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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 6, 2021 10:34:34 GMT -7
My Standard, Long-haired Dachshund has IVDD. He had back surgery on 4/5/2021 after losing use of his back legs. 1) Pain - Reggie is in the hospital and, per hospital staff, is not showing signs of pain. However, he was on Morphine until this morning. I don't know yet what pain medications he will be on during recovery. 2) Reggie weighs 30 lbs. I'll know more about pain meds and dosages tomorrow, when he begins a post surgical regiment. 3) Reggie is eating and drinking OK. No nausea or vomiting noted. Poops are normal, but currently, he has no control over bodily functions. 4) My dog is a standard dachshund. His name is Reggie. My name is Beth 5) Reggie does have a diagnosis of IVDD. He has 2 calcified discs. Post surgery, the doctor said it looked like his disc "exploded," causing much damage/bruising to his spinal cord. 6) The surgeon was a general DVM. There is not specialist available within a 4 to 6 hour drive of where we live. 7) We first saw our vet for conservative treatment on 3/26/2021. Reggie rapidly deteriorated and he had surgery on 4.5.2021 Reggie will remain in the Vet Hospital for 3 weeks. They will do rehab, PT, laser treatments and hydrotherapy with him, depending on how he responds. We have not discussed post hospital care. ☆ 7 Reggie currently has no control over his bodily functions. 8) At this time, Reggie cannot move his hind legs or his tail at all. He no deep pain reflexes in his back legs the day of surgery. However, the night before surgery, when I thought Reggie had completely lost use of his hind legs, he half-stood on them and quickly came to the dinner table when I set my dinner down (He was sitting by the back door about 3 feet away. He hadn't moved in a while and I mistakenly thought it was safe to let him sit and look out the back door). I was so surprised, I watched him half-stand and do the crouching walk a second time. I returned him to his Recovery Room after seeing he could semi get around. When I tucked him in, he moved his tail a few inches. Reggie did not soil his Recovery Room. When I'd take him out in the mornings, he would pee and poop outside his room. My vet told me this was a reflex urination because the bladder was full, but it happened twice after he lost the use of his back legs.  |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 6, 2021 10:54:42 GMT -7
Welcome Beth! We are glad you have joined us all. Just a comment, most dogs do considerably better when at home. Is there a reason you can't bring him in for PT rather than to leave Reggie in the hospital for a full solid 3 weeks?
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 6, 2021 11:20:56 GMT -7
Everything happened so quickly yesterday, that I only got an outline of post-op treatment from the Vet and and the Vet Tech. I know I can visit any time I want to and call for an update anytime.
I will ask more questions when I am able to get in touch with our doctor. I left a message for him earlier and should get a call back later today.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 6, 2021 11:29:48 GMT -7
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 7, 2021 13:37:48 GMT -7
I visited Reggie today. He looks good. His incision looked good.   The Vet Tech was very excited and told me that Reggie is urinating a bit on his own! He did not soil his bed last night. That is good, hopeful news. He is eating and drinking. Today in PT, they massaged then moved his legs in walking patterns. Reggie gave no physical response.He is on: Prednisone 10mg bid Amoxi/Chavulanate 250 mg bid Phenoxybenzamin 5mg bid Gabapentin 100mg tid [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
30 lbs AGE?
prednisone as of date? 10mgs 2x/day
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
Phenoxybenzamin 5mg 2x/day
Amoxi/Chavulanate 250 mg 2x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/prednisone! ]
From the surgeon's report (4/5), "spinal cord very compressed at T11-T12-T13. Bruising is significant. |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 7, 2021 13:48:52 GMT -7
I am happy to hear the good news about Reggie. Did the surgeon tell you how long Reggie will stay in the hospital? Still three weeks?
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 7, 2021 13:58:41 GMT -7
He is still set to stay for 3 weeks. If he rapidly improves, I can take him home and then bring him in for rehab and water therapy.
I'm so happy today he is showing some improvement.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 7, 2021 16:04:19 GMT -7
Beth, it is very early in the nerve healing process. Nerves often can be slow to heal. Thinking in terms of months rather than days/weeks can be kinder to your emotions/brains. Good to hear that on the pain med for nerve pain (gabapentin) 3x/day is allowing PT and nursing care in comfort! Please learn about Pepcid AC during the use of prednisone. Discuss with your vet if there is any reason Reggie may not take it. Here is the article: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/For us humans to be able to distinguish between reflex and brain directed activity, we have to see some sort of head level involvement with the tail, with a limb or with release of urine so we know if the movement was done with purposeful thinking. --- Sniff old pee spot (head level nose) then release of urine would be brain directed. --- Hear (head level ear) you doing some happy talk and then tail wags is brain directed. Tail movement during potty time can often be a reflex --- Itchy sensation at neck and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement. Tickling paws, etc. can cause reflex leg movements. Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord. No one can give a timeline/date, just the usual order neuro functions come back. 1. Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about this very tricky to correctly idenfiy neuro function.
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmDid the surgeon say if Reggie has deep pain sensation?
How old is Reggie?
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 8, 2021 12:26:45 GMT -7
Reggie is 4 years old. He was a very active dog who loved to go on walks, to bark back at neighbors dogs, and patrol the fences in his backyard.
No update on DPR, but Reggie did try to wag his tail today when I visited! (three short, 3 to 4 inch movements of his tail. The Vet Tech confirmed they were wags and not a reflex or my imagination).
Reggie is receiving ✙pepsid for his stomach.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
30 lbs 4 y.o.
4/8 happy tail wag!
prednisone as of date? 10mgs 2x/day
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
Phenoxybenzamin 5mg 2x/day
Amoxi/Chavulanate 250 mg 2x/day
✙Pepcid AC (famotidine) ?mg ?x/day ]
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 8, 2021 13:22:01 GMT -7
Reggie doing a happy tail wag is very good news and bodes very well for future recovery. A happy tail wag in response to seeing you is different from a tail wag around potty time which is usually reflex. A happy tail wag is the first sign of nerve repair that is easily visible to the pet parent. A happy tail wag shows that the brain can communicate to other parts of the body through the spinal cord and that deep pain sensation (DPS)is present. When a dog does not have DPS (which is the last neuro function to be lost) the brain signals cannot reach the body through the spinal cord because the spinal cord is too damaged. DPS is used as an indicator of the return of other neuro functions, but only an indicator. If other neuro functions, less deep in the spinal cord (like a happy tail wag) are regained we know the very deepest function, DPS is there.
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 12, 2021 11:28:51 GMT -7
Reggie is now greeting me and hospital staff each day with big, wide happy wags of his tail!
This morning 4/12, his vet tech reported he is now urinating on his own when prompted. No crate accidents in several days.
Overnight staff saw him stand up in his recovery room several times during the night, and, in PT this morning, he was able to stand on his own unassisted.
He is showing good resistance when they work his right hind leg but not as much resistance when working the left leg.
My boy is recovering!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 12, 2021 11:34:45 GMT -7
Beth, thank you for sharing this most wonderful news. We get reports of dogs self healing their nerves all the time and it never ceases to be exciting!!!
When is discharge day?
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 12, 2021 13:36:45 GMT -7
We don't have one yet, but he is recovering at an amazing rate.
I left a message for his doctor to get an update on a possible release date.
Thanks!
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Apr 18, 2021 16:44:35 GMT -7
Reggie Will be discharged tomorrow [5/8]. His surgeon will do an evaluation on his progress, remove his stitches, and prescribe meds to take at home.
On 4/12, Reggie began to stand up with no assistance and began to move his right leg as he scooted across the floor.
On 4/13, Reggie began attempting to support some of his weight on his back paws when he.scooted.
On 4/15, Reggie’s Vet Tech placed him on the floor of the Visitation Room and Reggie walked (totally unassisted) three feet to where I was sitting.
On 4/18, the surgeon met me when I came to visit Reggie. He told me Reggie is a “Miracle Dog.” and that Reggie can go home on 4/19. Then, he suggested I take Reggie outside to their grassy area. He told me that Reggie was walking pretty well. When I took Reggie outside, he sometimes fell to one side, but quickly got up again and continued walking.
On 4/19, I took Reggie outside for a walk and he walked almost normally. I had to remind him to ‘slow down’ several times. He fell very few times in the 15 minutes we spent outside. Reggie’s Vet Tech reported that he appears to have bladder and bowel control, but they still check him at regular intervals.
Reggie will be on restricted activity when he is released tomorrow. He can stay n one room, have supervised time in the backyard, and go for short walks at least 2 times a day.
I know his recovery timeline sounds unbelievable, but I double checked my video records, and the dates are correct.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 18, 2021 18:42:56 GMT -7
Beth, very wonderful news on already wobbly walking and coming home tomorrow!! The post op rest with supervised walking PT is to allow the surgical sites to heal. A harness and leash and sling while he is still wobbly is a good idea. Harness and leash help you control his speed and from darting off. A sling keeps his back aligned and can save him from a fall on his butt. A figure 8 DIY sling works especially well for the male dog anatomy at potty times. Can't wait to hear when Reggie is back home and what all the surgeon prescribed. |
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Post by Beth & Reggie on May 7, 2021 13:57:22 GMT -7
Reggie was dismissed [4/23] from the hospital 2 1/2 weeks ago. His doctor told me to walk him for at least 10 minutes twice a day (preferably 3 to 4 times a day). Although Reggie walked very well for me at the hospital, once he returned home, he refused to go on walks. A friend gave me the sling they'd purchased for their doxie. Suddenly, Reggie didn't have a choice except to walk! Reggie had complete bowel and bladder control when he was released from the hospital. Reggie brought kennel cough home from the hospital and infected my other 2 dogs. Fortunately, with meds they had an uncomplicated recovery and quit coughing after 5 to 6 days. He is off all medications. His scar is completely healed and his back fur is growing back nicely. Friends tell me he has a "mullet" haircut. Reggie's left hind leg is still a little weaker than his right. If he falls or wobbles to the side (rarely), it is due to this leg. Reggie loves the new long ramps I replaced all of his stairs with. He has not attempted to jump since coming home. My boy recovered very quickly. I know there is still more healing and more rehab ahead of us, but Reggie is doing great and does not need his sling at all anymore. I cannot thank everyone enough for all of the education and emotional support you and this website offered me.   |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 7, 2021 14:05:00 GMT -7
I am very happy to hear how well Reggie is doing. Slightly more than one month after surgery is still quite early in his recovery.
Many dogs have one leg weaker than the other during recovery. The left leg may become stronger as time goes by.
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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 7, 2021 18:32:00 GMT -7
Beth, wonderful progression of nerve healing!
For how many weeks does the surgeon want for post-op rest to heal the surgical areas plus the PT he has directed? Many say 4 weeks, some say 6 weeks. Just wondering when graduation day will be that he can be introduced to family life activities as it was before the surgery.
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Post by Beth & Reggie on Jun 2, 2021 7:03:49 GMT -7
Reggie is doing great and has positive follow ups with his doctor. For Reggie's first 2 weeks at home, he was restricted most of the day to his Recovery Room. Three times a day, we went for a walk. We began with 2 blocks and worked up to 1/2 mile. His doctor told me it was very important for him to walk, because he would strengthen his legs by walking. Reggie's surgery was April 4/5/2021, almost 2 months ago. He still has occasional balance issues when he's tired. His back left leg continues to be weaker than his right leg. His doctor tells me that may always the case, but I still work his both back legs at least once a day. Reggie's smile and good nature are back.At home, Reggie is back to his "job" of patrolling the fence and barking at any possible intruders he hears. He is able to run in short spurts now, but it's not his old loping gait; it's more like an awkward bunny hop with his back legs. All in all, I am happy with Reggie's recovery. I was so afraid the boy I loved would never recover/be the same. I consider it a miracle that he began moving his tail and walking so quickly. Reggie accepts his limitations and uses his new ramps and only tried to jump off the bed one time (early in his home recovery). Once he quit taking the Gabapentin, his attitude improved. He began interacting better with his sister and little brother. He now smiles and plays with them every day. One big difference is no one ever tries to jump on his back. It's as if they know that's forbidden now. HE used to love to play, Chase the Sister/little brother, but he no longer plays chase. My miracle boy is happy and healthy and integrated back into the family. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 2, 2021 9:46:45 GMT -7
Beth, thank you for the good news update! He has really made such a nice nerve recovery. With time and practice there may even be more nerve function improvement. Just something to keep in the back of your mind in keeping Reggie safe with other dogs. For dogs the inborn instinct about weakness is for survival protection of the pack as a whole. There are two things that can happen in pack dynamics when a dog has been or is sick. 1. The healthy one may try to eliminate the weaker in the pack. 2. For the sick one, now the weaker in the pack to become more protective and aggressive because they know they are weaker now and may be subject to being attacked. ![https://i.postimg.cc/gkb8hCpW/best-buds.jpg]() ** Make sure that Reggie feels protected from his best buds when home alone... the crate will be that source of protection. Whenever you leave the house and they are not supervised, it is a good idea to crate Reggie for his own safety. We have had many instances where a deadly attack among best buds could have been avoided by crating. One I recall is of two sisters who had grown up together and never showed any signs of aggression to one another. The two dogs were put in the kitchen while their owners went out to dinner. They came home to find the IVDD dog almost dead from the vicious attacks of the other. May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? There are only less than a handful of us who regularly volunteer every day helping dogs and their owners. We could really use a helping hand from other Forum members in educating. -- Upload a photo of your dog with a caption to our photo gallery as inspiration to those just starting the IVDD journey. Gallery dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-galleryusername: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 -- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your 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 literature: dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2  |
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