|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 25, 2020 11:01:18 GMT -7
[Original subject line:Canine Physical Therapy Specialists Central New Jersey]  Hi Leslie & Max here, again! This time Max had surgery on T13 vertebrae. Surgery was August 9th. He is doing very well under crate arrest. Week of September 6th he is cleared to start physcial therapy. QUESTION: can anyone direct me to a list of canine PT specialists in the Central New Jersey area? Also, if there are any good IVDD PT videos that I can review that would be helpful. Thanks!
|
|
Mary & Mila
Helpful Member 
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218 
|
Post by Mary & Mila on Aug 25, 2020 11:33:04 GMT -7
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Aug 25, 2020 11:51:07 GMT -7
Leslie, for how many weeks does the surgeon want for post op rest which includes only out of the recovery suite for tiimes of supervised PT he directs? Some surgeons want 4 or 6 weeks of rest for the surgical sites to heal.
Is he off all meds now?
|
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 27, 2020 16:05:59 GMT -7
Thank you for this information! Upon review I may have other questions for the group. Thanks again!
Hi Paula,
The vet recommended 4-6 weeks crate rest. Sept 6 is the 5th week mark. I can wait if it is advised.
As of 8/28 Max is on 1/2 tab 5 mg Pred with 10mg Pepcid every 48 hours.
He is also on, Gabepenton as needed every 12 hours. Any advice on how to monitor pain is welcome.
He isn't arching his back anymore. The only time he shakes is first thing in the morning when I take him out of the crate to go outside to do potty.
Otherwise, he has a great appetite, is chopping on his sqeaky toys and going potty regularly.
He is a territory marker and sometimes moves his hind legs to pee in a special spot. I do lift his back legs and walk behind him but I feel his muscles moving.
Thanks for any and all advice!
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Aug 27, 2020 17:39:44 GMT -7
Leslie, it is the surgeon's directive on how long strict rest which includes surgeon directed always supervised PT should be for. So call the surgeon if you are wondering what is the date he may begin a slow introduction back to family life. Many times it can take about two weeks for all the surgical caused swelling to be gone. Discuss when you can give it a try to see if all swelling is gone by stopping or tapering Gabapentin down. Sounds like in a few days or so pred will have come to the very last taper dose? How much does Max weigh? SIGNS OF PAIN: ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy ◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎ not their normal perky selves Would you consider helping another member with a vet recommendation, surgical costs, etc.? We have a directory where you can share surgical info. Here is where you can share your dog's info: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsState: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: |
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 28, 2020 7:25:51 GMT -7
Hi, yes as of today/Friday 8/28, the pred is down to 1/2 5mg tab every 48 hours for 2 weeks. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs 15.5 y.o.
Pred final every other day taper to end on Sep 11.]Max is only 12 lbs and is 15 and 1/2 years old. He lost some muscle and his nutritionist reformulated his diet plan to add more protein. Also, in case it makes a difference, they discovered he has a heart murmur. The cardiologist cleared him before surgery. They said his heart isn't enlarged but his lungs show a slight increase in pressure. He needs to be monitored for any changes. I will surely share my vet info and costs. This is his second surgery. The first was in 2017 cervical. The cost each time was significant but I live in NJ  Thank you very much for all the tips and advice! |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Aug 28, 2020 8:01:35 GMT -7
Leslie, thank you for adding to our vet recommendation directory to help another.
Where is Max neurologically with those back legs?
Do the paws knuckle under? Can he right them not at all or can he right them?
Do you see his back legs attempt to scratch an ear? Does he use them to reposition himself in his recovery suite?
|
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 28, 2020 9:24:20 GMT -7
So, I called the neuro department and they said Max has 'graduated' and is cleared for PT after September 6, 2020. **  Max is good neurologically with his back legs. I have noticed improvements in his hind leg strength. Do the paws knuckle under? Yes, left side mostly (T13L was operated). Can he right them not at all or can he right them? I have been helping him right the hind legs. He is only on them during potty breaks and I assist. Do you see his back legs attempt to scratch an ear? Not yet. I will keep an eye on this. Does he use them to reposition himself in his recovery suite? Yes, he is repositioning and trying to use his back legs to reposition. He also licks his hind legs. PS In the 15 years that I've had Max he never ever had doggie odor. However, after this surgery he has be emiting a sour odor. It doesn't seem to be emitting from a particular body part. It is more of an overall essesnce. |
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 28, 2020 13:32:58 GMT -7
Good news that Max that you have seen improvement in leg strength. PT will help him get stronger. What helped my dog Frankie the most after his surgery was water therapy where he walked on an underwater treadmill. After just a few sessions I could see an improvement. When he first started he could not stand let alone walk. The tank containing the treadmill slowly filled with water and as it did the buoyancy of the water held him up The therapist knelt behind him and moved his back legs in the walking motion while the treadmill slowly moved. I sat right outside the tank so Frankie could see me through the glass. I think this kind of therapy helps a paralyzed dog remember how to walk. It took months but Frankie regained his ability to walk and bowel and bladder control. I know Mary has already posted this link for you. If you hadn't had a chance to look at it yet, there is a video showing how it works. dodgerslist.com/2020/05/28/surgery-dog-water-therapy/ The doggie odor could be explained by him having a trace of dirt or urine or feces still on him since you have not been able to bathe him. You mentioned that it seemed overall but could it be coming from his urine? When a dog has a UTI the urine will often have a strange smell. If he starts to lick his back legs excessively, be aware of the possibility of neuropathic pain. This doesn't happen often but when it does it can become serious. Neuropathy is a kind of pins and needles sensation which can progress to a burning pain. Dogs sometimes bite and chew in an attempt to stop the pain. If you see any signs of this at all, put an e-collar on immediately and let the vet know. We have more information on neuropathic pain here: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/10/neuropathy/ |
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 29, 2020 9:35:59 GMT -7
Thank you, Mary! I did go to this link for PT specialists: www.dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/emergency-find-a-specialist/ but could not find the info However, I did find two Canine PT specialists and would be happy to share the info if you could point me to where I should post. The costs vary from $150 for the first hour to $200 for the first hour. I'm curious as to comp rates for such services. If anyone can share prices I would appreciate. I realize NJ is an expensive state. Thanks! Thank you, Romy! Max isn't licking his paws anymore. Back when he was, I mentioned it to the neurosurgeon and she did mention the pins and needles response. Luckily, I only witnessed a few instances. I have been crateside with Max since he came home, which leads me to his new odor... Because bladder infections are common, I've been hyper vigilant. His pee doesn't smell. I've sniffed his body and can't locate an area that is stinky. He's puked a few times so I've washed his crate bedding every few days, too. The smell is, how shall I put it...like Eau de Max  My friend who was visiting agreed it is an essence. She felt it could be like an old dog smell, since Max is a senior. I can't help but notice the coincidence that it started once I got him home from surgery. Anyway, I mention it because it is odd for him because he never had a doggy smell. I thought it might be the medicine. The vet didn't agree and said I could give him a bath after 9/6. Thanks again for all the help and information. |
|
Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
|
Post by Mary & Mila on Aug 29, 2020 10:49:47 GMT -7
Hi Leslie, The link I posted for you was for IVDD specialists in your area and not PT folks. I misunderstood and thought you wanted a specialist in IVDD. Apologies for any confusion that may have caused. I saw that you made a vet recommendation yesterday, that's very helpful for other members - thank you. You could add your recommendation for PT there by using the same link again and adding the info e.g name, address, cost, recommended therapy, duration etc. There are other recommendations there for rehab, acupuncture etc. I have a suggestion for you regarding the Eau de Max! It's a tip we pass it onto owners whose dogs are having bladder/bowel control issues and can sometimes have a little mishap, as you can't bathe the dog, you need something to neutralize the odour. You boil some decaf green tea. Make sure to let it cool. When it has cooled use a small amount to dampen a small sponge or washcloth, it may work to combat the odor or at least reduce it some. More on it in this link: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/tips-to-help-with-recovery-suite/?highlight=green%20tea kind regards Mary |
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 29, 2020 13:12:36 GMT -7
Six years ago, after my dog's surgery, I paid $150 for a 30-minute session on the underwater treadmill. They offered packages of 10 which made each session cheaper. This was in New York City.
|
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 30, 2020 9:09:35 GMT -7
Thanks, Mary! I will try the green tea today. I hope to give him a bath in a week. I also appreciate the Adjusting to the Recovery Suite info. Max was perfectly fine in the crate for the first couple of weeks. I have the crate on a moving dolly and move it around so he is with me - to the kitchen for meals, on the deck for fresh air, which has worked until now. I got the idea from a video by his surgeon Dr. Glass on Buscuit's Journey with IVDD. I posted it with my vet reco. As of yesterday, Max seems to have tired of the crate. He tries to butt open the door with his head. And he whines when I'm on the couch. Sometimes I put him on the couch with me - which used to be his usual spot. The good news is he's back to his bossy lil' self. In fact, if 5 o'clock rolls around and I haven't wheeled his crate into the kitchen he starts banging on the bars like a prisoner waiting for chow Wow, $150 for 30 minutes on the treadmill makes me feel better about the $65 for 30 minutes. Thanks, Romy!  |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Aug 30, 2020 9:58:43 GMT -7
Leslie, is there a reason you have not yet started to re-introduce Max now that he has graduated to being able to be in the kitchen as he used to be (out of the crate)? There is no need to be in the crate to eat. Let him eat out of his bowls in the kitchen as he used to do. Please celebrate Max' graduation! Add a graduation photo to our Gallery to give other members inspiration abou your IVDD Survivor! dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-gallery **  GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free riegn of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Here is a sample schedule to slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20schedule We'd love to learn what you have decided for a daily schedule for gradually increasing physical activity and allowing him to get back to his normal family life (eating in the kitchen, being near you in the kitchen as you prepare foods, learning how to go down a ramp if he needs to do that on his butt for right now and later when he has hind leg/paw strength and coordination go up the ramp. The short hair doxie shown is paralyzed
and can not use his back legs at all.
He has been trained to always use his red foam ramp
and to scoot all the way to the floor.
RAMP TRAINING: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/16/training-to-use-ramps/ ♥️Make your home back friendly to reduce stress on the spine, no more steps -- Furniture Blockers- dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/ **   ♥️Have some fun! dodgerslist.com/2020/06/16/have-fun-nose-work/♥️plus many more gems of living with an IVDD dog: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips/IF he is not fully walking but scooting sometimes, you can prevent rug burns from scooting. Here are some sew and no-sew options: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/13/garment-skin-uti-protection/ **  |
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Aug 30, 2020 13:17:21 GMT -7
Paula, Max will be under crate arrest until Sept 6-9. I have a moving dolly under his crate to move him from room to room. I got this tip from Dr. Glass' video (posted with my vet reco [mmendation?]). That said, I feed him in the crate. Plus, I want him to associate the crate with things he likes e.g., food. Lately, he has been whining when I'm watching TV, so sometimes I take him out of the crate and put him on the sofa with me. Once, I visit the physical therapist, after Sept 6-9, I will have an idea as to how I will reintroduce him. As of now, I don't want to risk any injury allowing him to scoot around. |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Sept 10, 2020 12:05:39 GMT -7
9/10/2020 moved to the Forum on behalf of Leslie and Max  Last Edit: Sep 2, 2020 at 8:48am by Leslie & Max: Edited to include picture of Max getting fresh air on the deck, in crate with dolly underneath.After much deliberation, I decided to go with Petra's Dog Resource Center in Flanders. Yesterday, September 9 - exactly 4 weeks post IVDD surgery, we had our initial one hour evaluation. Upon reviewing Max's discharge paperwork, Petra sat on a floor mat and examined Max. The first thing she noticed was his arched back and asked if it was always arched and I informed her it was post-surgery. She explained he was compensating for lack of hind leg use. She messaged him a bit and showed me three at home exercises and how to use treats to have him straightened out his back while standing and sitting. I will post videos. Petra also used cold laser therapy on the area of the incision. She also put Max on a FitPAWS Dog Balancing Discs with tactile bumps on the surface to stimulate nerve endings /feeling in his hind paws. Max moved his hind legs around on the mat which was a good sign. She let me borrow one for home use. Lastly, Max got to go in the water treadmill. He had two short sessions and was able to walk buoyed by the water. It was great to see. After he was tuckered out. Overall, she said Max has feeling in his legs and has spunk which is important for recovery. She said I could let him walk in the house as long as mats covered the wood and tile flooring. I put area rugs and mats all over the floors and this morning he walked - a little floppy - to his food bowl. It is comforting to watch. She also suggested I put him back on Gabapentin and informed me he would be very tired and perhaps sore the next day. Today, he does seem tired, but he is back on Gabapentin, which makes him sleepy. Next week, we have a 30 minute session which will based on the progress at home. I highly recommend Petra and physical therapy for post surgery IVDD dogs. They pick up where the neurology team leaves off and help provide the information and excercises to help both you and your dog on the road to recovery. |
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Sept 13, 2020 10:17:35 GMT -7
I wanted to share this video of Max walking, albeit wobbly, in the park yesterday. He eagerly trotted to his favorite marking spots. He walked for about 5 minutes before he got tired. It was an amazing sight to behold 5 weeks post IVDD surgery.
I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank Dodgerslist, Paula, Mary, Romy and all those who shared information, tips and advice to help us through a very trying time. It's still not over and we have a ways to go, but every day seems to get better. Dodgerslist Forum is a great resource to remind us there is hope after IVDD. Thank you for all you do!
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Sept 13, 2020 10:27:56 GMT -7
Leslie, much appreciate your kind words, makes our day. AND just look at your Max, how well is doing with those back legs! Looks like you need a harness to control any over zealous running. Check out our harness feature and fit to look for in a harness: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/19/harness-with-leash/Don't forget to update your entry to the one recap you have personal used and add your comments of recommendation: Directory is here: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsDo stop in when you can to keep us updated periodically, we love to keep track of all our Dodgerslist family dogs! |
|
Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
|
Post by Mary & Mila on Sept 13, 2020 10:30:08 GMT -7
Wow Leslie!!
Look at him go, there's no stopping him.
I'm so happy for both of you, and thanks for sharing this as it will give hope to members who are in a similar situation with their dogs now.
Never give up folks, and here's the proof.
Well done to you for taking such good care of Max!
kind regards
Mary
|
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Sept 13, 2020 10:37:08 GMT -7
 Yes, the tank top is temporary. Without it his back legs still drag a bit. Max has a wardrobe of dapper harnesses from Dachshund Delights. I will check out the resources, as well. Thanks! |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Sept 13, 2020 11:00:14 GMT -7
For an IVDD dog where the harness fits is important to avoid pulling stress on the soft part of the neck. Take a look at where the harness should sit for an IVDD dog and a couple of companies that have those kinds of harnesses: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/19/harness-with-leash/**  |
|
|
|
Post by Leslie & Max on Sept 13, 2020 15:12:48 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
Yes, I now see the difference - wish I saw these harnesses sooner. Max does pull when he sees other dogs. In fact, he is fearful agressive ever since he got bit by another Dachshund in a small dog park. He lunges at other dogs to the point of choking. I am going to order one of the No-Choke harnesses. Thanks!
|
|
