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Post by Gina & Gus on Feb 12, 2021 15:02:08 GMT -7
[Introduction of my Snuggleufagus (Gus Gus)  ]Hi! I just registered and am doing the introduction Q&A.  ☆ 1 He is not showing signs of pain. ☆ 2 17.7 lbsA.. Rilexine x2 per day 150mg, prednisone x2 per day 5mg, tramadol 25 mg x2 per day [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
17.7 lbs
Prednisone as of 2/5: taper as of 2/12
tramadol 25mgs 2x/day
Rilexine® (cephalexin)
miralax reducing as constipation is clearning]B.. He began prednisone on 02/05 and was doing conservative. However, after worsening, surgery was on 02/07 and restarted prednisone. Date of steroid taper? Vet discussed doing this after a few days but I have not as of yet. He is with the vet today and I will likely start taper tonight (02/12) ☆ 3 -- Urinating on own. Oh, giving a half teaspoon miralax on good morning and night due to constipation, but he went this morning after 48 hrs and now we are working on lessening it. ☆ 4 - My dog is Snuggleufagus and we call him GusGus. He is a rescues Chiweenie (half chihuahua half dachshund). My name is Gina ☆ 5 My understanding is that his disc was herniated and he had no signs of deep sensation at time of surgery, which had a lower prognosis. The vet is an experienced general practitioner and did an MRI prior to surgery and “decompressing” spinal area. ☆ 6 Surgery was on 02/07/21 after attempting conservative and a sudden worsening. He was in surgery about 30 hrs after the sudden worsening. --SURGICAL: I believe PT was assigned right away, but it is mostly being with him, using his sling, and assisting GusGus in putting his own weight on the legs. When his legs started to get stiff, he recommended moving the joints softly a couple of times a day. -- How many weeks did your surgeon direct for post-op rest? Other than the PT, he wants rest for my dog. Likely 8 weeks but he will monitor and let me know as he improves. -- What did your surgeon direct for clinic or at home PT? Having Gus stand several times a day, sling and watch for leg movement, rotate stiff joints gently. ☆ 7 My dog has bladder control post surgery. He can squat and wag his tail. Defecation is slower but he is also eating less. He went 48 hrs and went this morning. Surgery was 6 days ago. ☆ 8 No walking yet. Tail wagging does happen! He is also beginning to try and move his legs when in the sling (like when you put a dog above water and they move them as if about to swim). He can also do a wobbly stand (in the sling just in case)
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 12, 2021 18:58:41 GMT -7
Welcome Gina. Glad to hear Gus is recovering nicely after surgery! Tail wagging and having bladder control post surgery is a good sign you will very likely see leg nerve function repair itself. - Do you see the back legs try to move to repositioning the recovery suite? - Or attempt to scratch an ear? - Have you seen him make an attempt to push up on back legs to get into a stand position by himself? Do you know the reason for the Rx of antibiotic Rilexine® (cephalexin). Often it is for a UTI, but you said he had bladder control right after surgery. You may find some extra handy tips in setting up the recovery suite and other stuff related to the post op rest your vet wants for Gus: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ |
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Post by Gina & Gus on Feb 12, 2021 20:20:38 GMT -7
Thank you so much for the quick response! Per your questions, today marked a lot of progress. It is a week from his initial issue and 02/07 was his surgery so he is recovering better and faster than I anticipated. I thought he might not recover at all  - Do you see the back legs try to move to repositioning the recovery suite? I have not seen him do this much when he is in his recovery suite. If anything he scoots to the water and back. Just recently he has had far more tail wagging and will stand when I approach to take him out. The standing by himself is new as of today. He still is unable to flip those paws in the correct position. In a sling he does move his legs as if walking, but without any weight. - Or attempt to scratch an ear? I have not seen him attempt to scratch himself. - Have you seen him make an attempt to push up on back legs to get into a stand position by himself? Just today he started doing this! Not only standing but staying with his weight on it for a minute or so which seems like a long time, particularly compared to yesterday! It makes me very happy! - Do you know the reason for the Rx of antibiotic Rilexine® (cephalexin)? It says on the bottle it is being used as an antibiotic. He has had bladder control since the operation. I assumed it was to prevent an infection but did not ask. Thank you again. Having a dog go through this can make the owner feel very helpless. I appreciate the assistance, knowledge, and feedback. I will go to the link provided. Gus Gus and Gina |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 13, 2021 11:15:53 GMT -7
Being able to move up into a stand is very good news in this short time post-op. Keep us posted, I believe you are sure to see more neuro improvement with time.
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Post by Gina & Gus on Feb 19, 2021 10:16:09 GMT -7
![]()  Update: good news! We got his staples out! He is done with antibiotics and on half of his prednisone and half of his tramadol. Still x2 a day but half the dose. He is off miralax. The biggest issue we now have is keeping him from being overly active. He thinks he is all better. He is either in his suite, in my arms, or doing PT. His gingerlead came in and is a lifesaver. Gus Gus still tips when walking so I need his lead on but he hardly needs any support now and wags his tail so much whenever we are outside. He is very proud of himself and stands often. We are well on our way to recovery his surgery was not that long ago. It was on the 7th of February. Even with if he did not improve any more (which is doubtful) I would personally call the surgery a success. Thank you for all you do to support people in this. It can be such a heartbreaking process full of self doubt! Gina and Gus |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 19, 2021 14:05:51 GMT -7
I am very happy to hear that Gus is doing so well this soon after surgery. There is definitely more healing that may still take place.
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Post by Gina & Gus on Mar 19, 2021 11:59:38 GMT -7
I feel Gus is a grad now. ![]() He is almost 100% so much so that my biggest task is slowing him down. It keeps me busy! Although his walking is a tad weak, I don’t think anyone would notice. He is off all meds and the vet gave a big thumbs up and said to check back in in 3 months. Thank you for your support. I came here not knowing how much support I would need. Now I drop the name dodgerslist in my groups (Chiweenie and Dachshund groups, which is also where I found out about dodgers list) frequently and educate on IVDD as I can. Thank you again! |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Mar 19, 2021 13:18:18 GMT -7
Excellent news about Gus and helping us spread information about IVDD. Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions… 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: |
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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 19, 2021 15:18:19 GMT -7
Gina, wonderful news the surgeon finds Gus can graduate in 6wks instead of 8weeks. 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%20scheduleLots more ideas and tips in living with and IVDD dog: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tipsThank you for helping to spread the word about Dodgerslist. Don't leave home without some cards! -- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your family vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2 |
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