Jo's Molly 7/7 surgery

Hi Jo, I just wanted to say that my surgeon (who I really like) told me at Cleo's 3 month checkup after surgery that she was "lust like a normal dog," and could use stairs and jump on the couch again. I said , "OK, thanks," and secretly thought, not a chance! We don't have any stairs in our house, but Cleo and my other Doxie, Auggie will be using the ramp to the couch for the rest of their lives! As Marjorie said, this is a lifelong disease, why add any risks to the situation that do not have to be there? You are doing a great job helping Molly make progress, keep up the good work!

To be too cautious is better than taking risks, at least in my opinion. So good to hear that Molly is still showing improvement.

All you need to learn about IVDD supplements is here:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Supplements.htm

Dogs are experts on hiding pain. If you see any signs of pain (shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, nose held to the ground, head held up high, tight hard tummy, holding leg up flamingo style...not wanting to bear weight on the leg), immediately crate her and take her to a vet. I remember that my Jeremy started walking slower right before his first episode and got very quiet for a day or so before the pain really started. If that happens again, I'll crate him for the rest of the day and see how he's moving around the next day.

It definitely sounds like a change in vets is in order. How awful that she could have been hurt at the one place that's supposed to keep her healthy and well. Try to find a vet who is familiar with IVDD so he'll know how to handle her and what to do if she has another problem. More on that here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm

Please keep in touch and let us know how Molly progresses. All the best to you both.

Thank you both for helping me trust my feelings, the information, & the overall support. I will continue to read all the great information in the links. I am trying to find a vet in our area who cares for ivdd babies. Have found a clinic nearby that I plan to contact & speak with the vet. Molly continues to do well I think. I do notice that she curves her back up a little when she begins to get tired as we walk. That's how I am interpreting it. She doesn't seem to tremble/ shake, etc. so I am hoping she doesn't have pain now. She is most definitely becoming quite spoiled--as if she wasn't already. She is slowly understanding that I now prefer her to lay in her bed beside my chair rather than sit in my lap. I'm in the process of making a nice big floor cushion for us to enjoy together. She loves me laying on the floor with her. She curls up against me just like she used to do in the bed.

Yes, I would definitely get her x-rays and take them to the new vet. Take your list of questions with you so you have them in front of you when speaking to the vet. Take your time and be sure you get all of your questions answered. Remember - you hired this vet to care for Molly and he works for you. I hope it all goes well.

How is Molly doing?

We saw the new vet yesterday. He does orthopedic surgery, but refers for IVDD. He said he does not have the imaging equipment needed for this. (Glad he was honest)For stage 1 or 2 episodes, he does crate rest/meds, said stage 3 was questionable. Could try crate rest/meds to see if there was improvement first. Stage 4-5 he refers right away. Knows the surgeon who did Molly's surgery, reviewed his notes & x-rays along with all of her medical records from old vet, & did a neuro exam. She has mild muscle atrophy in left rear leg, normal patellar reflex, mild CP right rear, moderate CP left rear. She doesn't have full sensation in top of feet yet to prevent knuckling--better in right than left--but thinks that will improve over next few months as is last to return. I only notice complete knuckling when she squats to go potty now, but still notice slight "toe dragging" especially on left when she is getting tired when we walk. Dr. recommended putting her on Cosequin, although he said research hasn't confirmed that it does all it is claimed to do. (Said he had his 2 older dogs on it & takes it himself for a disc problem.) Told me to go on line to get it if I decided to give it to Molly as it was much cheaper that way. As for Molly & the Dr.--she was doing her normal "shake & shiver, I'm scared" thing while we were waiting. Once the Dr. came it, he introduced himself to me & then directed all of his attention to Molly--lots of calm talking to her & scratching/petting. The shaking stopped right away & she seemed to really like him. That's a huge plus in my book. I felt very comfortable with him, he took lots of time to explain things/answer my questions. Asked where he went to school--Ohio State (go Buckeyes! We have a farm in Ohio). He is actually from Tiffin, Ohio which is about 10 miles from our farm there, & knows the vet in Tiffin where I took Molly for laser treatments following her surgery. Her surgery was here in Maryland but we were in Ohio for weeks 3-7 of her crate rest/recovery time. Anyway, I think we will use this Dr.