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Post by Rebecca & Bruce on May 21, 2020 0:20:54 GMT -7
With answers to these questions we will be better able to help you.
☀︎1-- (A big) 6 year old Mini Dachshund, Bruce. My name is Rebecca from Australia
☀︎2-- Approx 9kg
☀︎3-- Specialist surgeon
☀︎4-- Date of Surgery was 4th April
Bruce had decompressive surgery T13-L1, 4 weeks strict crate rest
At home passive physio (bicycle legs etc),3 weeks after surgery we started professional physio
4 weeks post surgery have started small 5 min "walks" as recommended by physio
☀︎5-- At home passive physio (bicycle legs etc)
☀︎6-- 4 weeks crate rest with at home passive physio
Could start professional PT after stitches removed
☀︎7--Doesn't appear to be in pain.
Had a Fentanyl patch post surgery. Is no longer on pain medication
☀︎9-- It took Bruce 2 weeks to start walking post surgery. Pre surgery he was able to walk.
Now his walking is like 'goose stepping' and his back is a bit arched.
☀︎10-- wet bedding or leaks?No
☀︎11-- Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK Yes
Our current Physio plan is daily massages on the spine, neck, quads etc. We are to also start practising stepping over broom sticks on the floor. And short 5 min walks. We have only been for 2 walks past 4 houses in my street and back as Bruce is quite tired afterwards.
Our vet has noted that Bruce is on the slow side of the recovery scale, however is still progressing at a slow rate.
Is there anything else I could be doing for Bruce to aid in his recovery?
Thanks in advance,
Rebecca (And Bruce)
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Post by Michelle & Keira on May 21, 2020 4:03:09 GMT -7
Hi Rebecca and Bruce,
Has underwater treadmill been recommended? It Is commonly used after IVDD surgery. Water therapy can be great at building up their strength. We did the stepping over broomsticks to, it’s a great exercise to get them sensing their motor skills.
Arched back can quite sometime to go, some dogs will always have a bit of an arch.
The moderators of this site will get in touch here with you soon.
Wishing Bruce all the best with his recovery.
Michelle
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,535
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Post by PaulaM on May 21, 2020 7:28:24 GMT -7
Rebecca, welcome to the Forum, we are glad you are here. If your pocket book allows, I agree that underwater treadmill is a very good therapy. Here is more information about it. There is the potential to regrow damaged neuronal pathyways as Bruce has demonstrated. Another part of learning to walk is for neuron to muscle re-education to learn the art of walking and perfecting the gait.
Consider also if the weather is right, some at home water therapy in an inexpensive child's wading pool. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm
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Post by Rebecca & Bruce on May 24, 2020 16:20:39 GMT -7
Thanks so much for the advice, I am booked Bruce in for a underwater treadmill appointment today  Will keep you posted on his progress. |
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Will keep you posted on his progress.