe they did receive his records.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 16, 2023 17:23:02 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Paula, what's yours and your dog's? Welcome to the Forum again.
It would be good to get clearance to do PT, if is would have a disease where PT would be a bad option.
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Post by Angie & Shiner on May 16, 2023 17:27:47 GMT -7
Paula, I apologize that this prior response was never replied to. I must have gotten preoccupied because that time was pretty stressful as I am sure you know. I believe we recovered after this "episode" with pain but as I mentioned he never has regained 100% in his back legs. Of course the surgeon told us this was a possibility. We have been extremely satisfied with his recovery and he has been a very happy dog. Aging pets has never been one of my favorite parts of being a dog mom and feel that is part of what I am witnessing.
Paula, would definitely get clearance before starting any physical therapy. They are all due rabies shots next few weeks and will have the doctor check him out to give us a go or a no-go. Thanks again.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 16, 2023 17:40:27 GMT -7
we are a small group just going by first names. Mine is Paula. What is your name?
What is your dog's name?
Please do keep us posted with what the new vet thinks is going on.
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Post by Angie & Shiner on May 16, 2023 17:48:09 GMT -7
Paula, my name is Angie Stevenson and my senior boy is SHINER. Here is a photo from May 2021 and last week. Thanks for all the input over the years!!   |
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